The fact remains that secularism is inherent in the Indian system, in the Indian ethos and culture. India cannot but be secular.
Interpretation
Secularism is a fundamental aspect of Indian identity and culture.
In this quote, Pranab Mukherjee emphasizes that secularism is not just a political stance in India but an intrinsic part of its social and cultural fabric. He suggests that the diverse and pluralistic nature of Indian society makes it impossible for India to be anything other than secular, reflecting its long-standing values of coexistence and respect for various beliefs.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of secular values in governance.
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.
There is a concept that is the corrupter and destroyer of all others. I speak not of Evil, whose limited empire is that of ethics; I speak of the infinite.
True religion, like our founding principles, requires that the rights of the disbeliever be equally acknowledged with those of the believer.
I know there is a Supreme Being who rules the affairs of men and whose goodness and mercy have always followed the American people, and I know He will not turn from us now if we humbly and reverently seek His powerful aid.
If thy brother wrongs thee, remember not so much his wrong-doing, but more than ever that he is thy brother.
The few surviving Armenians no longer ask to go home. They do not ask for restitution. They ask simply to have the memory of their obliteration acknowledged. It is a moral obsession, the lonely legacy passed onto the third and fourth generation who no longer speak Armenian but who carry within them the seeds of resentment that will not be quashed.
It is very remarkable, that in the book of life, we find some almost of all kinds of occupations, who notwithstanding served God in their respective generations, and shone as so many lights in the world.
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