NEW YORK: India stands tall as a secular country only because the majority Hindu population is tolerant and believes in inter-faith movement, said E. Ahamed, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs.
Addressing a reception hosted in his honor by the Indian National Overseas Congress (I), he said those who protested against and brought to light the massacre in Gujarat are not Muslims or Christians but Hindus themselves. “Secularism is the oxygen of India.”
The contribution of majority of Hindus to preserve the social fabric of India is commendable. They never fell prey to fundamentalism that is raising its ugly head now. Their sacrifice and commitment to make India a truly secular country should be acknowledged and appreciated, the Indian Union Muslim League leader from Kerala said.
George Abraham, president of Indian National Overseas Congress (I), in his presidential address, said Mr Ahamed was the voice of India in the UN enunciating the nation’s policies and concerns during the General Assembly sessions in the past years under various prime ministers. Describing Ahamed as the tallest Kerala politician, he said the Minister held several important positions both in Kerala and federal government under various governments.
Consulate Reception
The Consulate General of India in New York organized a Reception-cum-dinner at the Consulate Ballroom in honor of Mr E. Ahamed, Minister of State for External Affairs, to meet members of the Indian-American community as well as the media on October 10. Dharmendra Yadav, the youngest Member of Parliament was also present in the function, which was attended by about 80 people.
Consul General Ambassador Prabhu Dayal said that he is privileged to have known Mr Ahamed from the early 90s and has since then been in regular touch with him during his earlier assignments in Kuwait, Dubai, Morocco, etc. He also welcomed the youngest Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh, Dharmendra Yadav.
Mr Ahmed thanked Ambassador Dayal for hosting a grand reception and providing him an opportunity to meet and interact with the vibrant Indian-American community. On India’s foreign policy, MOS (EA) asserted that it is dictated by our national interest, and, therefore, there are bound to be differences even with friendly countries like USA.
He also gave an example of Myanmar on which India differed with USA. Complementing the Indian Foreign Service officers for their acumen and foresightedness in chalking out India’s foreign policy, he said that having been associated with the Ministry of External Affairs and working closely with these officers for several years, he has complete faith in their competence.
India Post News Service
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