Manipal Group Chairman Dr Ramdas Pai nominated to National Integration Council

by Divvy Kant Upadhyay, Manipal

Manipla, Dec 13: Chairman of the Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG) and Chancellor of Manipal University, Dr Ramdas M Pai has been nominated as a member of the National Integration Council by the Central Government.
Dr Pai has accepted the nomination. Speaking to Daijiworld, Dr Pai said he was happy at the nomination and thanked the central government.

Dr Pai said that these are crucial and testing times for the nation and the delicate fabric of the nation must be strengthened and kept intact. Violence, he feels, is a global phenomenon, but remains a greater challenge for an extensively diverse nation like India. People must have faith and confidence in themselves, the system as well as the Almighty, said Dr Pai.

According to Dr Pai, the NIC aims to promote preservation of national integrity and solidarity and maintenance of social harmony. “ I am Indian first and Indian last” quipped Dr Pai when asked about growing regional aspirations in the country.

In a letter written by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram to Dr Ramdas Pai, it is stated that the National Integration Council has been reconstituted by the Prime Minister.

The letter also mentions that, in pursuance of a decision taken by the National Integration Conference convened in 1961 at the instance of the then Prime Minister, Mr Nehru, the National Integration Council was institutionalized as a forum for deliberating on key policy issues and to discuss effective strategies to combat the evils of communalism, casteism, regionalism and separatism.