India still shackled with old evils, says Rajnath
REGRET AND HOPE Union home minister lists various evils prevalent in the country even after Independence, but says Prime Minister Modi has taken a pledge to end these by 2022
:KURUKSHETRA: Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said India is still shackled with old evils of communalism, terrorism and casteism even after 70 years of Independence.
“Though we become an independent nation around 70 years ago, we could not liberate our country from the old evils of terrorism, communalism, corruption and casteism”, the Union minister said while addressing a gathering after inaugurating a three-day Akhil Bharitya Kala Sadhak Sangam programme organised by the Sanskar Bharti here.
“There are several old traditions and evils still prevalent in our country. But now our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a pledge to end these evils by 2022,” he said.
The Union minister, however, hailed the contribution of various artistes in uniting the country with the help of art and culture and called upon them to continue their work for the unity and integrity of India, irrespective of their religion and caste.
“The art should not be limited to entertainment only. It should play an important role in the building of nation by inspiring the youth to do their best for the progress of the country,” he added.
The Union minister was accompanied by Haryana governor Prof Kaptan Singh Solanki and Haryana cabinet Minister Kavita Jain.
Over 3,000 artistes from 22 states across the country will participate in the programme and chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar will preside over the closing ceremony on October 30.
Earlier addressing the gathering, Haryana governor Kaptan Singh Solanki said the programme being organised by the Sanskar Bharti,will help to promote art and culture of different states.
Though we became an independent nation 70 years ago, we have so far failed to liberate our country from the old evils of terrorism, corruption communalism and casteism, among other things.
RAJNATH SINGH, Union home minister