Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday took a swipe at the BJP and the Sangh Parivar, saying there are forces which are promoting disharmony and are seeking a “divided and divisive” India.
“Unfortunately, there are also those that prefer a divided and divisive India, out of tune with itself and the world. They seek to spread disharmony. These are the forces that wish to break the bonds between us,” he said.
The occasion was the function at which the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavna Award for 2014-15 was conferred on noted Hindustani classical vocalist Shubha Mudgal for her outstanding contribution towards the promotion of communal harmony, peace and goodwill. The award carries a citation and cash award of Rs. 10 lakh.
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Using the platform provided by the award that is conferred each year on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Mr. Gandhi said “There are, unfortunately in India today, men and women who actively promote disharmony, who humiliate and separate, who isolate and kill. But though the few may feel they are thriving in India today, we are proud to honour you ma'am and the many millions like you, who stand for everyone.”
Hailing Ms. Mudgal for using her art to bring millions of people together, Mr. Gandhi said “her songs have broken barriers and brought harmony to the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. My father Rajiv Gandhi did the same in politics. He carried millions of people together, bringing India closer and allowing it to imagine a collective dream.”
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India, he said, had achieved what it has precisely because millions of people have chosen to live in harmony together: “India in harmony with itself is musical.”
The award ceremony also saw Mr. Gandhi taking centre stage as his mother, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, was unable to attend the function as she is recovering after illness.
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress leader Karan Singh, who is the Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Award, hailed the Ms. Mudgal’s contribution. Ms. Mudgal said that in giving the award to her, the composite culture of India was being honoured, as Hindustani classical music truly reflected sadbhavna and harmony.