"This is not partisan politics. It is, in my view, an overriding national imperative that those who cherish our values come together to defend the soul of India and save it from merchants of poison and hatred," she said without naming any political party or associated organisations.

Speaking here at the inauguration of Lokmanya Tilak Museum at a function organised by Kesari-Mahratta Trust, which runs the century-old Kesari newspaper founded by Tilak, she said diversity was the unique hallmark of Indian society.

"But now that very diversity is being used to divide us. This must be resisted at all costs. This is not a narrow political confrontation. I would respectfully urge media networks such as yours to play their part and support us in our battles," she said.

Maintaining that these were "troubledtimes" for the country, Sonia said she was sure that people would come to the rescue as always. "The people of India have always rejected extremism of all kinds. They have always rejected fundamentalism of all colours. It is this that gives us hope."

She said Lokmanya Tilak reinterpreted the essence of Indian thought. "To him the Bhagavad Gita

, was not a recipe for passive renunciation of the world but was actually a call for active participation, she added.

Gandhi said Tilak's message was that India's political fortunes would be revived not by blind adherence to the past but by constantly reinterpreting it in the light of contemporary challenges.

Recalling how Tilak transformed the national cause from an upper class into a truly popular movement, she said "I cannot help wondering how unfortunate it is that the Tilak's legacy has been sought to be hijacked by a certain sections of our society who are bent on distorting the very essence of our civilisation and who are bent on destroying the pluraland composite nature of our heritage."

"Diversity defines us. Diversity strengthens us. We must respect it. Indeed, we must do more than that - we must also celebrate diversity, for in that celebration we rejoice in our heritance, in what has been bequeathed to us," she said.

Maharashtra Governor P C Alexander, members of Tilak's family and Congress leaders including Sharad Pawar were present on the occasion.