NSA also said that among India’s numerous religious groups, Islam occupies a unique and significant position of pride, with India being home to the second-largest Muslim population in the world…reports Asian Lite News
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Tuesday said that all religions are equal in India and no religion is under any threat in the country where cultures and religions that have co-existed in harmony for centuries.
“India continues to play its role as a refuge for heterodox ideas with infinite capacity to absorb dissent. No religion is under any threat,” Doval said during an event at the India Islamic Cultural Centre in the national capital. Muslim World League secretary-general Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, who is on a six-day India visit, also addressed the gathering.
“As a proud civilizational state, India believes in promoting tolerance, dialogue and cooperation to deal with the challenges of our time. It was no coincidence that despite having around 200 million Muslims, the involvement of Indian citizens in global terrorism has been incredibly low,” Doval said.
“India, the world’s largest democracy and the mother of democracies, is a land of incredible diversity. It is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and languages that coexist in harmony. As an inclusive democracy, India has successfully managed to provide space for all its citizens, regardless of their religious, ethnic or cultural backgrounds,” Doval added.
NSA also said that among India’s numerous religious groups, Islam occupies a unique and significant position of pride, with India being home to the second-largest Muslim population in the world.
“To give an idea of the scale we are talking about, India’s Muslim population is almost equal to the combined population of over 33 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC),” Doval added.
“The philosophy of cooperation and dialogue in Islam has over the centuries merged seamlessly with the ancient Hindu civilizational tradition of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – The World is One Family’,” the National Security Advisor said.
“It was only by being open to accommodating various worldviews and ideas, interactions and assimilations of various cultures, beliefs, and practices that India emerged as a sanctuary for persecuted people of all faiths from across the world since times immemorial,” Doval highlighted how India has always accepted people from all religion and ethnicity.
Recalling events from the history Doval said, “India welcomed Arab exiles (in the court of Raja Dahir of Sindh), Jews, Tibetans, Parsis, Shias, Bangladeshis, Afghans and many others with open arms. This enduring tradition of accommodation is a testament to India being a deeply rooted multiethnic, multi-religious, and multilingual society.”
Doval also said that India’s culture has not only enriched art, literature, architecture, cuisine, technology, etc. but more importantly created a syncretic consciousness that permeated through common people. The edifice of modern India is built on the principles of equal rights, equal opportunities and equal responsibilities. This equality is guaranteed by our Constitution and Law.
Speaking of terrorism, Doval said that the challenge of extremism and global terrorism compels India not to lower its guard.
“To preserve the security and stability within our borders and also rise to the security challenges beyond, India has been leading the fight – the fight against individuals and organizations – who are promoting extremism, narcotics and terrorism,” he added.
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