New Delhi: Expressing deep resentment at the prevailing communal "bitterness" in the country, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on March 31 emphasised the "utmost" need for amity among all the sections of the society.

"There is utmost need for communal harmony today. Although amity is always needed, when an environment of bitterness and narrow-mindedness prevail and there is concern over efforts to divide the society, there is need for people who risk their lives to save others," he said.

"It requires courage and moral force, but there is some additional force which challenges everyone and saves others at the risk of own life," Vajpayee said at a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan organised to confer Kabir awards by President A P J Abdul Kalam.

Pointing out that "such people are less", he said, "Had there been more such people, massacre of Gujarat would not have happened.

"In this unfortunate nation, blood is shed over petty issues," the Prime Minister said.

Wondering where the education of Centuries had gone, he said, "Sometimes, such events hurt the heart. The heart has to be convinced that such madness will not go on for long. At last, prudence, harmony and humanity will prevail."

PTI