Condemning terrorism of all forms, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday night said terrorism might kill some people, but could not destroy the individual spirits of the countrymen.
Unveiling Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Arch at the Kathipara Junction, the southern entrance to Chennai, he said the country was passing through a difficult time as forces of destruction and destabilisation were bent upon to divide the country on the basis of religion and caste.
"As long as Congress is at the helm of affairs, we will not allow the country to be divided nor any attempts to harm it'", he said.
He asked the Congressmen to stand united and fight the forces of communalism, which were attempting to divide the country.
The arch, which has the busts of Jawahrlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Kamaraj and GK Moopanar, symbolised the unity of the nation, he said.
All the leaders have contributed greatly to the nation's development, he said.
While Nehru was architect and founder of democracy and built institutions with scientific temper, Indira Gandhi led the country to modern science and technology and instilled strong sense of national pride in the minds of every Indian.
Rajiv Gandhi, not only took India to 21st century, but also expanded democracy by introducing Panchayati Raj, reducing the age limit for voting from 21 to 18 and allocating one third of seats for local bodies to women, he said.
{{/usCountry}}Rajiv Gandhi, not only took India to 21st century, but also expanded democracy by introducing Panchayati Raj, reducing the age limit for voting from 21 to 18 and allocating one third of seats for local bodies to women, he said.
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