Manmohan Singh calls for raising voice against communal forces
merisarkar news service
New Delhi, October 31, 2009
The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said on that there is a need to raise voice against those who attempt to divide the society on communal lines.
He said that India is multicultural and multi ethnic society and liberal outlook has to be strengthened. He was speaking in New Delhi at a function to present the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration on the martyrdom Day of India’s former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Balraj Puri, a freedom fighter, a human rights activist and a well known journalist from Jammu and Kashmir was presented the award. Dr. Singh said that ideals of tolerance and secularism need to be carried forward.
Earlier paying rich tributes to Indira Gandhi the Prime Minister said that her contribution to nation building and national integration was unparalleled and her legacy remains as strong and durable as ever and will continue to do so in future.
He said the best tribute to Indira Gandhi on her martyrdom day would be to rededicate ourselves to the ideals she stood for.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi said that Indira Gandhi lived and died for the unity of the country. She said Indira Gandhi showed exemplary courage at the time of crisis.
She said that Indira Gandhi had great empathy for the weaker sections of society and worked tirelessly towards their empowerment.
