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Tolerance Part of Collective Conscious of Our Civilisation, Says Pranab Mukherjee In His Farewell Speech: Key Highlights
Pranab Mukherjee, in his last address as President of India, said that "my temple has been Parliament of India, my passion has been service of people".
New Delhi, July 24: In his farewell speech to the nation, President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said he will remain indebted to people of India for reposing faith in him. Pranab Mukherjee in his last address as President of India said, “The soul of India resides in pluralism and tolerance. India is not just a geographical entity. It carries a history of ideas, philosophy, intellect, industrial genius, craft, innovation and experience.
He further added, “Plurality of our society has come about through assimilation of ideas over centuries. The multiplicity in culture, faith and language is what makes India special. We derive our strength from tolerance”. Welcoming next President Ram Nath Kovind in office, Mukherjee wished him luck for his tenure.”
Reflecting upon his tenure in President’s office, Mukherjee said “Five years ago, when I took the oath of office of the President of the Republic, I promised to preserve, protect and defend our Constitution, not just in word but also in spirit. Each day of these five years, I was conscious of my responsibility. I learnt from my travels across the length and breadth of the country.”
Highlights of the speech
- Mukherjee said, “I learnt from my conversations with young and bright minds in colleges and universities, scientists, innovators, scholars, jurists, authors, artists and leaders from across the spectrum. These interactions kept me focused and inspired. I strove hard. How successful I was in discharging my responsibilities will be judged, over the time, by the critical lens of history.”
- Mukherjee said,” He is not going to give a sermon this evening. Reflecting upon his political career, he said, “my sacred text remains the Constitution, my temple Parliament and my spirit service of the country.”
- President said'” Tolerance has been part of the collective conscience of civilisation.” He added, “The soul of India resides in pluralism and tolerance. India is not just a geographical entity. It carries a history of ideas, philosophy, intellect, industrial genius, craft, innovation and experience. Plurality of our society has come about through assimilation of ideas over centuries. The multiplicity in culture, faith and language is what makes India special. We derive our strength from tolerance.”
- He said, “Education is alchemy which can lead to our golden age again. We must strengthen the institutions of learning and scientific temper has to be promoted in these institutions.”
- He added, “Protection of the environment is essential for our survival. Nature has been kind to us in its bounty. But when greed exceeds need, nature lets loose its fury. We often see some parts of India affected by devastating floods while others reel under severe drought.”
- He pointed out that Climate change has put farming sector under tremendous stress. Scientists and technologists have to work with millions of farmers and workers to revive the health of our soil, arrest the decline in water table and restore the ecological balance. We all have to act together now for the future may not give us another chance.
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