Hindu culture, tradition is the reason for democracy exists in India - Javed Akhtar

Veteran poet, lyricist and social activist Javed Akhtar, on Thursday, praised the Hindu community for being tolerant, adding that "democracy exists in India because of Hindu culture and tradition".

Akhtar said that Hindus are generous and large-hearted. "There are some people who have always been intolerant. Hindus are not like that. They have this great quality - generous and large-hearted. ,"

He was speaking at a Deepotsav programme organised by Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in Mumbai. Thackeray was present at the event.

Javed Akhtar says he is proud to have been born in the land of Bhagwan Ram and Sita.

He said Bhagwan Rama and Maa Sita are not only Hindu gods and goddesses but also the cultural heritage of entire India.

Akhtar also asked people to chant 'Jai Siya Ram' slogans.