'Secularism is a compelling necessity for a country as diverse as India' said Congress president Sonia Gandhi while addressing an international conference organised on the occasion to commemorate 125th birth anniversary of India's first Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru at Delhi’s Vigyan bhawan on Monday. In 1947, India was a new born state, in turmoil after partition. Pandit Nehru brought stability and hope. His ultimate objective was not merely India's freedom but human freedom. Pandit Nehru put the country on the path of modernization, industrialization and social reform. Nehru was a man of letters who interpreted India to the World and the World to India. It is up to our young generation to ensure that the solid foundations that Nehru had built are strengthened further” said Sonia Gandhi. 'Secularism was an article of faith for Nehru' she added..