Culture must connect, not divide world: Modi at UNESCO
11 April 2015 6:11 AM IST
Defending his government on alleged atrocities against religious minorities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he was committed to safeguard the rights of citizens of all faiths. During his address at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, he also asked the global community to dwell deep on culture and religion to overcome the rising tide of extremism as well as violence.
“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 our future; and the confidence to pursue it,” said Modi.
Noting that culture remains a source of conflict in many parts of the world, thePM said it must connect and not divide and that it should be a bridge to greater respect and understanding between people. “We must turn deep into our cultures, traditions, and religions to overcome the rising tide of extremism, violence and divisions across the world,” he added.
The Modi government is facing severe criticism from opposition parties and minority community
groups for not being able to curb activities like ‘Ghar Wapsi’ (conversions) by RSS-backed groups.
Calling climate change a pressing global challenge, Modi who arrived late on Thursday, said his government has set a target of adding 175,000 MW clean and renewable energy in the next seven years. His remarkscome ahead of a crucial UN meet on climate change to be held later this year. He also noted that the foundation of India’s Constitution rests on a fundamental principle of peace and prosperity of all. “The strength of the nation is determined by the joined hands of every citizen and real progress is measured through the empowerment of the weakest,” he said.
“We have built a modern state on an ancient land, with a timeless tradition of openness and co-existence and a society of extraordinarydiversity,” Modi told the gathering, which included a large number of NRIs. This has been our creed since we assumed office nearly a year ago,” he added.
“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 our future; and the confidence to pursue it,” said Modi.
Noting that culture remains a source of conflict in many parts of the world, thePM said it must connect and not divide and that it should be a bridge to greater respect and understanding between people. “We must turn deep into our cultures, traditions, and religions to overcome the rising tide of extremism, violence and divisions across the world,” he added.
The Modi government is facing severe criticism from opposition parties and minority community
groups for not being able to curb activities like ‘Ghar Wapsi’ (conversions) by RSS-backed groups.
Calling climate change a pressing global challenge, Modi who arrived late on Thursday, said his government has set a target of adding 175,000 MW clean and renewable energy in the next seven years. His remarkscome ahead of a crucial UN meet on climate change to be held later this year. He also noted that the foundation of India’s Constitution rests on a fundamental principle of peace and prosperity of all. “The strength of the nation is determined by the joined hands of every citizen and real progress is measured through the empowerment of the weakest,” he said.
“We have built a modern state on an ancient land, with a timeless tradition of openness and co-existence and a society of extraordinarydiversity,” Modi told the gathering, which included a large number of NRIs. This has been our creed since we assumed office nearly a year ago,” he added.
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