New Delhi: Wipro Chairman and philanthropist Azim Premji on Sunday addressed a convention of nearly 800 RSS-backed organisations and gave a call for accepting India as a great pluralistic nation.
“The test of our social commitment and humanity is how we treat the most powerless of our fellow citizens, the respect we accord to our fellow human beings. That is what reveals our true culture. As a great pluralistic nation, we must accept our differences. It is vital we accept them and find a common ground to work together. Negative people only focus on differences,” he said.
Addressing the event in the presence of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Premji said some had been apprehensive about his participation in the function. “They felt I would be seen as endorsing the ideology of the Sangh by addressing a forum like this. I did not follow their advice because, firstly, I am not a political person. I am, however, deeply interested in and concerned about my country. So I see no issue in speaking at an occasion where people have gathered to discuss how to contribute to the country,” he said.
“Also, I believe that merely speaking at a particular forum does not in any way mean one endorses all, or any, of the views that might be expressed at the forum, or held by the organisers,” he added.
He said it was an “honour” to have been invited by the RSS chief to speak at the Rashtriya Sewa Sangam, amongst people who were not only dreaming of a “better India” but actually dedicating their lives to it.
“While I may not know many of you here, some of my colleagues do know some of you, and, more importantly, are acquainted with the good work being done by many present here for the genuine betterment of our country, and I did not want to miss this opportunity of speaking with you,” he said.
“And most importantly, having met Bhagwat, I realised how many people like you all over India are dedicating your lives to the genuine uplift of our country. And I thought, all those working towards a better India should attempt to join hands where they can,” he added.
(Agencies)
