Former Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu, expressed concern over the erosion of trust in the institution of marriage during a speech at the Valluru Srimannarayana Felicitation Ceremony in Vijayawada on Wednesday.
In his characteristic witty style, Naidu remarked that modern marriages are often driven by physical attraction but falter due to a lack of emotional connection, leading to divorces.
“These days, people are marrying after liking physical appearances, but divorcing due to lack of chemistry (Physic choosi pelli chesukuntunnaru chemistry bagoledani vidakulu teesukuntunnaru,” Naidu said, drawing attention to the need for deeper emotional bonds and mutual respect in relationships.
He emphasized that India’s family and marriage systems, which are globally respected, are losing their essence as societal values decline. Naidu urged the public to prioritize meaningful friendships, commitment, and respect in both personal relationships and public life.
Addressing a broader audience, Naidu also called on citizens to reflect on the state’s political developments and the conduct of leaders, advocating for principled behavior and discipline in public service.
He stressed the importance of maintaining high ethical standards to restore public faith in governance and societal institutions. The event, held to honor Valluru Srimannarayana, saw Naidu sharing his views on national and social issues, reinforcing his commitment to public service despite retiring from active politics. His remarks sparked discussions on the need to strengthen family values and foster unity in a rapidly changing society.
Naidu’s speech resonated with the audience, highlighting his reputation for blending humor with insightful commentary. The former Vice President, honored with the Padma Vibhushan in 2024, continues to engage with social issues through his work with the Swarna Bharat Trust in Nellore.