Pranab Mukherjee gave his final speech as President today.
President Pranab Mukherjee addressed the nation today for the last time on the eve of demitting office. In his speech, he spoke about tolerance and plurality of faith and multiplicity of opinion, which according to the President is essential to the soul of India.
Pranab Mukherjee started congratulating President to be Ram Nath Kovind. He said the last five years has been extremely educative. Pranab said that he has taken constitution as his guiding text during his public life, Parliament has been his temple and his passion has been working for the people of the country.
President also said that the soul of India resides in pluralism and tolerance. President said plurality of society has come through assimilation of ideas over century. The multiplicity in culture, faith is what makes India special,according to President. He said that we derive our strength from tolerance and it has been part of our collective consciousness for centuries.
President reminded that there are divergent strands in public discourse, and irrespective of our opinions we can't deny essential prevalence of multiplicity of opinion. Otherwise a fundamental character of our thought process will wither away, cautioned President.
President said that the capacity for compassion and empathy is the true foundation of our civilization. He said that ee must free our public discourse from all forms of violence, physical as well as verbal. Only a non-violent society can ensure the participation of all sections of the people in the democratic process
President went on to say that the power of non-violence has to be resurrected to build a compassionate and caring society. President stressed on the importance of education and said it is the alchemy that can take India to its next golden age. He said universities should not be a place for rote-memorizing but an assembly of inquisitive minds. Creative thinking, innovation and scientific temper have to be promoted in institutions of higher learning, sais President.
Creation of an inclusive society has to be an article of faith, stressed Pranab Mukherjee. Speaking on the need for inclusive policy making, President said: " We must empower the poorest of the poor and ensure that the fruits of our policies reach the last person in the line Eradication of poverty would provide a strong boost to happiness Social inclusion would ensure access to the fruits of progress to all".
Speaking about his time in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, he mentioned, " During my five years in Rashtrapati Bhavan, we tried to build a humane and happy township We extended our experience to a few villages in the neighbourhood
President recalled a previous address during independence day in 2012. He says he is deeply honoured for being the President of the country. However he says being citizen of India and doing the work entrusted is the greatest honour. President said he is deeply touched by Prime Minister's observation that work will continue. Pranab Mukherjee remarked that he and his team hopes that the work will continue. He also mentioned that they have received utmost cooperation in the last years.
President signed off by saying that from tomorrow he will speak not as President but a citizen of the country, which is going towards glory. Both Ram Nath Kovind and PM Modi were present in the programme.
Before President's speech, PM Modi recalled about his association with the veteran statesman. He said: The guidance I received from President Pranab Mukherjee will help me immensely. I am sure those who worked with him feel the same. Whenever I discussed official matters with President Pranab Mukherjee, he would guide me and offer constructive feedback, said PM. Modi lauded the President saying under him, Rashtrapati Bhawan became Lok Bhawan.
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