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Valedictory Address By Shri Virendar Mohan Trehan, President, foundation for Amity and National Solidarity at the All India Inter University National Integration Youth Camp held At Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada from 23-27 December, 2010
After the opening session of parliament of a united Italy, Piedmontese painter, politician and patriot Massimo observed: “Now that we have created Italy, we must start creating Italians.” To every Indian today, there must be a familiar ring to this observation.
The concept of India is not new. It had existed from 2 millennium ago but it was the first time in last 2 centuries that it has firmed up its political entity. This supreme moment was realized by us on August 15, 1947 and at that time many Indian leaders also expressed in similar manner like Italian patriot Massimo observed.
- Different culture
- Different Food habits
- Various languages
- Numerous dialects
- The way of dressing and living
- Varied culture
- Many religions and innumerable Sadhus and Saints to lead the masses but still WE ARE ONE INDIAN. Without this identity, neither each one of us nor the country has any locus standi.
WE HAVE
COLLECTIVE IDENTITY AS AN INDIAN - We all are gathered here from almost 30 different parts of the Nation – from Kerala to Kashmir. This platform of FANS is there to reaffirm our single identity as an INDIAN.
It was Late Shri P.V, Narasimha Rao, who initiated the Economic Reforms which has given a boost in the Socio Economic Development in the Country in the last two decades.
In fact, if Mahatma Gandhi was the Father of the Nation for attaining the Independence of the Country from the Britishers, in my opinion we may also consider Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao as the Father of the Economic Reforms of the Nation as he gave the freedom in Economic Development, which is eradicating the power day by day.
Recent elections in Bihar should enlighten our citizens and give a new direction to the voters that instead of worrying about voting on the caste basis, they have realized that their vote should be towards development of our economy and development of our Country.
I think there are numerous factors in our Country which unite us. We have to only change our mindset to think positive towards `COMPOSITE SOCIETY’ and a Nation – which is `INDIA’ !
I don’t think we are irreligious people. India has to propagate / we believe in Sarva Dhram Samabhava.
In the ancient Indian tradition, even with regard to intuited knowledge or revealed knowledge, an attitude of objectivity, logic and humility was maintained – the implicit assumption being that the truth may yet be greater and unknown. A distinctive openness permeates Rg. Vedic thought - along with certain magnificently confident assertions (Ekam Sad) the Rg. Veda propounds. Truth is one, (Vipra Bahudha Vadanti) - the learned may describe it variously. Thus a core idea of secular thought is expressed – recognizing the many paths of logical and intuitive access to Absolute Truth ; acknowledging and providing conceptual basis to a philosophy of (Sarva Dharma Samabhava) whereby apparently different bodies of religious thought are seen as converging to the same, and only Truth.
Dalai Lama said - `This is my simple religion: There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness’
What the Politicians are expected to represent?
- Leadership
- Exemplary personalities
- Any new thoughts
- Another dream
- Not Creating additional sub-castes, Scheduled Caste and/or pushing particular community to brood over some issues of bad treatment etc
I would like the youth to join politics but they must be clear - what they want to do by joining the politics! They must serve the interest of the society and the Nation and not their personal interest. With that aim only, the youth should be a part of the politics.
Omar Abdullah said in the Parliament on 22nd July 2009 in his speech, “I am a Muslim and I am an Indian. I see no distinction between the two…...”
Dr. Zakir Hussain said in one of his speech: “We want peace between the individual and groups within nations. These are all vitally interdependent. If the spirit of the Sermon on the Mount, Buddha’s Philosophy of compassion, the Hindu concept of Ahimsa, and the passion of Islam for obedience to the will of God can combine, then we would succeed in generating the most potent influence for world peace.”
I hope, my friends, all who would leave this place tomorrow would go with the memories to cherish of not only Cultural Programme or good meals, the beautiful weather Kakinada has given you and/or hospitality which the Host University has showered on you, but I am confident each one of you must have made a friend from different parts of the country. You have taken addresses / contacts from each one to ensure that you remain in touch and create a fraternity - which would be life long as you have met at the Foundation for Amity & National Solidarity Camp where you were brought together to foster Friendship and understanding Cultural Values of each other!
I wish each one of you a very Happy New Year and good journey back home!
May God bless you!