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TAMPA, Fl. (Mar. 10, 2006) - The Hindu American
Foundation (HAF) lauded President George Bush for his visit
to India and for initiatives the President introduced during
his visit. HAF members appreciated especially the efforts
of the President to recognize the pluralistic ethos of India,
as well as the dangers the country faces from Islamist terrorism
widely known to be abetted by governments in Pakistan and
Bangladesh. The civilian nuclear initiative President Bush
introduced in India recognized India’s history as a
non-proliferator and mature democracy and essentially differentiated
the U.S. relationship vis a vis India from that with Pakistan,
HAF members held.
In a speech at the historic Purana Quila
in Delhi on the evening of March 3, 2006, President Bush praised
the tolerance and religious diversity of India. Beginning
his address with a namaste, Bush said he was ‘dazzled’
by the ancient land and admired that "India has a Hindu
majority, and . . . is home to millions from other religions
. . . all [of whom] worship freely in temples and mosques
and churches all across this great land. As a multi-ethnic,
multi-religious democracy, India is showing the world that
the best way to ensure fairness and tolerance is to establish
the rule of law. The best way to counter resentment is to
allow peaceful expression. The best way to honor human dignity
is to protect human rights.”
“We are extremely pleased that President
Bush recognizes India as the best engine for security, peace,
religious tolerance and pluralism in Asia.” stated Nikhil
N. Joshi, Esq., Member, HAF Board of Directors. “The
President recognizes that India is the birthplace of great
religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism,
that share the same spiritual inspirations and offer the world
the path to a peaceful life along side neighbors of all faiths.”
President Bush stopped over in Pakistan on
his return from India and affirmed that Pakistan will not
get a nuclear deal similar to that for India. Reportedly,
Bush expressed displeasure over Pakistan’s continued
sponsorship of terrorism, both to Taliban forces in Afghanistan,
and to Islamist groups that operate in India from Pakistani
bases.
“With last week’s massacres by
Pakistan sponsored terrorist groups in Hinduism’s most
holy city, Varanasi, on the heels of several other recent
attacks on holy places, we are pleased that our President
was direct and unyielding in his meetings with the dictator
President Musharraf,” said Joshi. “HAF congratulates
President Bush for his remarkable success on many fronts during
his India visit. HAF looks forward to ongoing dialogue with
the White House in 2006 and beyond on matters of importance
to Hindu Americans and Indian Americans.”
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