Jodhpur, Jan. 10 -- Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that large-scale community gatherings strengthen the nation rather than divide it, asserting that a self-reliant society leads to a self-reliant India.

Shah was addressing the Maheshwari Global Convention & Expo in Jodhpur, where he emphasised that India's social fabric and strong community structures play a vital role in national unity. He noted that if every community takes responsibility for the welfare and safety of its most vulnerable members, the country as a whole would be better served.

"Whenever social gatherings or community events are organised, some so-called progressive people criticise those who attend them. I have personally faced many such criticisms. I b...