New Delhi-The Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that we must collectively promote, through events like International Kala Mela, a greater understanding and appreciation of the cultural diversity around the world. He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the 1st International Kala Mela, organized by the Lalit Kala Akademi.The Vice President said that the culture is like the heartbeat of a civilization and it is an expression of its world view, a symbol of its value system. He further said that it represents the hopes and aspirations of its people and it chronicles the saga of their lives. It springs from the depths of their hearts and touches the inner core of humanity and is truly the barometer of the quality of life, he added.The Vice President said that as the world is becoming increasingly globalized, we should preserve and propagate the best facets of our individual cultures. We should bring out the best traditions, noble ideals and the finest expressions of human excellence in all art forms, he added.The Vice President welcomed the delegates from various countries, and said to a country that had believed that the entire world is like one large family. It is also a country that believed that we should treat our guests with reverence ‘Atithi Devobhava’, he added.