India draws strength from diversity: PM Narendra Modi

KUALA LUMPUR: Against the backdrop of 'intolerance' debate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that India draws strength from its diversity and that the government will defend the equal rights guaranteed for every citizen under the Constitution.

"India, the land of your heritage, has remarkable achievements since Independence," Modi said addressing the Indian diaspora here on the second day of his three-day visit.

"This was a nation made weaker by colonialism, torn by Partition at its birth as Independent country... There were questions whether the infant nation will even reach its teen years. There were some who did not want it to," he said in his 45-minute address which he began with Tamil word 'Vanakkam' (welcome) and followed it with a few sentences in Tamil.,

"Today, India is not just united, but draws strength from its diversity. It is a nation, where every citizen belongs; where everyone has equal rights that the constitution guarantees, the courts protect and the government defends," the Prime Minister said.

Describing India as "a land of unparalleled diversity and vast social and political challenges", he told the audience which included Malay Indians mostly from Tamil Nadu that they "reflect India's diversity of languages, religions and cultures. And, you stand together in a spirit of harmony. Not just with other Malay Indians, but also with all Malay people."

His comments assume significance as there have been allegations of 'growing intolerance' in the society, with questions being asked to his government over it.

About India's external relations, Modi said these advance peace in the world. "The Indian Armed Forces contribute to region's security and stability. They assist all in humanitarian disasters, without asking their nationality."

He also noted that Indian forces participate in peacekeeping missions around the world.

"We have generations of our leaders to thank for bringing us this far. But, we know that we have a long way to go. The challenges we face and the goals we must pursue, are evident in villages and cities. And, my government has come into office to change that," he said.

"We are eradicating poverty, by giving our people the fruits of modern economy, such as universal access to banks and insurance; not just tie them down in endless programmes," Modi said and added, "Where in the world will 190 million bank accounts be opened in a few months?"