President Pranab Mukherjee has said pluralism and tolerance have been the hallmark of Indian civilisation and asked people to remain alert to communal tensions rearing its ugly head anywhere.<br/><br/>Delivering the Arjun Singh memorial lecture in New Delhi today, Mr Mukherjee said in a pluralistic democracy, it is important that the values of tolerance, respect for contrary views and patience are inculcated amongst the citizens particularly the youth.<br/><br/>He said diversity of the country cannot be turned into fiction due to the whims of a rigid few.<br/><br/>The President also emphasized that democracy is not all about numbers and called for consensus building.<br/><br/>Mr. Mukherjee said India derives its strength from tolerance which has been part of its collective consciousness for centuries and it was the only way it will work well for the country.