Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said that for the overall growth of the country, it’s important to guarantee equal opportunities for women.

While lecturing at a meeting with a group of schoolgirls at his home, PM said that no civilization could go ahead if women lagged behind.

Mr. Singh congratulated the children from some of the Urdu-medium schools on the eve of Milad-un-Nabi.

This was PM’s first public meeting after his bypass surgery on January 24.

Emphasizing the worldly nature of the Indian Constitution, he stated that it did not distinguish between people on the strength of religion.

"Our Constitution gives full freedom to the people to practise any religion of their choice, but it does not give anyone the licence to criticise or run down other religions," the PM said.

Singh's comments acquire significance in light of recent assaults on sacred minorities in Orissa and Karnataka.

He showed contentment over the notable performance by pupils from Urdu-medium schools in the Board examinations.

He also paid rich tributes to the Urdu language, calling it a sign of Indian philosophy.

"Urdu is a living example of our Ganga-Jamuna culture," he said.

Singh commented that his administration had done much to encourage Urdu and promised to take every necessary step to keep alive its rich tradition.