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Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi asserted
that strict action should be taken against those who are trying to disturb the
social harmony in the country. She was
talking at a function to confer the 20th Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhawana Award
in New Delhi.
The award with a citation and Rs 5 lakh cash was given to D R Mehta, the
founder of Bhagwan Mahaveer Vikalang Sahayata Samiti.
“Today we have assembled here to present the 20th
Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana award to Sh. D.R Mehta.
Social harmony was not a simple issue for Rajiv Gandhi but a fundamental
value which he lived all his life. Rajiv Gandhi constantly struggled against
social and communal tension, discord, violence, enmity, terrorism, illiteracy
and poverty and sacrificed his life following the path” said Sonia Gandhi.
The Congress President continued, “If we look at the history
since Independence,
the biggest challenge before the country has always come from those elements,
who are enemies of social harmony and unity. Those, who have faced these
elements and fought with them are the true warriors and in present
circumstances, I consider only them true patriots”.
Referring the recent troubles in Assam,
Sonia Gandhi added “Whatever happened in Assam, it is very painful and a
matter of concern. Those responsible for the incidents, whoever they may be,
should face legal action soon. Besides, everybody should condemn the treatment
being meted out to the innocent people in some parts of the country. The
central and the state governments should take stern action against those people
who are spoiling the harmony”.
“This country belongs to all its citizens, and everyone has
the freedom to reside wherever they wished to. Social unity was of prime
requisite for maintaining such an environment and doing so is an act of service
to mankind” asserted the UPA Chairperson.
Lauding the services of Sh. D.R. Mehta, Sonia Gandhi said,
“Sh. D.R. Mehta is a great human being who had contributed a lot for the
society. His life is a model for every
one of us. He was an IAS officer and handled many crucial administrative
positions at the Centre and Rajasthan. He never forgot his responsibility
towards his nation and society. His long service to the physically challenged
through the Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayta Samiti (BMVSS) is a great example.
He and his organization have been helping the handicapped across the country to
become self reliant”.
“Extending helping hands to the people who happened to be
handicapped is a great service. It is
not an easy task to make such innocent people self reliant. Mr Mehta and his
organization have been doing this commendable and selfless service with great
determination. His service has made Jaipur proud and through his services he
made India
proud”. “All of us should show sympathy
towards every human beings. I appreciate the selfless efforts of Mehta who has
been doing something, which joins people not only on surface level but brings
hearts together. Such services help
creating a harmonious culture breaking the walls of caste and religion” she
added.
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan singh also was present on the
occasion.
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