Defeat divisive forces to uphold nation's diversity, says Kejriwal

The country should continue its fight against forces trying to divide its people on various lines, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said today.

"People are being made to fight each other on the basis of caste, creed, religion and region. But India has always shown resilience by upholding its integrity," he noted, addressing social reformer Sri M's 7,500-km Kanyakumari-Kashmir padayatra before joining it and marching for a while in the capital. "We will emerge victorious in its struggle against disruptive elements."

Addressing the meeting at Ahinsa Sthal in Mehrauli as part of the 67-year-old spiritual guide's 16-month 'The Walk of Hope' bound for Srinagar, the chief minister extended "full support" of his government to the pan-India march that aims to promote inter-faith harmony.

Sri M, who was felicitated by Kejriwal with a shawl, called for peace in the country, adding the youngsters have a "big role" to play in it. "Our country has a rich diversity in various aspects: religion, rituals, languages.... They should only help bind us; not separate people," he added.

School students, social workers and people from various walks of life participated in the padayatra with its 70 volunteers today during their 10-km march from Guru Granth Sahib Vidya Kendra Gurdwara in Mehrauli to Aurobindo Ashram.

The 'Walk of Hope', which began on January 12 last year from Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, entered Delhi yesterday, with union ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad and Maneka Gandhi joining him along the Gurgaon-Chattarpur stretch. Sri M will continue to interact with people, deliver lectures and meet top administrators and influential leaders till March 3 in the capital.

On Friday, Sri M will meet President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He will also attend a felicitation function at Teen Murti House.

The Walk of Hope is also hosting cultural evenings. On Thursday evening, Manav Ekta Band gave a music concert and Richa Jain performed a Kathak recital at IIT Delhi, where Sri M also delivered a talk.