Karnataka Governor H.R. Bhardwaj on Saturday said secularism was the basis of the country’s existence and highlighted the importance of a disciplined democracy.
In his address after hoisting the national flat at the Republic Day celebrations in Bangalore, he reminisced Mahatama Gandhi’s comparative message of disciplined and prejudiced democracy.
“Democracy disciplined and enlightened is the finest in the world. A democracy prejudiced, ignorant and superstitious will land itself in chaos and may be self-destroying. Democracy in essence means the art and science of mobilising the entire physical, economic and spiritual resources of all the sections of the people in the service of the common goods of all,” Mr. Bhardwaj said quoting Gandhiji’s message.
He said secularism in India was the basis of the country’s existence wherein all people have right to practice their respective faiths. “On this day, we have to reiterate our commitment to keep our unity of heads and heart,” he said.
Mr. Bhardwaj appealed Parliament, Assemblies and Local Self Governance bodies to ensure debates touching the problems of the weaker sections of the society and the rural poor. “They deserve to get the justice, social and economic,” he added.
He said Karnataka had contributed richly to culture, development and economy of the country and had some outstanding centres of Information Technology and Bio-technology.
“Karnataka achieved significant progress since independence, thereby getting nationwide recognition for progressive and cosmopolitan outlook. The people stood for mutual respect and accommodation,” Mr. Bhardwaj said.
