nil
Modi breaks silence on communalism, assures religious freedom for all
New Delhi, Feb 17 (IBNS) Amid several attacks on churches and a convent school in the national capital region and rows over conversions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said his government will not tolerate any religious violence and would ensure that there is complete freedom of people of all faith in India.
"Everyone has the undeniable right to retain or adopt the religion of his or her choice without coercion or undue influence. My government will ensure that there is complete freedom of faith," said Modi at church event in New Delhi.
"My government stand by every word of the avowed declaration (constitution)," said Modi. He said he condemned all violence and his government will not tolerate it.
"Government will not allow any religious group, belonging to majority or minority to incite hatred against others overtly or covertly," he said.
"Unity strengthens us. Division weakens us. I sincerely request all Indians and all of you present here to support me in this huge task," said Modi.
He said "Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore had inspired us to dream of a land where the mind is without fear and the head is held high."
He said the principle of equal respect and treatment for all faiths has been a part of India's ethos for thousands of years.
"As Swami Vivekananda said- We believe not only in universal toleration but we accept all religions as true," said Modi.
He said equal respect must be in the DNA of every Indian.
He said his mantra is development of all.
The speech of Modi assumed significance amid several attacks on churches recently while the issue of religious conversion (to Hinduism) or "ghar wapsi" propounded by saffron brigade has stoked a controversy.
Top Headlines
-
News
Union Budget 2025: Laxman Jaiswal calls depreciating rupee, declining stock market as critical challenges faced by Indian economy
January 22, 2025
-
News
Donald Trump takes oath as 47th US President
January 21, 2025
-
News
Sona SPEED partners Sarla Aviation to design-make critical components for eVTOL air taxi
January 20, 2025
-
News
Magh Bihu celebrated in Kolkata
January 15, 2025
-
News
Justin Trudeau announces resignation as Canada's PM amid rising pressure by partymates
January 06, 2025
-
News
30 shots fired in mass shooting outside New York nightclub that injured 11: NYPD
January 02, 2025
-
News
Truck driver who rammed into New Orleans crowd flying ISIS flag identified as US Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar
January 02, 2025
-
News
US: Mass shooting at a New York nightclub, 11 people shot
January 02, 2025
-
News
Jimmy Carter, longest-living US president, dies at 100
December 30, 2024
-
News
Flight catches fire after rough landing in Canada amid South Korean plane crash
December 29, 2024
