Addressing the nation on the eve of 67th Republic Day, President Dr Pranab Mukherjee said that India is a rising power, a country fast marching towards development.

He said that 2015 has bee a year of challenges and global economy remains subdued.

"In 2015 we were also denied the bounty of nature, our agriculture production and rural employment also suffered," the President said.

"Reverence for the past is one of the essential ingredients of nationalism. Our finest inheritance, the institutions of democracy, ensure to all citizens justice, equality, and gender and economic equity," said Dr Mukherjee.

"When grim instances of violence hit at these established values which are at the core of our nationhood, it is time to take note. We must guard ourselves against the forces of violence, intolerance and unreason," the President said in his address to the nation.

"No good or bad terrorism; it is pure evil. If outlaws are able to unravel borders, then we are heading towards age of chaos," the President said.

Referring to the India-Pak comprehensive dialogue process, the President said. "The closer we are to a neighbour the higher the propensity for disputes. There is a civilised way to bridge disagreement. Dialogue, ideally, should be a continual engagement. But we cannot discuss peace under a shower of bullets."