Despite threats from Shiv Sena, former Pakistan Foreign Minister's book was launch in Mumbai.
Despite threats by Shiv Sena, and the blackening of the face of Sudheendra Kulkarni, the organisers of the launch of former Pakistan foreign minister, Ahmed Kasuri's book "Neither a Hawk, Nor a Dove" amid tight security.
Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena workers had smeared black paint on Mr Kulkarni's face outside his house. He is the chairman of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), the think-tank and organiser of the book launch show.
"I would like to thank Chief Minister Mr Devendra Fadnavis for providing excellent protection (provided to him) ever since I landed in Mumbai airport (last evening)," he said at the book launch.
"I also express my deepest gratitude to all of you who have come to attend the function notwithstanding the extra ordinary circumstances in which it is being held. This shows your resolve, our resolve and common resolve, the resolve of millions of Mumbaikars to defend the values of tolerance and diversity," Mr Kulkarni said while making opening remarks at the event held at Nehru Centre in Mumbai.
It was attended among others by noted lawyer and historian AG Noorani, journalist Dileep Padgaonkar and film actor Naseeruddin Shah, who were panelists at the launch.
Taking a jibe at Shiv Sena, Mr Kulkarni welcomed the former Pakistan Minister to the megapolis of Mumbai in Marathi.
Without naming Shiv Sena, he evoked President Pranab Mukherjee's recent remarks that "tolerance and diversity and core values of Indian civilisation and these must be defended", he said adding "we shall defend them".
Terming Mumbai as a "tolerant, inclusive, liberal, democratic and multi-faith city", Mr Kulkarni said the mega polis celebrates diversity of every kind including "diversity of thoughts and opinions".
The former aide of BJP veteran, LK Advani said that Mumbai has a very special place in India's freedom Movement with Mahatma Gandhi and Muhammed Ali Jinnah spending "maximum years" substantial part of their lives in the city, which served as "karma bhumi" of the both the leaders.