Jalandhar, February 13 – At the call of Revolutionary Marxist Party of India (RMPI), a seminar was organised here today in Desh Bhagat Memorial Hall on the topic : In defence of Democracy and Secularism. Party General Secretary Com. Mangat Ram Pasla presided over the seminar, whereas renowned intellectual and social crusader Dr. Ram Puniyani delivered his key note address.
In his nearly 90 minutes speech Dr. Puniyani highlighted the grave dangers being posed to the Democracy in India. He alleged that since the Modi Government has taken over the reins of power the situation on this core is aggravating continuously. All the democratic valaues and institutions engraved in the Indian constitution are being scuttled. Even the right to freedom of speech and expression is being suppressed by the communal elements at the behests of Sangh Parivar. Whoever dares to criticise any policy of the govt; he or she is immediately branded as anti-national and is killed or implicated in false and fabricated cases. He also lambasted the efforts of the communal elements aimed at undermining the secular fabric of our multi-national, multi-cultural and multi-lingual society. Dr. Puniyani cited several instances of distortions of Indian history by such elements for those nefarious designs. He urged upon the participants in the seminar to remain guarded against the ideological, political and criminal attacks of the communal fascist elements. Dr. Puniyani stressed that during the coming parliamentry elections enemies of Democracy and secularism must be exposed and defeated invariably.
Com. Mangat Ram Pasla in his brief speech stressed upon the need to carry forward this struggle in defence of these two vital socio-political principles beyond the elections also.
In the end Com. Rattan Singh Randhawa thanked Dr. Puniyani and the participants.
