President Pranab Mukherjee today addressed the nation on the eve of India's 69th Independence Day. Here are the highlights:
- Our institutions of democracy are under stress. The parliament has been converted into an arena of combat rather than debate.
- If the institutions of democracy are under pressure, it is time for serious thinking by the people and their parties. Correctives must come from within
- Democracy reshaped our ancient values into a modern context and institutionalized multiple freedoms
- The new chapters of India story are waiting to be written
- Benefits of growth must reach the poorest of the poor much before they land in bank accounts of the richest of the rich
- Our country's rise will be measured by the strength of our values. It will equally be determined by economic growth and equitable distribution of the nation's resources
- Our policies must be geared to meet the 'Zero Hunger' challenge in a foreseeable future
- A nation which forgets the idealism of its past loses something vital from its future
- Our democracy is creative because it is plural, but diversity must be nourished with tolerance and patience
- Rule of law is sacrosanct but society is protected by something greater than law - humanity
- Peace, friendship and cooperation bind nations and peoples together
- It is heartening that the long pending land boundary issue with Bangladesh has been finally resolved
- Terrorists have no religion and adhere to no ideology, except the language of violence and the cult of evil.
- Our neighbours must ensure that their territory is not used by forces inimical to India.
- Infiltration into our territory and attempts to create mayhem will be dealt with a strong hand
- I pay homage to martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice of their lives defending India
- I salute courage & heroism of security forces who are maintaining an eternal vigil to safeguard country & people
- India's strength lies in its unique capacity to blend apparent contradictions into positive affirmations
- On the fertile ground laid by our Constitution, India has blossomed into a vibrant democracy. The roots are deep but the leaves are beginning to wilt; it is time for renewal. If we do not act now, will our successors 7 decades hence remember us with respect and admiration? The answer may not be comfortable, but the question has to be asked
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