By IANS
New Delhi : Stating that communal harmony and coexistence of all the great religions of the world are the building blocks of Indian civilization, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday said his government recognises the need to create opportunities for Muslims by providing them with quality education.
He was addressing a function here for distribution of the Indira Gandhi Award for national integration. The award was given to noted human rights activists J.S. Bandukwalla from Vadodara and Ram Punyani from Mumbai.
Referring to former prime minister Indira Gandhi, whose 23rd death anniversary was observed Wednesday, Manmohan Singh said: “Indiraji had a holistic view of national integration. She viewed national integration as a process of bridging the many divides in our nation and in our society. This is the essence of the Indian view of national integration.”
Congratulating Badukwala and Punyani, he said, “They have taken steps to improve the social and economic conditions of minorities.” He said Bandukwalla and Puniyani have devoted their lives to realise the vision of Indira Gandhi.
“Dr Bandukwalla has striven hard to create opportunities for Muslims by providing them with quality education. His constructive vision and action in educating Muslims is of paramount significance in promoting national integration.
“Our government too recognises this as an important national obligation. That is why we appointed the Justice Sachar Committee to enquire into the status of the Muslim community in our country,” the prime minister said.
He added that Puniyani was a rare teacher whose teaching was never confined to the classroom. “Society has been his classroom. He has taught us all to respect the human rights of all people,” he said.