Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration to J S Bandukwala and Ram Puniyani

Indian Express
November 01, 2007
Gujarat in mind, Sonia calls for fight against communalism

NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 31: Referring to post-Godhra riots in Gujarat, Congress President Sonia Gandhi said on Wednesday it was the responsibility of every Congressman to fight against inhuman acts.

Presenting the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration to J S Bandukwala and Ram Puniyani here, she said, “If we don’t fight against anti-social elements, our secular democracy would be in peril.” She said the recipients had been hurt by the demolition of Babri mosque and Gujarat riots and decided to use their talent to work for social harmony.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi presented the award to Bandukwala and Puniyani for their work in promoting and preserving spirit of national integration. The award is given every year on Indira Gandhi’s martyrdom day.

Indirectly referring to the recent Tehelka expose, the Congress President said, “The truth that came out recently has proved how correct and true the views of social activists like Bandukwala and Puniyani are.” Puniyani, a retired professor from IIT Mumbai, has been a driving force in EKTA, a Mumbai-based communal harmony group, and the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism. Professor Bandukwala, one of the victims of post-Godhra riots, has been a vocal critic of religious fanaticism and has been associated with several institutions promoting education and social uplift of Muslims.

Praising the recipients of the award, the Prime Minister said their ceaseless activities were directed at safeguarding the architecture of “our inclusive society”. Bandukwala’s constructive vision and action in educating Muslims was of paramount significance in promoting national integration. “Our Government too recognises this as an important obligation. That is why we appointed the Justice Sachar Committee to inquire into the status of the Muslim community,” said the PM.

Deliberating over the socio-economic and educational backwardness of Muslims, Bandukwala said he was against reservation for them. “It is a crutch that will permanently cripple the Muslims of India. I don’t want them to join the race for backwardness. It will also arouse very strong emotions. The price will be too heavy, while the gains in tiny layers,” he said.