Irrespective of our individual views in regard to religious matters, it is clearly most inappropriate for the "Government of Delhi" to accord, at public cost, a reception to any religious leader. The political party in power in the National Capital Territory of Delhi has sworn by secularism even though it asserts that its concept of secularism is different from those of some other political parties which they condemn as "pseudo-secularism". However, according to any concept of "secularism", "pseudo" or "genuine", surely the holding of a public reception by a government in honour of any religious leader is untenable.

It is one thing for an individual chief minister or Prime Minister to attend religious functions or a reception in honour of a religious person in his personal capacity. But it is another for a "government" to hold a reception of this nature.

... (Unlike) State funeral to Mother Teresa, a Christian missionary ... (but) an outstanding social worker and Nobel laureate. The reception by the Government of NCT Delhi ... was clearly announced to be in their capacity as "His Holiness", as seen from the advertisement itself. We do hope that the enlightened elements in all political parties ... will not allow the destruction of accepted national and international values like secularism ...