The central task which faces the leadership in the country —and by leadership I mean not merely governmental leadership but leadership in all walks of life — is the creation and sustenance of an atmosphere in which the problems, policies and issues in the country will be seen and discussed not from a Hindu or a Muslim angle or from the angles of North or South but from a common Indian angle. In other words the task is to consciously reduce and finally eliminate the distance that separates communities and regions in the endeavour to build a truly modern and secular society. It is not suggested that this should mean the disappearance of the special cultural and religious traditions of any community. This, in fact, is what lends variety and richness to Indian culture, and I for one would be sorry to see this variety and richness go from our midst. It is, however, the duty of the intelligentsia of all communities to see that they come to terms with the imperatives of change in a world where decisive events are being shaped not by theology but by science and technology.
In relation to the communal situation, the newspapers and periodicals have an exceedingly important role to play. I do not suggest that they should, by any manner or means, try to suppress anything. At the same time, they have a great responsibility to view the events objectively, once again from a common frame of reference. More than ordinary care is required to sift the facts. In times of tension and trouble, all kinds of rumours get afloat and it does not do credit to responsible journalism to give currency to such rumours by according them space in the newspapers and by writing editorial comments on that basis. At the same time, any injustice or wrong has to be exposed so that the conscience of the entire national community is roused. This can happen only if there is scrupulous regard for facts. Without sacrificing objectivity in reporting any situation and in organising opinion for redressal of genuine grievances, it should be possible not to subordinate the wider objectives of national integration to the demands of a passing local situation. In any case it is the solemn duty of every one to see that nothing is said or done which would inflame feelings between communities.
