New Delhi, Dec. 28 : Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said here today that the recent terror attacks were an attempt to hamper progress, peace and unity of the country.

Speaking at the Bhimsen Sachar Memorial Lecture here, Dr Manmohan Singh said that India's rich history, heritage and culture will thwart any attempt to hamper the peace and progress of the country.

"Those who wish to see India diminished will be disappointed, as the country knows how to rise to a challenge," Manmohan Singh said.

"A united India has made history in the past century and will continue to do so in its march towards progress, by emerging stronger," he added.

He said that the world today looked at India as a rising power but the old problems and new challenges remained.

The Prime Minister urged all the political leaders to rise above petty politics and work for the upliftment of the society and country. He asked all political parties to eschew the temptation of focusing on narrow agendas and work together. (ANI)