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Divisive forces trying to weaken the nation, says Sonia

Staff Reporter

"Despite its multifaceted and plural character, the country has shown remarkable unity ... made possible by our leaders' sacrifices"

NEW DELHI: Congress president and United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi has warned the nation to beware of divisive forces that were trying to weaken the nation and putting hurdles in the path of its progress and development.

"India today faces many challenges. Though we are moving ahead, there are certain forces that are creating problems and trying to undo the nation's growth."

Addressing a gathering after honouring eminent author and social activist Mahasweta Devi with the 20th Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration, that carries Rs. 1.51 lakh and a citation, Ms. Gandhi said the country despite its multifaceted and plural character, had shown remarkable unity.

"This has been made possible due to the sacrifices of our leaders for the past 150 years. Indira Gandhi was one such leader who attained martyrdom. We must all follow the path shown by her."

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the United Progressive Alliance Government at the Centre would continue to follow in the footsteps of Indira Gandhi who worked tirelessly for national integration and empowerment of marginalised sections.

She also worked for the economic uplift of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes besides launching the 25-point programme to accelerate tribal progress.

Praise for Mahasweta

Praising Mahasweta Devi for her literary works as well as her commitment to social emancipation of the tribals, Dr. Singh said she had been working tirelessly to bring the marginalised tribes of Mundas, Lodhas, Sabars and Kheria into the national mainstream of society.

"Social activism is the driving force of her literary works. For her work for the betterment of the tribals she has been conferred with numerous awards."

Recalling her younger days in Rabindranath Tagore's Santiniketan, the octogenarian writer said those days Tagore taught them how to love nature, birds and animals.

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