(Image source from: Modi: Pluralism is India's tremendous social strength})

Heated debate on "rising intolerance" is continuing in India. Even at this time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written that Pluralism is India's tremendous social strength, in The Economist.

Modi writes that, "India has tremendous social strengths, including pluralism...", in a column in an upcoming, special issue of The Economist magazine. The 30th edition issue of the magazine has cover story with the title "The World in 2016".

The issue will feature caricatures of world leaders, even Modi. Also, contributions from International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde and Nobel Peace laureate Malala Yousafzai, will be included. Paris-based correspondent of the magazine tweeted excerpts from the issue.

After sarcastic articles came out on both Indian and international publications, Modi lately spoke about the diversity of India few times. Meanwhile critics continued to claim that Modi failed to keep a check on few sections of people in his BJP party and affiliate organizations for making "intolerant" comments about minorities. In his last week’s UK trip, PM Modi called India's diversity as "strength and pride" of India.

PM Modi addressed few other developmental issues being faced by India in his column for the British magazine, saying that, "We are conscious that our growth...will have some environmental impact." He also referred to the "great expectations" the government led by him, which is ready to complete 18 months next week.
Modi wrote that, "Inevitably, some of these expectations run ahead of us.”

-Sumana