|
The President, Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam presented the National Communal Harmony Award and Kabir Puraskar for 2004 here today. The National Communal Harmony Award was presented to Acharya Sri Mahapragya of Delhi in the individual category and the Akhil Bharat Rachnatmak Samaj of Delhi in the organization category. Smt. Nirmala Deshpande received the award on behalf of the Akhil Bharat Rachnatmak Samaj. The National Communal Harmony Award is given for outstanding contribution to promotion of communal harmony and national integration. The award carries a citation and an amount of Rs. 2 lakh in the individual category and Rs. 5 lakh in the organization category. The Kabir Puraskar which carries an amount of Rs.25,000 was received by Shri Rama Shankar Singh of Uttar Pradesh for his contribution to promotion of communal harmony. The jury for the National Communal Harmony Award is headed by the Vice President. The Kabir Puraskar awardees are approved by the Home Minister and the Prime Minister after recommendations are made by a Screening Committee.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that unity of mind which is the result of love and harmony is essential for development of the nation. He said that education with value system, transformation of religion into spirituality and removal of poverty are essential for evolution of enlightened citizens. The Vice President, Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, said that the nation has made tremendous progress. Along with the economic progress, there has to be social and spiritual progress as well. Maintenance of communal harmony is a pre-requisite for all this. The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh drew attention to the unique social and cultural environment of the country in which various religions co-existed and flourished for centuries. He said that those who indulge in violence in the name of religion do a disservice to their religion and the humanity. The Home Minister, Shri Shivraj Patil said that a thread of unity binds the people of our country together. The culture as well as the constitution of our country teaches us to show respect to all religions. Acharya Mahapragya said that harmony is required for peace and peace is required for progress. The leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Shri L.K.Advani was among those who attended today’s function.
OK/AD
|
