New Delhi, December 27
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called upon the current crop of political leaders to transcend narrow loyalties of language, caste and religion even as he expressed concern over these leaders asserting their sectional and sectarian identities.
Manmohan Singh was delivering the 29th Bhimsen Sachar Memorial Lecture at the Malvalankar Hall here today.
Dwelling on the greatness of our founding fathers and the national leaders of the first generation Manmohan Singh said, “Bhimsen Sachar was not only a Chief Minister and leader of Punjab, but also a national leader. He devoted his life to freedom, welfare and well being of the people of Punjab, he was equally devoted to the building of a new India.
The Prime Minister added, “This was one of the greatest legacies of our national movement. Each of our national leaders had a sub-national political personality. Yet they were all national leaders of unquestionable national commitment.”
Talking of the current crop he said, “I often worry about the centripetal tendencies in our political life. I do worry that many political leaders prefer to identify themselves first in terms of their sectional identity and only then in terms of their national identity. Far too many of our political parties seek to promote sectional and sectarian agendas, with little regard for the national interest.”
Underlining an urgent need to correct this situation he said, “There is urgent need for a broad-based visionary leadership. There is urgent need for a pan-India perspective. The commitment to values and ethos of national integration must be our uncompromising charter. The narrow loyalties of language, caste and religion must be transcended. Indians must develop a strong and conscious identity beyond loyalty to language, caste and religion.”
The Prime Minister reminded the people, “In a month from now the Indian Republic enters its 60th year. Like all anniversaries, this anniversary too will witness a lot of introspection and analysis of our experience. We must not belittle our achievements, but we must undertake an honest stock taking of our strengths and weaknesses.
He said, “I therefore urge all political leaders to eschew the temptation of focusing on narrow agendas. These internal divides weaken us. These internal divides also strengthen our enemies.” Former Prime Minister I K Gujral spoke briefly moving the vote of thanks.
