No place for an intolerant Indian in the country: President Pranab Mukherjee

“It is tragic to see them (those in Universities) caught in the vortex of violence and disquiet,” the President said regarding the current unrest in the Delhi University campus.

He also said that there must be space for “legitimate criticism and dissent”.

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“Our society has always been characterized by the open contestation of diverse schools of thought and debate as well as discussion. Freedom of speech and expression is one of the most important fundamental rights guaranteed by our Constitution,” the President said. He also called upon a collective effort to  rediscover the sense of “national purpose and patriotism”.

President Mukherjee also said that there must be space for “legitimate criticism and dissent”. (Source: Rashtrapati Bhavan)

In his address, President Mukherjee also emphasised on the safety of women and children in India saying: “The acid test of any society is its attitude towards women and children. India should not fail this test.”

“I do not consider a society or State to be civilised if its citizens’ behaviour towards women is uncivilised. When we brutalize a woman, we wound the soul of our civilisation. Not only does our Constitution guarantee equal rights to women but our culture and tradition also celebrate the feminine as divine. Protection and safety of our women and children must be a nationwide priority,” President Mukherjee said.