President Mrs. Pratibhadevi Singh Patil has observed that social, religious and cultural diversities are the pillars along with democratic traditions that hold the secular heritage of the country together. Inaugurating the closing ceremony of the birth centenary celebrations of Saint Alphonosa at Bharananganam in Kottayam district in Kerala. The President noted that India's unique position evolved not just because it merely tolerate but accepted diversity. She said the Ethos of coexistence and secularism has taken deep route in the country. Earlier the President paid floral tribute at the tomb of Saint Alphonsa the first woman saint in the country to be canonized by the Roman catholic church. She also laid the foundation stone for the Saint Alphonsa hospice and saint Alphonsa foundation which provides financial assistance to the poor and the needy patients.