Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has urged people to be tolerant, respectful to all religions and dedicate themselves to the development of the country. Dr Singh said true religion and religiosity cannot be the basis of hatred and division, but of mutual respect and tolerance for all faiths. He was addressing the closing ceremony of the commemoration of Swami Vivekananda's 150th birth anniversary in New Delhi today. He said human society would have been far more advanced than it is now had it not been for horrible demons of sectarianism and fanaticism.

Quoting Swamiji's one of the most important messages, the Prime Minister said India’s true liberation would come only when every citizen feels liberated from the scourge of poverty, ignorance and disease.

Speaking on the occasion, Congress President Sonia Gandhi said all must rise above politics and pay heed to Swami Vivekananda's teachings of wisdom and tolerance. Stating that religious fanaticism threatens peace in the region, Mrs. Gandhi said the youth must imbibe the teachings of Swamiji to shape their future in the 21st century.

Recalling the preachings of Vivekananda in relentlessly championing the cause of gender equality and communal harmony, Mrs Gandhi said he has become more relevant with the passage of time.

AIR correspondent reports, the year-long celebrations began on 12th January last year by releasing postage stamps and coins to commemorate 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. His teachings were spread through a number of programmes across the country. The government of India and University of Chicago in America have signed an agreement to establish Indian Ministry of Culture Vivekananda Chair in the field of Indian studies.