In maiden R-Day speech, Pranab raises burning issues

January 25, 2013 19:18

Triggering a fresh debate in the context of the brutal gangrape in Delhi and youth protests that followed, President Pranab Mukherjee today raised a question whether the country's legislature reflects the emerging India or does it need radical reforms.

Asking whether corruption has overtaken morality in life, he said elected representatives must win back people's confidence and the anxiety and the restlessness of the youth has to be channelised towards change with speed, dignity and order.

In his first address to the nation on the eve of the 64th Republic Day, Mukherjee referred to the "grave tragedy" of the brutal rape and murder of a woman in the capital that has shattered complacency.

Sponsorship of terrorism through non-state actors is a matter of deep concern, President Pranab Mukherjee said today making it clear to Pakistan that India is ready to offer a hand of friendship but that should not be taken for granted.

"Neighbours may have disagreements; tension can be a subtext of frontiers. But sponsorship of terrorism through non-state actors is a matter of deep concern to the entire nation," he said.

He said India believes in peace on the border and is always ready to offer a hand in the hope of friendship. "But this hand should not be taken for granted," he said.

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