Democratic, secular values facing danger: Sonia Gandhi

 It is a matter of serious concern that democratic, pluralistic and secular values are increasingly facing danger, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi said on Saturday. 

Speaking at first Arjun Singh memorial lecture here, she recalled the late Congress leader's role as Human Resource Development minister during the UPA government's tenure in strengthening the roots of modern and forward looking thinking in country's education system. It is seriously a matter of concern that democratic, pluralistic and secular values are increasingly facing danger, Gandhi said.

Citing Arjun Singh's secular approach and vision towards a democratic society, she said by seeing what is happening in the society there is a need to have more people like him. Gandhi said the nation will remember Singh's contribution in maintaining peace in Punjab at a time when the state was facing terrorism. The Congress chief said she misses him wherever she has to take a tough decision.

Arjun Singh, the veteran Congress leader, had passed away in March 2011. He had served as Human Resource Development Minister and Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, among others. Today's function was organised by the Arjun Singh Sadbhavana Foundation and Madhya Pradesh foundation here. Senior Congress leaders Kamal Nath, Digvijay Singh, Jyotiraditya Scindia and A K Antony, besides politicians like Amar Singh were present during the function.