India is secular not a theocratic state like Pakistan: Rajnath Singh
New Delhi/UNI: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said unlike its 'theocratic' north-western neighbour, India is a secular country where all religions are treated equally.
Speaking at the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp in Delhi, Mr Singh pointed out, "We have never discriminated among religions. Why would we do that? Our neighbour has declared itself a theocratic state. We didn't declare so.
'Even America is a theocratic country. But in India, the young minds appreciate that our saints and seers believed in 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' which means the whole world is one family,' the Minister said.
The Defence Minister also emphasised that India had never declared its religion would be Hindu, Sikh, or Buddhist and people of all religions could live here with equal freedom.
'India believes in 'Sarva Dharma Sambhav' and that is why India is truly 'Panth Nirpekhsha', he said
Defence Minister also conferred Raksha Mantri Padak & Commendation cards to NCC cadets for their exemplary performance and devotion to duty.
Every school and college he said, should have the NCC in order to boost the sense of national pride among the youth.
On children of Jammu and Kashmir, who are being motivated to join the NCC, the Minister said the children in J&K are nationalists too and they shouldn't be viewed otherwise.
'Youngsters are youngsters. Sometimes people don't motivate them in the correct manner, they guide them in the wrong direction. That is why the kids should not be blamed for this. The ones who are motivating them in wrong direction are the culprits , ' he said.
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