Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said unity and respect for diversity is a must for survival of the nation. Speaking at the inauguration of national conference to commemorate 125th birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr Singh said suppression of dissent or free speech poses a great danger to the country's liberal and secular ideals.<br/><br/> He said the prevailing circumstances are challenging, where one is reprimanded for seeking freedom to express views, and opinions. He said all right minded people in India have condemned the recent incidents of intolerance. Dr Singh said no single religion can become the basis for public policy.<br/><br/>The former Prime Minister said peace is essential not only for freedom but also for economic growth and intellectual development. He said Pt Nehru's words – No Peace Without Freedom and No Freedom Without Peace are as relevant today as they were decades ago.