Free discourse from violence, says pranab mukherjee
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In his last televised address to the nation as President, he said the capacity for compassion and empathy was the "true foundation" of India's civilisation. Outgoing President
Pranab Mukherjee said on Monday that public discourse should be freed from violence — both physical and verbal — and asserted that the country derived its strength from tolerance and
pluralism. In his last televised address to the nation as President, he said the capacity for compassion and empathy was the "true foundation" of India's civilisation.
"But every day, we see increased violence around us. At the heart of this violence is darkness, fear and mistrust," said Mukherjee, 81, who will demit office on Tuesday when Ram
Nath Kovind, 71, will be sworn in as India's 14th President. Mukherjee reminded the people of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy, and said the creation of an inclusive society had to be
an article of faith. Mukherjee emphasised the people's right to lead a happy life which, he said, could be achieved through good governance, social inclusion and poverty eradication.