Have you been on the look-out for a country where all citizens—whether they belong to a majority or a minority—are treated with respect? Well, look no further! India is the best country when it comes to the security of minority communities in India… according to the Indian government.
As per a statement by the central government on Thursday, “secularism, social and communal harmony and tolerance” are ingrained in India’s DNA, making it safer for minority communities to live, compared to everywhere else in the world. The statement was made after Delhi Archbishop, Anil Joseph Couto, wrote a letter, dated May 8, to all churches, imploring them to pray for India, a “turbulent political atmosphere”, ahead of the 2019 general elections.
“It is our hallowed practice to pray for our country and its political leaders all the time but all the more so when we approach the general elections. As we look forward towards 2019 when we will have new government let us begin a prayer campaign for our country from May 13…” the letter read.
Following the controversial letter, Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi held a meeting with a delegation of Diocese of Delhi-Church of North India. During the meeting, it was said that the Indian government was committed to helping all citizens grow, “without any discrimination”.
(Courtesy: Express Photo)
According to Naqvi, when it comes to “constitutional, social, cultural and religious” rights of minority communities, India is the best country in the world.
“Social and communal harmony is our culture and tolerance is our commitment… all of us have to work together to protect and strengthen this culture and commitment,” a statement quoting Naqvi said. Naqvi also said that the government was moving towards “inclusive growth to ensure that not a single Indian is deprived of the light of development”. He added, “The government is committed to protecting all constitutional institutions, democratic values and religious rights of all sections.”
Apparently, the progress made towards socio-economic and educational development of minority communities in the last 48 months outshines the work done in the past 48 years.
Naqvi also seemingly took a jibe at the Archbishop saying that the country needs to be wary of “forces which want to disturb the atmosphere of trust and development due to their prejudiced mindset and vested interests”. On Tuesday, he had asked the Archbishop to “shed his prejudiced mindset against the Narendra Modi government”.
(With IANS Inputs)
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