PM hails 1857 as symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity

New Delhi, May 10: Paying homage to the martyrs of the First War of Independece, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the events of 1857 stood as a great testimony and tribute to the traditions of Hindu-Muslim unity in India.

"We cannot forget the Hindu-Muslim unity that 1857 represented and held out as an example for subsequent generations," he said, while speaking at a function organised by Parliament to commemorate the 150th anniversary of 1857 uprising.

Dr Singh said though the mutineers fought to protect their 'deen' and 'dharma,' it would be a mistake today if these terms were interpreted in the narrow sense of the word 'religion.' "What the rebels fought to defend was 'a way of life' which they feared the British were destroying. As an alien imposition, British rule threatened cherished notions of an ancient culture. The people of India resisted this intervention in their way of life," he said.

Saying that India had always been inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's message of non-violence, it would not be possible to forget those inspired revolutionaries who sacrificed their lives in 1857 to free the country from foreign yoke. "Their struggle may not have been imbued with modern notions of nationalism but that cannot take away from their valour and their heroism." Urging the people to ensure that the sacrifices made by the heroes of 1857 was not in vain, he said it was the responsibility of all to build a nation, free from want, rid of the ancient scourge of poverty, ignorance and disease.

"It is our responsibility to buil a new India that is inclusive and caring...It is our responsibility to build an India marked by harmony between communities, social justice and the equality of all, irrespective of religion, region, language or case."

UNI