CHENNAI: Prince of Arcot, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, has hailed US President Barack Obama’s parting advice to India in which he made a strong statement against fundamentalism and extremism and stressed the need to uphold religious freedom.
Unity in peace and freedom will go a long way in the steady progress of the nation, and India will succeed so long as it is not broken off on sectarian ground, Obama had said. Obama’s reference to Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom is seen as a strong statement against communalism and extremism, must be taken in right spirit, said the Nawab. He added that the country had a rich diversity of religions, languages, cultures, traditions and experience and India formed a microcosm of the contemporary world. India, today, is a diverse and pluralistic society, which is its great strength and must be preserved at all times. He expressed hope that the Prime Minister will take the country in the path of harmony by keeping all religious communities of the country united in the interest and continue to promote co-existence of all fellow citizens.