New Delhi: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Tuesday said all religions are equal in India and no religion is under threat in the country where cultures and religions have co-existed in harmony for centuries. “India is playing its part as a haven for heretical ideas with an unlimited capacity to absorb dissent. No religion is in danger,” Doval said during an event at the India Islamic Cultural Center in the national capital. Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, who is on a six-day visit to India, also addressed the gathering.
“As a proud civilizational state, India believes in promoting tolerance, dialogue and cooperation to meet the challenges of our times. It is no coincidence that global terrorism accounts for the highest number of Indian citizens, despite having nearly 200 million Muslims. Participation 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 an amalgam of cultures, religions and languages that co-exist in harmony. As an inclusive democracy, India has been able to successfully provide space All its citizens, irrespective of their religious, ethnic or cultural background, Doval said.
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The NSA also said that among India’s many religious groups, Islam holds a unique and important place of pride, India being home to the world’s second largest Muslim population.
“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 Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC),” Doval said.
The National Security Advisor said, “The philosophy of cooperation and dialogue in Islam has been seamlessly merged with the ancient Hindu civilizational tradition of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family’ over the centuries.”
Doval highlighted that “India being open to accommodate different worldviews and ideas, interaction and assimilation of different cultures, beliefs and practices has been a haven for persecuted people of all religions around the world since ancient times.” Emerged as a sanctuary.” has always accepted people of all religions and races.
Recounting events from history, Doval said, “India welcomed Arab exiles (at the court of King Dahir of Sindh), Jews, Tibetans, Parsis, Shias, Bangladeshis, Afghans and many others with open arms. This enduring tradition is a testament.” India is a multi-ethnic, 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 permeates through the 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 about terrorism, Doval said that the challenge of extremism and global terrorism compels India not to let down its vigil. “To maintain security and stability within our borders and to address security challenges beyond, India is leading the fight against individuals and organizations that are promoting extremism, narcotics and terrorism,” he said.
Expressing the government’s policy of zero tolerance against terrorism, Doval said, “India is a very responsible power, but when the need for strong action is felt against terrorist sanctuaries, we are determined to destroy terrorism in our national interest.” Come forward.”
“In the past, nations would have been fighting each other to resolve their differences. But, as our Prime Minister says, this is no longer the age of war. The future fight for the betterment of humanity will be against hunger, poverty Will have to fight, ignorance and desire,” Doval said that in today’s time there is a need to avoid wars.
“In today’s world, with complex geopolitical challenges before us, religion has to become a guiding light for humanity to usher in an era of peace and harmony. If we are to realize the true human potential and create We must leave our differences behind if we are to make this world a better place for our future generations to live in.”
Prior to Doval’s remarks, Saudi leader Al-Issa, who is the current secretary general of the Muslim World League (MWL), an organization based in Saudi Arabia and representing Muslims worldwide, delivered his address.
The visiting Saudi representative had said that his organization was working around the world to promote religious awareness. “There is this pessimistic theory in the world which says that clash between civilizations is inevitable, and thus such a clash depends on two factors. There are religions and there are also civilizations. That is why the United Nations has been aware of such theories, And they have established, al-Issa said, “an organization, an organ within the United Nations called the Alliance of Civilizations.”