Govt to organise 'National Integration Week' from Nov 19

New Delhi, Nov 9: 'National Integration Week' will be observed from November 19 with a view to fostering and reinforcing the spirit of communal harmony across the country amidst ongoing debate over the issue of intolerance.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has asked the central and state governments to organise and celebrate the 'Qaumi Ekta Week' so that the message of communal harmony and national integration could reach out to every part of the country and society.

"This occasion provides an opportunity to reaffirm age old traditions and faith in the values of tolerance, co-existence and brotherhood in a multi-cultural and multi-religious society.

"The observation of 'Qaumi Ekta Week' will also help to highlight the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand actual and potential threats to the eclectic and secular fabric of our country, and nurture a spirit of communal harmony in its widest sense," the Home Ministry today said in a press release.

With a view to fostering and reinforcing the spirit of communal harmony, national integration and pride in vibrant, composite culture and nationhood, the 'Qaumi Ekta Week' (National Integration Week) will be observed all over the country, from the November 19-25.

The first day of the week will be observed as 'National Integration Day' and programmes like meetings, symposia and seminars would be organised to emphasise the themes of secularism, anti-communalism and non-violence. November 20 will be observed as "Welfare of Minorities Day" and items of the 15-point programme are emphasised on this day, it said.

PTI