Violence, intolerance -- challenges faced by India: Nariman

Bangalore, Jan 6 (UNI) Describing violence and intolerance as the greatest challenges being faced by the country, senior Supreme Court Advocate F S Nariman today urged universities to prepare students to counter these challenges effectively to make education worthwhile.

In his convocation address at the Bangalore University here, he said ''India has a heritage of tolerance, variety and plurality.

Different races, different religions, different languages and different cultures all assimilate into one India. This great country of ours, no matter now badly governed you think we are, is the county of the future.'' Mr Nariman told the students, who go abroad to pursue higher studies, to come back as the country needed them and vice-versa.

''Yes, I am optimistic about India and its future, though never too optimist about our Governments. But my advice to you all - don't despair. Governments are the same everywhere in every country,'' he said.

Karnataka Governor T N Chaturvedi presided over the convocation, in which Rashtrakavi G S Shivarudrappa, noted actress B Saroja Devi and social worker Ruth Manorama were conferred honorary doctorates.

UNI