PM lauds Left movement

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had a word of praise for the Left movement in the country. He, who heads the UPA government that has the support of the Left parties, also recognises that Marxism captured "two very important aspects for progress of a nation."

"The Left movement has taught us to rise above narrow considerations of caste and sub-castes," the Prime Minister said deviating from his prepared speech. He also pointed out that India would not remain as a cohesive nation if it departed from its secular nature.

"Although I do regard myself as a liberal in terms of social philosophy," Manmohan Singh said that he did recognise that Marxism captured two very important aspects for progress of a nation.

Elaborating the two aspects of Marxism, Manmohan Singh said, "firstly it attaches great importance to sustained and rapid accumulation of capital which is absolutely essential for tackling the problem of mass poverty in the framework of a rapidly expanding economy. Secondly, its commitment to social justice, particularly to ensuring that the fruits of growth are shared equitably and that the burden of socio-economic change is not placed disproportionately on the shoulders of those who do not have the necessary ability to bear it. These insights of Marxism must guide any development policy."