Obama urges India to take steps for religious freedom

NEW DELHI: Former US president Barack Obama on Friday said that India should step up efforts for the welfare of other religious communities including Muslims population living in the country.

While addressing an audience of students and other invitees at the end of his visit to India, Former US president said; "people have the right to practise their faith as they choose, or no faith at all without fear or discrimination.” Obama admitted that he had often felt “treated differently” because of his background in the US.

In his speech on avenues for Indo-US partnership, Obama spoke about religious freedom and gender equality. He added; “In all countries, upholding this freedom is the responsibility of the government and each person. Religion has been used to tap into the dark side of man.”

While referring to Narendra Modi and himself, he said these were countries where “the son of a tea vendor can be PM, a Dalit can draft the Constitution and the grandson of a cook can be President.