By IANS,
New Delhi : With a rise in incidents of chauvinistic attacks on north Indians in Maharashatra, Prime Minster Manmohan Singh Friday warned against “narrow and divisive” forces that are harming the inclusive and pluralistic traditions of the country.
“Our national integrity is of paramount concern. Unfortunately, there are forces in the country today whose politics, ideology and worldview are narrow and divisive,” the prime minister said while presenting the 23rd Indira Gandhi National Integration Award to the Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust.
“This goes against our inclusive and pluralistic traditions bequeathed to us by the founding fathers of our republic,” said Manmohan Singh while paying rich tributes to the late prime minister Indira Gandhi on her 24th death anniversary.
His comments came in the wake of attacks on north Indians, especially from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, in Mumbai by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena activists.
“The award is a tribute to the memory of Indira-ji. It is only befitting that a national award for national integration has been instituted in Indira-ji’s name because those who further the cause of national integration are truly following the ideals of our beloved Indira-ji,” said prime minister.
The prime minister also remembered the contribution of Kasturba Gandhi, the wife of Mahatma Gandhi, in the independence and reconstruction of Indian society. The trust was established in 1945.
The trust has provided educational and health care facilities to women in rural areas and created employment opportunities for them. The work of the trust now covers almost the entire country, with more than 500 centres in 22 states.