Youth today are brimming with hope and aspirations. Lack of opportunities leads to frustration and unhappiness. This has to be dealt with by inculcating pro-social behaviour.

Happiness is fundamental to the human experience of life. Happiness is equally the outcome of economic and non-economic parameters. The quest for happiness is closely tied to sustainable development. We must make happiness and well-being of our people as the touchstones of public policy.

Many of the flagship initiatives of the government have been designed to promote the well-being of the society.

India's pluralism & her social, cultural, linguistic and religious diversity are our greatest strength. Our tradition has always celebrated the 'argumentative' Indian; not the 'intolerant' Indian. Multiple views, thoughts and philosophies have competed with each other peacefully for centuries in our country.

A wise and discerning mind is necessary for democracy to flourish. A healthy democracy calls for conformity to the values of tolerance, patience and respect for others. These values must reside in the hearts and minds of every Indian.We have a noisy democracy; yet, we need more and not less of democracy.

Strength of our democracy is evidenced by the fact that over 66 per cent of the total electorate voted in 2014 General Elections. The depth and breadth of our democracy sparkles in the regular elections being held in our panchayati raj institutions.

Our legislatures lose sessions to disruptions when they should be debating and legislating on issues of importance. Collective efforts must be made to bring the focus back to debate, discussion and decision-making.

As our Republic enters her sixty-eighth year, we must acknowledge that our systems are not perfect. The imperfections have to be recognised and rectified. The settled complacencies have to be questioned.

The edifice of trust has to be strengthened.The time is also ripe for a constructive debate on electoral reforms. It is for the Election Commission to take this exercise forward in consultation with political parties.

We have to work harder because our war on poverty is not yet over.

Our economy is yet to grow at over 10 percent for an extended period of time to make a significant dent on poverty. One-fifth of our countrymen still remain below poverty line.

Gandhiji's mission to wipe every tear from every eye still remains unfulfilled. We have to work harder to provide food security to our people.