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.