President Pranab Mukherjee has said that attacks on weaker sections need to be dealt with firmly.<br/><br/>In his address to the nation on the eve of country's 70th Independence day, Mr Mukherjee said forces of divisiveness and intolerance are trying to raise their ugly heads in the country. Expressing concern, he said attacks on weaker sections are against the country's national ethos.<br/><br/>Mr Mukherjee, however, said such forces will remain marginalised and India's remarkable growth story will continue uninterrupted.<br/><br/>Giving a clarion call to the world to fight terror activities unconditionally and in one voice, the President said the world has witnessed a spate of terror activities having their roots in religious radicalization.<br/><br/>He said these forces now pose a danger to the entire comity of nations. Mr Mukherjee said India has repeatedly conveyed the message of peace and harmony to the trouble-torn world through its unique civilisational contribution.<br/><br/>The President said the passage of the Constitution Amendment Bill for the introduction of Goods and Services Tax amidst non partisan and quality Parliamentary deliberations is reason enough to celebrate the democratic maturity.<br/><br/>Mr Mukherjee underlined that the strong edifice of democracy built on the four pillars of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity has withstood several threats from both within and without and has grown from strength to strength.<br/><br/>He said Constitution has clearly defined duties and responsibilities of every organ of the state and this ethos of Maryada should be upheld by the functionaries in the discharge of their duties.<br/><br/>The President said the safety and security of women and children determines the well-being of the state and society.<br/><br/>Mr Mukherjee said society can only be developed by harmonizing religion with modern science.<br/><br/>He said the hurt and the alienated people have to be brought into the mainstream for all round development of the country.<br/><br/>He said in a technological era when machines are being pitted against men, the only way to survive is to acquire knowledge and skills and learn to innovate.<br/><br/>The President said the Start Up Movement and innovative spirit of young entrepreneurs have attracted international attention.<br/><br/>He said the recent initiatives in foreign policy have enhanced energy security, promoted food security and created international partnership to take India's flagship development programmes forward.<br/><br/>Mr Mukherjee conveyed his special greetings and gratitude to the members of Armed Forces, paramilitary and internal security forces who are at the forefront of guarding and preserving the unity, integrity and security of the motherland.<br/>