The Hindu : Front Page : President: no place for violence

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Friday, Aug 15, 2008
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President: no place for violence

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: President Pratibha Patil has cautioned the country against the new tendency of people “taking the law into their own hands and causing destruction to life and public property.”

Addressing the nation on the eve of Independence Day, Ms. Patil said “violence in any form undermines” the nation’s progress. “Whatever the problem, whatever the cause, whatever the reason, there is no place for violence in our society. There is no issue that does not lend itself to dialogue and reconciliation.”

Without any reference to the turmoil in J&K, the President appealed that “calm be always maintained in all parts of the country and wherever differences exist, all efforts be directed towards reconciliation. “I am confident that the concept of India that is functioning in unison in a milieu of a vast diversity will continue to define our identity.

“We should pause and reflect on how our conduct and our actions are promoting unity. We must ask ourselves whether our actions are contributing to the strengthening of the national fabric and bringing about tolerant thinking.”

Referring to the world-wide menace of terrorism, the President said, “India has been the target of terrorist attacks for several decades” but “we must stand united against the threats emanating from terrorism. Terrorists with their disruptive agenda, will never succeed in discouraging us from our resolve to build a strong India, or from working with our neighbours to eliminate this menace from our region.”

Ms. Patil reminded the citizens that while the Constitution gave them fundamental rights it also enjoined on them some fundamental duties. “Often, we are vocal about our rights but we tend to focus less on our numerous duties. We have duties towards the country, society and family, of which we can ignore none. We must remember that while discharging our duties, we have an obligation to act responsibly.”

The President made a plea for inclusive growth. “No one should be left behind as the nation progresses. It is my wish that growth and prosperity reaches every State, every district, every city, every town, every village and every individual of the country. We have attained impressive rates of growth but empowerment of all sections of society still remains unaccomplished.”

Making a reference to “social evils that exist in our society,” she called upon institutions and “selfless workers” to create awareness against many social malpractices. Praising the social action groups that work relentlessly, she said “people and organisations who work tirelessly without expectation of rewards, unseen and maybe unsung, constitute the foundation of a nation and give it inherent strength.”

The President concluded by asserting that India wanted to engage the international community to promote peace and development.

“We will continue to carry into the global arena the message of harmony, pluralism, peaceful co-existence and oneness of the human race, concepts that are deeply rooted in our national ethos.”

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