Prof. N. Radhakrishnan conferred with Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award 2007

New Delhi, August 20 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Wednesday presented Professor N. Radhakrishnan the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award 2007 on the occasion of 64th birth anniversary of the former Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, in New Delhi.

The Prime Minister said Rajiv Gandhi displayed perfect example of tolerance in confronting violence and terrorism.

"Rajiv Gandhi assumed the responsibility of leading our nation when it was facing one of its worst crises, following the assassination of Indira Gandhi. He displayed extraordinary courage in confronting the spiraling cycle of violence and terrorism and restoring peace and sanity. He fought valiantly against the forces of hatred by promoting the cause of peace and goodwill. It is, therefore, a fitting tribute to his memory that the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana award has been instituted," said the PM.

Dr. Singh further added that this award is given every year to distinguished men and women who have devoted their life to fostering amity, understanding and promoting social harmony.

He said I am very happy to know that the recipient of this year's award is Prof. Radhakrishnan who has engaged himself in a wide variety of activities for promoting communal harmony, peace and goodwill.

The PM said we should rely upon methods of dialogue and reconciliation to defeat the forces of hatred and violence in today's time.

He said the words of Rajiv Gandhi were, "tolerance, coexistence, interaction, enrichment are what will give our system strength". These words underline his vision of promoting understanding and fellow feeling among all our people.

This year's recipient of the award, Prof. Radhakrishnan has dedicated his life in promoting the ideas and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. His work is in consonance with the vision of Rajiv Gandhi and the everlasting principles of Sadbhavana.

In the true lineage of the Gandhian tradition, Prof. Radhakrishnan undertook the task of organizing and institutionalising the Shanti Sena programme at the Gandhigram University. He has carried his work into the field in the naxalite affected Dharmapuri district.

He is now leading a campaign called "Himsamukth Bharat Andolan" which motivates families to become foot soldiers in a campaign for peace and sustainable development. (ANI)