Farooq calls for religious tolerance to bolster spirit of brotherhood

Jammu/April, 13:  National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday emphasized the crucial need for religious harmony, saying all the religions of the world essentially practice and preach the teachings for betterment of humanity.
“Paths may be different but ultimate destination is the same”, Dr Farooq Abdullah said while addressing a huge congregation at Gurdwara Yaadgar Guru Nanak Devji at Chand Nagar here, held in connection with the auspicious Baisakhi.
The National Conference chief called for religious tolerance to bolster up the spirit of fraternity and brotherhood, saying it is needed more now than ever before when the society is ridden with the tendency of intolerance and hatred.
He cautioned against religious intolerance and said that it is against the pluralistic ethos of Jammu and Kashmir, which has been a shining example of inclusiveness. He referred to the time tested unity displayed by Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists and Christians from time to time and called for emulating the same spirit for making the state a better place to live in.
Dr Farooq Abdullah exuded confidence that people will collectively foil the attempts of dividing the society in the name of region or religion, saying unity in diversity has been the real strength of this state. “This unity is to be maintained at all costs”, he said, adding that youth have to play an important role in this. “Let us make a pledge not to get splintered on the basis of religion”, he said.
Accompanied by Provincial President Devender Singh Rana and senior party leader,former MLC and President of the State Gurdwara Pranbhandak Board S Trilochan Singh Wazir, Dr Farooq Abdullah greeted people on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi and expressed hope that the joyous festival will inspire us all to strive for peace and prosperity in the state. He said such occasions remind us of the centuries old rich and glorious heritage of the state and hoped that people will maintain and uphold pluralistic traditions.
On this auspicious occasion, Dr Farooq Abdullah and Devender Singh Rana were presented Saropas by S. Trilochan Singh Wazir on behalf of the Gurdwara Pranbhandak Board.