Maintaining that the great Indian civilization is known for tolerance since times immemorial, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh today said the virtues of amity and brotherhood are being held in high esteem by the citizens of the country. He said certain forces are trying to create a false impression by spreading vicious propaganda. The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking at the annual day function of Sant Bal Yogeshwar Bhartiya Vidya Mandir at Dadwara, Billawar in district Kathua here today.SDM, R S Charak, Ms Mumta Singh, Sant Bal Yogeshwar, Surinder Atri, Sadvi Jyoti Didi and several other prominent social activists and intellectuals were present on the occasion.The Deputy Chief Minister said the ethos of tolerance embedded in Indian culture stand testimony to this fact. “The Indian civilization has been the hub of values related to tolerance and it is testified by the fact that the country received people from various parts of world with open arms who later settled here and made this great nation their home”, he added.
Dr Singh said a sustained propaganda is being launched by certain vested interests to raise the bogey of intolerance and we should collectively launch a sustained effort to defeat the larger political designs of such elements. He said the need of the hour is to get united and contribute our bit in nation building and making India one of the leading voices of the world.Calling upon the people to create a blend of tradition coupled with India’s cultural values in order to carry the nation forward without getting carried away by westernization, the Deputy Chief Minister said that due to the efforts of the Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, India is emerging as a global powerhouse and we should strengthen the resolve by contributing our bit in actively involving ourselves in various initiatives being taken by the Government.
The Deputy Chief Minister while referring to the various initiatives taken by the coalition government in the State, said several innovative welfare programmes have been launched which would further accelerate the developmental and economic activities in J&K besides providing much needed amenities to the people. He said the package announced by the Prime Minister recently is comprehensive as it brings in its ambit various economical, developmental, sociological and other parameters.“The National Food Security Act adopted by the State Cabinet today would provide the rations to over 74 lakh people of the State at subsidized rate and it is a landmark and people-friendly decision by the coalition Government. Besides emphasis would be laid on skill development initiatives which would ensure that the youth are properly trained so that they can easily earn their livelihood”, the Deputy Chief Minister said and maintained that these are in continuation with various measures taken by the present coalition for the welfare of people.Dr. Singh called upon the students to make concentrated efforts to excel in various fields of education so that they can bring laurels in their area and State. He said the Laadli Beti scheme introduced by the Government recently would ensure that the declining sex ratio is controlled besides providing incentives to the girl child. “Several schemes have also been undertaken in the education sector which would ensure the transformation of educational scenario in the State by providing quality educational facilities irrespective of their topographical or other related issues”, he maintained.