Celebrate Natl Integration Week: Rajnath to Ministries, depts

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has asked central ministries, departments and state governments to celebrate National Integration Week beginning November 19 in a befitting manner so that the message of communal harmony and national integration reaches everyone.
As part of the Centre's initiative, the National Integration Week ('Qaumi Ekta Week') will be observed across the country from November 19 to 25 with a view to foster and reinforce the spirit of communal harmony, national integration and pride in vibrant, composite culture and nationhood.
"This occasion provides an opportunity to reaffirm age-old traditions and faith in the values of tolerance, co-existence and brotherhood in a multi-cultural and multi-religious society," a Home Ministry statement said.

The observation of the Week will also help to highlight the inherent strength and resilience of the nation to withstand actual and potential threats to the eclectic and secular fabric of the country and nurture a spirit of communal harmony in its widest sense, the release said.
The week-long programmes include holding of meetings, symposia and seminars to emphasise on secularism, anti-communalism and non-violence.
November 20 will be observed as welfare of minorities day, November 21 will be observed as linguistic harmony day and programmes like special literary functions and 'Kavi Sammelan' (poetry recitals) will be organised to enable people of each region to appreciate the linguistic heritage of other parts of India.

November 22 will be observed as weaker sections' day and meetings and rallies will be organised to highlight programmes under various governments which help SCs/STs and weaker sections with particular emphasis on the distribution of surplus land to landless labourers.

Cultural unity day will be observed on November 23 and functions will be organised to present the Indian tradition of unity in diversity and for promoting cultural conservation and integration.
November 24 will be observed as women's day to highlight the importance of women in Indian society and their role in nation-building will be highlighted.
November 25 will be observed as conservation day to emphasise the growing need for awareness and action to conserve the environment.

The National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH), an autonomous organisation with the Ministry of Home Affairs, also organises communal harmony campaign coinciding with the week and observes the communal harmony flag day on November 25.
The Foundation promotes communal harmony and strengthens national integration. It also provides financial assistance for relief and rehabilitation of children rendered orphan or destitute in communal, caste, ethnic or terrorist violence.