Govt will defend the rights of citizens of all faiths: PM Modi

PTI
PARIS, APRIL 10

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today assured minorities in India that rights and liberty of citizens of all faiths will be protected and equal place ensured for them, comments that come against the backdrop of anti-minority campaign by Hindutva elements.In a speech at the UNESCO here, he emphasised his vision of inclusiveness and said cultures, traditions and religions should be used to overcome the rising tide of extremism, violence and divisions across the world.
“We have built a modern state in an ancient land, with a timeless tradition of openness and co-existence and, a society of extraordinary diversity.
“We will defend and protect the rights and liberty of every citizen. We will ensure that every citizen of every faith, culture and creed has an equal place in our society; belief in her future; and the confidence to pursue it,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi’s assurance assumes significance as there have been apprehensions among minorities following attacks on churches in some places and the ghar vapsi campaign of Sangh Parivar outfits.
The gathering included a large number of NRIs who shouted ‘Modi, Modi, Modi’ and ‘vande mataram’ to which he responded ‘Good, Good’.
Observing that the strength of a nation is determined by the “joined hands of every citizen” and the “real progress is measured through empowerment of the weakest”, he said, “this has been our creed since we assumed office nearly a year ago”.
Modi underlined that “culture must connect, not divide, our world” and that it should be a bridge to greater respect and understanding between people.
The Prime Minister, while outlining the steps taken by his government for the development of the country, said, “We shall judge our progress not just by the cold statistics of growth, but by the warm glow of belief and hope on human faces. For me, it means many things.”
Invoking the Indian Constitution, he underlined that its foundation rests on a fundamental principle “the peace and prosperity of all is indivisible from the welfare of the individual”.
During his 20-minute speech, Modi, who is here on a four-day visit, referred to the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi as also philosopher sage Aurobindo, at whose statue outside the UNESCO building he paid his respects.
“There is much that we can learn from his humanism and spiritualism, from his belief in the unity of individual consciousness with the world outside; the enlightened purpose of education; the service of science; and, the unity of world, founded on national freedom, diversity of civilisations and autonomy of culture,” Modi said, flanked by UNESCO Director General Irena Bukova.
Noting that the link between habitat and fulfilment of human potential is deep and strong, he said, “It is a guiding spirit for the purpose of this institution – the defence of peace in the mind of men.”
“The fault lines in our world are shifting from the boundaries of nations into the web of our societies and the streets of our cities.
“The threats are changing from domination by states to destruction by groups. We fight today not only over what we claim, but also for who we are. And, in many parts of the world, culture remains a source of conflict.
“We have access to communication at the click of a mouse. We live in a world of information. Yet, we know that familiarity does not always lead to fraternity; or reduce prejudice,” Modi said.
Among those who were present in the audience were Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani, senior Congress leader Karan Singh, who is on the Executive Board of UNESCO, as also Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat, who was mobbed by several NRIs for photographs.
“The highest priority for my government is to provide a roof over every head; power in every house; sanitation and clean water within everyone’s reach; a hope for every child to survive; and a chance for every new mother to love her child,” Modi said.
“It also means clean rivers, air that we can breathe and forests filled with the sound of birds. To achieve these goals, we need not just policies and resources, but even more the power of science,” he said.
The Prime Minister thanked UNESCO for its support for education and science in India and for preservation of cultural heritage.
“For, in the challenges India faces and the dreams that Indians seek, our approach mirrors the ideals of UNESCO. I speak of our vision and initiatives, because in our own aspirations and efforts, we see the value of UNESCO to our world with great clarity,” Modi said.
“In the challenges of our times, we see its purpose with a sense of urgency. The fault lines in our world are shifting from the boundaries of nations into the web of our societies and the streets of our cities.
“The threats are changing from domination by states to destruction by groups. We fight today not only over what we claim, but also for who we are. And, in many parts of the world, culture remains a source of conflict. We have access to communication at the click of a mouse,” he said.
Calling climate change a pressing global challenge, the Prime Minister said his government has set a target of adding 175,000 MW of clean and renewable energy in the next seven years.
His remarks come ahead of a crucial UN meet on climate change to be held here later this year.
“Too often, our discussion is reduced to an argument about emission cuts. But, we are more likely to succeed if we offer affordable solutions, not simply impose choices. That is why I have called for global public action to develop clean energy, that is affordable and accessible to all.
“And, it is for the same reason that I call for a change in lifestyle. Because, the emission reduction that we seek will be the natural outcome of how we live.
“And, it will also mean a different path to economic well being. It is with this vision that I had called the United Nations General Assembly last September to declare June 21st as the International Day of Yoga,” Modi said.