Tolerance and harmony have been integral part of Indian culture and tradition. The rulers, who followed the policy of affection, brotherhood, harmony and equality and respected all the religions and community with equal spirit have been considered great in Indian history, said Chief Minister Harish Rawat while speaking on ‘Freedom of Speech and Intolerance’ during the 7th Pakhi Festival organised at Indira Kala Kendra in Noida on Sunday.
Rawat asserted that in a county with vast diversities like India might only be administered successfully by such ruler who can ensure tolerance policy and behave. He gave an example of Ashoka the Great as he was said great only when he adopted policy of non-violence and affection, before that he was considered just an emperor who expanded the empire by sword. Chief Minister took another example of Akbar the Great as he was also recognised great in the history for adopting policy based on political tolerance while Aurangjeb was a learned and very religious person.
Indian Constitution also imparted equal status to all the religions, communities and casts; we have to protect the greatness and essence of our constitution. Indian constitution assured freedom of expression so we should also observe that our views and conducts must not show or present any sort of intolerance. Chief Minister congratulated the editor of Sunday Post Apurva Joshi of holding such constructive discussion. MP Tarun Vijay, Senior Journalist Abhaya Kumar Dubey and Swami Shivanand Sarsvati were also present.