Indian nationalism pluralistic, not domain of any religion: Shashi Tharoor

Mumbai: The idea of Indian nationalism emerged from ancient civilisation and youngsters should strive to preserve pluralism which is essential for "survival" of the country, senior Congress leader and former minister Shashi Tharoor said here on Friday.

"The magic of Indian nationalism is that its not based on a particular language, a particular geography, a particular religion or even a particular ethnicity. Indian nationalism is an idea emerging from ancient civilisation, united by a shared history and sustained by our pluralist democracy.

"As young Indian and future leader you must aspire to preserve this pluralism, which is so essential for India's survival," he said while addressing a convocation ceremony at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) in suburban Vile Parle.

Tharoor said India is fast becoming an "entrepreneurship- driven economy" which has changed its perception on global stage.

"India is increasingly becoming an entrepreneurship- driven economy. Indians abroad have already proved themselves in a number of start-ups they have helmed in places like Silicon Valley.

"And I know that there is a place not too far from here being called Powai Valley for increasing number of start-ups that are located there. All these have gone on to change our outlook of world," the Thiruvananthapuram MP said.

He told students that they have abundant opportunities in present era compared to the 1970's.

"I remember very few options were available to graduating students in India of 1970s. In early 1970s, our economy was still very close, sociologist protectionist, international exposure was limited and the word 'globalisation' had not even been heard. But today world is smaller and the opportunities are far greater. Today's graduates have a wide variety of choices in India or outside," Tharoor added.

A total of 349 students of MBA, MBA (Pharmaceutical Management) and MBA (Human Resources) were conferred degrees on the occasion while remaining 347 students will be getting them tomorrow.