Use federalism as strategic tool to build just global order: Patil

New Delhi, Nov 7 (UNI) Observing that the federal concept is gaining greater currency in the world, President Pratibha Patil today exhorted elected representatives of democracies in the world to use the federal system of governance as a strategic tool for the fight against inequality and for building an equitable global order.

Democracy and Federalism should be the guiding principles for a new world order, Ms Patil said, while addressing the valedictory session of the 4th International Conference on Federalism here..

''For us in India, federalism and the preservation of the underlying unity in our diversity are of great importance,'' she said, pointing out that India, during its 60 years of independence, had not only reaffirmed but also strengthened its commitment to democracy, federalism and respect for diversity.

The theme of the three-day conference, organised by the Inter-State Council in collaboration with the Forum of Federations, was ''Unity in Diversity: Learning from Each Other''.

Dwelling at length on the bewildering nature of India's plurality in language, religion, culture and ethnicity, the President said the Founding Fathers of the Constitution found it imperative to organise the political structure into a Union, States and the elected bodies of local self-government.

She said the working of the Constitution had demonstrated the inherent strength, resilience and dynamism of the Indian federal structure in withstanding the stresses and strains of diverse aspirations of the people.

''We, in India, have understood that Unity in Diversity is the real strength of our country. By looking after the interests of each section of our diverse population, we strengthen our unity.

''It is, therefore, not surprising that India is today counted among federal democracies that have been successful in adopting an inclusive polity.'' MORE UNI