New Delhi: Asserting that terrorism was a 'cancer' threatening to destabilise the delicate balance between nations, President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said a civilized way must always be opted to bridge disagreements but added that peace talks could not continue under a 'shower of bullets'.
Addressing the nation on the eve of 67th Republic Day of India, Mukherjee said, “26 January 1950 saw the culmination of heroic struggle of an extraordinary generation of leaders.”
The President further said, "They pulled together India’s amazing diversity to build national unity, which has brought us so far. The enduring democratic institutions they established have given us gift of continuity on the path of progress."
"Year 2015 has been a year of challenges; during this year, the global economy remained subdued. In such troubled environment, no one nation could be an oasis of growth," the President added.
"India’s economy also had to face the blowback. In 2015, we were also denied the bounty of nature.While large parts of India were affected by severe drought, other areas reeled under devastating floods. Unusual weather conditions impacted our agricultural production," Prez said.
He further said, "India is building and implementing strategies to solve these problems. This year, with an estimated growth rate of 7.3 percent, India is poised to become the fastest growing large economy. There will be, amongst us, occasional doubters and baiters."
Appreciating the Indian democracy, Mukherjee said, "Let us continue to complain; demand; rebel; this is a virtue of democracy. Let us applaud what our democracy has achieved."
"Our finest inheritance, institutions of democracy, ensure to all citizens justice, equality, gender and economic equity," President said.
On the issue of intolerance, President said, "When grim instances of violence hit at established values which are at core of our nationhood, it is time to take note. We must guard ourselves against the forces of violence, intolerance and unreason."
President ended his speech with a quote from Rabindranath Tagore, urging the youth of the country to march ahead and take centrestage.
"CHOLAAY CHOLAAY BAAJBEY JOYER BHEREE – PAAYER BEGEYI POTH KETEY JAAY, KORISH NEY AAR DERI”
Move ahead, the roll of drums announce your triumphal march; With feet of glory, you shall cut out your own path; Delay not, delay not, a new age dawns.
