Clinton chides Southern Baptists, lauds Indian contributions
Wasington: U.S. president Bill Clinton has lauded the contribution of Indians in the country's prosperity and indirectly rebuked the Southern Baptists, who wanted that the Hindus, Jews, Muslims and Buddhists convert to Christianity, stressing the diversity of faiths in America. "You can be proud of your roots and of the outstanding contributions the people and culture of India have made to our national life. From business to the arts, from government to the academia, you have played an important part in advancing the peace and prosperity that our country enjoys today," Clinton said in his Diwali message, which could not be released due to a slip-up on the part of one of the organisers of a function at Chantilly, Virginia.
The president said that the life in the US had been continually renewed and enriched by the many different people who had chosen to become fellow citizens as each had brought a part of his or her own heritage, which over time became part of "our common heritage". "As we seek to become a more united people, we must not forget our roots, for they remind us of who we are and of what we have to share with others," the message said. Diwali celebrations are one of the biggest annual events in Washington, attended by over 10,000 peope
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