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
Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to 48-hour ceasefire after deadly border clashes
October 15, 2025
-
News
Afghan Taliban, Pakistan exchange gunfire, dozens killed
October 15, 2025
-
News
Trump hails Netanyahu in Israel after hostage release, declares historic dawn of a new Middle East
October 13, 2025
-
News
Historic dawn of a new Middle East: Donald Trump addresses Israeli Parliament
October 13, 2025
-
News
Shah Rukh Khan receives maiden National Award from President Droupadi Murmu
September 23, 2025
-
News
Kolkata: Ahiritola Yubak Brinda invites Auram to make jewellery for Ma Durga and her family
September 20, 2025
-
News
Israel-US alliance 'never been stronger', Netanyahu says as State Secretary Rubio visit for talks
September 15, 2025
-
News
Three-Day exhibition pays tribute to literary legends Sunil Gangopadhyay and Shakti Chattopadhyay
September 15, 2025
-
News
Sona Colleges sewing machines for differently-abled earn third patent
September 15, 2025
-
News
Canada acknowledges domestic funding of Khalistani terror groups in report
September 06, 2025
