Pranab Mukherjee

Propelled by freedom of faith, gender equality and economic justice for all, India will become a modern nation. Minor blemishes cannot cloak the fact that India is becoming such a modern nation: no faith is in danger in our country, and the continuing commitment to gender equality is one of the great narratives of our times.

The fact remains that secularism is inherent in the Indian system, in the Indian ethos and culture. India cannot but be secular.