India Taps Civilizational Values for Economic Growth: Hardeep Puri
New Delhi, 23 April, 2025: At a special seminar organized in New Delhi by Shaheed Nanak Singh Foundation, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri hailed the contribution of refugees in India’s growth and termed it a result of reclaiming of civilization values.
Delivering his key-note address on ‘Honouring Those Who Honour India‘ organized by Shaheed Nanak Singh Foundation, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri said, “We are a country which drew on the sacrifice of his previous generation. A lot of countries have benefited from the contribution of refugees. We’ve reclaimed the civilization values which were always ours. And we’ve used that as a driver of pride and in turn economic growth. The contribution of Shaheed Nanak Singh and his family is a testament of the same.”
The event was held to honour Shaheed Nanak Singh’s efforts in promoting communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims during India‘s partition. He sacrificed his life for protecting lives of students of DAV College, Multan (now in Pakistan) in 1947.
Lord Rami Ranger FRSA, Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom, and youngest son of Shaheed Nanak Singh Ji, narrated the role that his father played in uniting people of all faith during the turbulent times of partition. “The unity of India is also essential for the survival of our civilization. Our civilization is miles ahead of every other civilization. When we were not united, we suffered centuries of invasion. But we managed to preserve what we enjoy today due to the supreme sacrifice of our selfless leaders,” he said.
Underscoring the significance of these dialogues, Mr. Vineet Nanda, General Secretary of the Shaheed Nanak Singh Foundation, stated that as India‘s global influence expands, it is crucial to recognize those Indians who prioritized creating a positive international image for the nation.
The event also drew the presence of numerous dignitaries, including Col. Kulwinder Singh (son of the late Nanak Singh Ji), Mr. Ravindra Sheroan, Mr. Navneet Soni, former Chairman of the Minority Commission Mr. Tarlochan Singh, Rajya Sabha member Mr. Vivek Tankha, and various other distinguished guests, such as current and former bureaucrats.