News

TERRORISM Destabilizing Nations: Sushma Swaraj

INDIA’S Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj has again reminded the world that her nation   is not fighting any religion while engaged in eliminating terrorism .The 130 billion plus nation remains committed to co-existence    of all faiths. At the first-ever India’s presence at the meet of the Organization of Islamic nations at Abu Dhabi on March 1 the lawyer turned politician cited and quoted from Guru Granth Sahib, the Rig Veda and the Quran to allay misconception of several Islamist nations about India’s secular fabric, There was no clash of civilisations in the world.The quotes sought to stress that human diversity should be appreciated and celebrated. Swaraj began by reciting a verse (ayaat) from the Quran and then moved to the 13th Surah from A-Hujurat, a chapter which deals with etiquette and norms and calls for equality.Swaraj’s third quotation from Guru Granth Sahib highlighted India’s pluralistic tradition, “Awwal Allah noor upaya, kudrat ke sab bande, ek noor te sab jag upjeya, kaun bhale kaun mande.” Rounding up her peregrination of the spiritual world, she quoted from the youngest chapter of the world’s oldest religious text, the Rig Veda, to stress that India had always embraced pluralism. There is no question of abandoning it. India would work with the OIC to build bridges of understanding and reduce barriers across cultures and religions and inspire the youth to the path of service than of destruction. Swaraj said India advocated moderation over extremism and pluralism over exclusion. The OIC is celebrating its Golden Jubilee. India for the first time addressed the OIC meet despite strong demand by Pakistan for rescinding the invitation to India. But Pakistan’s plea was rejected by the UAE .As a protest Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi stayed away from the plenary.  “At 50, the OIC is making a new beginning. The choices you make, the direction you set will have a profound impact on humanity. The OIC has a huge responsibility to make this planet a better place. We will do what we can within our capacity to ensure that the path to development remains open to all,” she said. Muslim nations like Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia were important pillars of India’s Act East Policy and of broader engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. “In our neighbourhood, with Afghanistan, Bangladesh and the Maldives we have ties, forged in our shared struggles and sacrifices, in the immeasurable warmth of our hearts, and in our unwavering commitment to the security and prosperity of our people and region,” Swaraj told the IOC comprising as many as 57 Islamic nation. It may be recalled that then Union Minister Fakrudddin Ali Ahmad, who later became President of India, despite deputed by then PM Indira Gandhi to represent the country at the OIC in 1969, was disinvited at Islamabad’s insistence.IOC has granted India having 172 million Muslim population Observer’s    Status .She also recalled that the dreaded terrorism cannot be fought by military, intelligence networks or diplomatic means. It is a battle that must be won through the strength of our age-old values. This is a task that states, societies, sages, scholars, spiritual leaders and families must pursue through personal contacts and social media,” the seasoned politician added (image courtesy: newsbytes).

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.