A commitment to equity is a mark of one's commitment to humanism: PM

Paying glowing tributes to the memory of freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh stressed the need to imbue the values of our freedom struggle and rededicate ourselves to the cause of India's progress.

Participating in the celebrations of 110th Birth Anniversary of Netaji, January 23, Dr. Singh said that vision of Netaji had immense relevance for the 21st century and for our fight against the forces of communalism, terrorism and extremism.

Observing Netaji's view that all minority communities be allowed their due space in cultural as well as governmental affairs testified to his humanism and commitment to egalitarian values, the Prime Minister asserted, "A commitment to equity is not appeasement. It is a mark of one's commitment to humanism."

Among the dignitaries who were present on the occasion were former Prime Minister, I.K. Gujral; Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Shiela Dikshit; Chief Minister of Haryana, Bhupinder Singh Hooda; former Union Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha; General O.P. Malhotra; Brigadier K.P. Singh Deo; INA veterans and members of the Netaji Azad Hind Fauj Smarak Nyas.

"Netaji Bose was one of the tallest leaders of our freedom struggle. A great son of India, he was also a great citizen of the world. The image of Netaji as a restless young man driven by the sole cause of freedom of India endures in the popular imagination of our countrymen. There was in him the fire and the zeal to pursue that single goal with firm sense of determination. Any obstacle in his way was never regarded as insurmountable," said Dr. Singh in his speech. "He had a fiercely independent mind and refused to follow the beaten track."

"Netaji was impatient in his desire to liberate our country from foreign rule. He left the coveted Indian Civil Service, joined the freedom movement and displayed rare sense of heroism in the relentless pursuit of his goal. He united Indians of all faiths, all communities and languages and gave shape to the idea of a modern resurgent India," the Prime Minister continued.

"That vision of Netaji has immense relevance for the 21st century and for our fight against the forces of communalism, terrorism and extremism. While commemorating Netaji's birth anniversary I am reminded of his historic statement concerning the processes of nation building. He was in favour of guaranteeing rights to all citizens. But at the same time he stressed on taking special measures for minorities and other disadvantaged sections of society," he said, adding, "A commitment to equity is not appeasement. It is a mark of one's commitment to humanism. Netaji had a sense of history and a far–sighted vision of India's place in the world."

"It is a great honour and privilege for me to participate in these celebrations of the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose," he concluded.