Sonia presents Indira Gandhi award Indore-based Kasturba Trust

New Delhi, Oct 31 (UNI) Asserting that national integrity is of paramount concern, Prime Miniser Manmohan Singh today said there were forces in the country whose politics, ideology and worldview were narrow and divisive.

"This goes against our inclusive and pluralistic traditions bequeathed to us by the founding fathers of our republic," he said, in his speech at a function got up here to present the Indira Gandhi National Integration Award.

The 23rd annual award was presented to Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust, Indore, by Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

The trust was established by Mahatma Gandhi in the name of Kasturba Gandhi.

The trust was selected for the award in recognition of its services in promoting and preserving spirit of national integration.

Dr Singh said there was a great need today for all to come together to defeat such forces and help in the process of nation building.

"Organisations like the Kasturba Gandhi Memorial Trust are shining examples of what we can achieve through commitment and hard work.

They inspire us to make underprivileged and to work for the unity and integrity of the nation." He said the trust was established with the resoruces of the common people in 1945. It has rendered valuable services to empower women and promote the welfare of children. It had provided educational and healthcare facilities to women in rural areas and created employment opportunities for them.

The work of the trust now covered the entire country with more than 500 centres in 22 states of the Union.

"It has become truly a movement for national integration and fully deserves the prestigious Indira Gandhi Award," he said.

UNI SH GL BST2006