Attacks on weaker sections need to be dealt with firmly: President's I-Day message
August 14, 2016 19:21
On the eve of 70th Independence Day, President Pranab Mukherjee addressed the nation.
Here are highlights from his speech:
>> As we celebrate our 70th Independence day I respectfully bow to the heroes who sacrificed their lives to win freedom for us
>> Our democracy built on pillars of justice, liberty, equality & fraternity has grown from strength to strength
>> I have seen the ruling and opposition parties come together to discuss issues of national security and development of nation
>> The safety and security that we provide to our women and children, determines well being of state and society
>> We cannot call ourselves a civilised society if we fail to protect our women and children
>> Attacks on weaker sections that militate against our national ethos are aberrations that need to be dealt with firmly
>> Disruptions, obstructionism & unmindful pursuit of divisive political agenda lead to institutional travesty
>> Polarizing debates only deepen the fault lines in public discourse
>> Passage of GST constitutional amendment bill is reason enough to celebrate our democratic maturity
>> World has witnessed a spate of terror activities having their roots in radicalization of people on the basis of religion
>> The world will have to fight them unconditionally & in one voice