The President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee today disapproved of assault on democratic institutions in the garb of opposing corruption though he held anger against corruption legitimate. He also decried Violence against minorities in Assam. Addressing the Nation on the eve of 65th anniversary of Independence, Mr. Mukherjee asserted that, though at times, people lose their patience against this plague that is eroding the capability and potential of the Nation, it can not become an excuse for an assault on pillars of Constitution.
Conceding the fact that the institutions may have suffered from the weariness of time, he opined that the answer is not to destroy what has been built, but to re-engineer them so that they become stronger than before. Emphasising the need to restore the credibility of those areas of polity, judiciary, executive and legislature where complacency, exhaustion or malfeasance may have clogged delivery, the President advised that legislation cannot be wrenched away from the legislature or justice from the judiciary. He said, democratic temper calls for dignity of behaviour and tolerance of contrary views. He said Democracy is blessed with a unique opportunity for redress of grievances through the great instrument of accountability – free elections.
Expressing pain over violence in Assam, Mr. Mukherjee observed that minorities need solace, understanding and protection from aggression. Asking to revisit Assam accord conceived by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, he said that there is a need to adapt it to present conditions in the spirit of justice and national interest.
Talking of terrorism, Mr. Mukherjee observed that given the geopolitical environment, SAARC should be a major instrument in the common war against to curb the menace. He said all SAARC nations must cooperate to bring to justice those who believe in mayhem against innocent people.
Calling for a second freedom struggle to ensure that India is free forever from hunger, disease and poverty, he also alerted that education and health services have to reach the last man at the earliest, so that the young India could avail the opportunity and achieve the goal. Mr. Mukherjee asserted that if country’s economy has achieved critical mass, then it must become a launching pad for the next leap. Quoting Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, he said, economic progress is one of the tests of democracy.
Reiterating that country’s economy today is more resilient and confident notwithstanding the tremendous pressure of an adverse external environment, Mr. Mukherjee, however, cautioned that there remain several gaps that need to be bridged. He strongly recommended that Green revolution has to be extended to the eastern region of the country and creation of high quality infrastructure has to be fast tracked.
Expressing concern on deficient monsoon this year, he said, inflation, particularly food inflation, remains a cause of worry, while food availability remains healthy, the plight of farmers cannot be ignored.
Praising armed forces and police for their valiant acts, President Mukherjee congratulated them for their performance at Olympics also.
Mr. Mukherjee exuded confidence that propelled by freedom of faith, gender equality and economic justice for all, India is becoming a modern nation where harmony prevails.
