The President has asserted that India's offer of friendship should not be taken for granted. Addressing the nation on the eve of 64th Republic Day on Friday, Pranab Mukherjee referred to the serious atrocities committed on Indian troops on the Line of Control and said sponsorship of terrorism through non state actors is a matter of great concern. In an apparent reference to Pakistan, he said India believes in peace on the border and is always ready to offer a hand in hope of friendship. But, he made it clear that this hand should not be taken for granted.
On the recent gang rape and murder of a young woman, the President said, it is time for the nation to reset its moral compass. Justifying the outrage by the youth against the incident, he said the grave tragedy has left our hearts and minds in turmoil. Rejecting cynicism as it blinds morality, the President called for finding solutions to problems through discussion and conciliation of views. He said that people must believe that governance is an instrument for good and for that, good governance must be ensured. Recalling the great strides made by India in the last over six decades, Mukherjee said the time has come to ensure gender equality for every Indian women. The national commitment cannot be evaded or abandoned. He said the civil society and the government must work together to fulfill this national goal.
Describing the youth as the vanguard of change, the President called for chanelising their anxiety and restlessness towards change with speed, dignity and order. He said the youth must have jobs capable of serving their own as well as nation's ambitions. They cannot dream on an empty stomach. He said it must be ensured that the fruits of economic growth reach to all.
On economic reforms, the President pitched for inclusive growth and said the high growth figures have no meaning unless they benefit all sections of society. The result of the policies must be seen in villages, farmas and factories, schools and hospitals. He said there is need to act immediately. Otherwise, the current pockets of conflicts often described as Naxalite violence could acquire far more dangerous dimensions, he cautioned. Calling upon legislatures to reflect the emerging India, he said elected representatives must win back the confidence of the people.
Describing education as a mantra, he said it can transform economic fortunes and eliminate inequality from the society. Mukherjee said that education has not reached to the extent desired, so far. India can double its growth rate by turning today's disadvantaged in to multiple engines of economic development.
The President promised that India will change more in the next ten years than in the previous sixty.
