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Journalism of Courage
In what appeared to be a veiled reference to the Amarnath land row, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said the tradition of sadbhavana harmony in the country was facing a 8220;grave challenge8221; from 8220;divisive forces8221; and recommended 8220;dialogue and reconciliation8221;, to tackle such challenges.
He was speaking at a function here to confer the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavna Award for 2007 to eminent Gandhian and social worker Prof N Radhakrishnan for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of communal harmony, peace and goodwill.
Singh said the country was once again confronting forces trying to spread hatred and disharmony. In this context, he referred to the methods of dialogue and reconciliation as adopted by the late Rajiv Gandhi. 8220;Sadbhavna, both locally and globally, is more relevant today,8221; said Singh
He termed Rajiv Gandhi as the 8220;quintessential embodiment8221; of the Sadbhavana tradition Mahatma Gandhi had set for public leadership. 8220;His message becomes most relevant at this time when we once again confront forces trying to spread hatred and disharmony,8221; said the PM.
Speaking on the occasion, Congress President Sonia Gandhi said social and communal tension, violence and terrorism were the burning socio-political problems today. 8220;There is a dearth of principles in social and political life. Today, the young generation is not inspired only by our words. They want to see our karma actions,8221; she said, adding that Rajiv Gandhi had tirelessly worked for what he thought was good for the country, the society and future generations.
Radhakrishnan suggested the setting up of a dedicated ministry for peace and conflict resolution.
