Los Angeles, June 12: Asserting that theocracy is alien to Indian culture, history and the concept of polity, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today said India will remain a secular state and that did not mean an irreligious one. Addressing a reception hosted by the Indian immigrant community, Advani said at the time of the partition when Pakistan chose to become a theocratic state, India too could have gone down the theocratic path and the world would have understood. However, that would have gone against Indian culture, tradition and Indian values, he told the audience of some 800 people, who gave him standing ovation.
"Theocracy is alien to Indian culture, history and our concept of polity.”
Advani also rejected what he described as "pseudo secularism”.
"Secularism doesn't mean being against religion. Religion is an ennobling concept," said Advani, who spoke primarily in Hindi, much to the delight of the audience.
"Secularism does not mean minority. It means sab ka bhala (everyone's welfare), sabki samanta; (everybody is equal) sabka adar (respect for everybody) aur sabko avsar (equal opportunities for all)," he told the audience that lapped up every word of his speech which was peppered with humour.
Yesteryears dream girl Hema Malini was the surprise guest at the reception jointly hosted by 72 Indian organisations. Malini presented a bouquet to Advani, who complimented Hindi films and Indian actors, such as Hema Malini, for spreading Hindi among the younger generation of overseas Indians.
Bureau Report