New Delhi: Stating that communal tension was a result of "failure of multiple faiths", former president APJ Abdul Kalam on Saturday called upon the youth to make the society "compassionate" by actively participating in eradication of
corruption and rural development.
He also asked religious leaders to undertake a "project of harmony" at every panchayat, taluk and district to promote peace in the country.
"We have to manage corruption and develop a compassionate society. Discontent (in the society) arises from what can I take, it should be replaced by what can I give...," he said while inaugurating a two-day 'Inter-faith meet' here as part
of Swami Vivekananda's 150th birth anniversary celebrations.
"I suggest to young people and others to give clean environment by everyone planting five trees, giving care to sick and lonely by visiting patients at hospitals who do not have attendants, give smile and be a rural reform giver," he
said.
Noting that "the problem of distress transforms into violence", the former President said, "This type of (inter-faith) meet will help understand each-other better."
However, he said no positive action had been taken on inter-faith meets organised by the United Nations.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had inaugurated nationwide celebrations to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda in January.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, September 10, 2011, 15:13