The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee said we must remain true to the core values of our civilization. He was speaking after receiving the first copy of a Coffee Table book "The Nationalist President - Pranab Mukherjee” at a function held in Rashtrapati Bhavan today (October 7, 2015). The President received the copy of the book from Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari, the Vice President of India who formally released it.
The President said he felt humbled on the occasion. He has received much more from the country than he has given. The President said he had seen political developments in the country for a considerable period of time. He said the country has made tremendous progress. There have been many advancements but we will have to do much more.
The President said we should not allow the core values of our civilization to wither away. Over the years, our civilization has celebrated diversity, plurality and promoted and advocated tolerance. These values have kept us together over the centuries. Many ancient civilizations have collapsed but the Indian civilization has survived because of its core civilizational values and adherence to them. The President said that if we keep them in mind, nothing can prevent our nation from forging ahead. Indian democracy is a marvel and we must celebrate, preserve and promote its strengths.
Before releasing the book, the Vice President of India, Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari said that the book was a record of the President’s enlightened vision.
Paying glowing tributes to the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Rajnath Singh said that during the last five decades, Shri Mukherjee had dominated the political scene. He has been known as an eminent political leader anda consensus builder.
The book has been edited by Shri Prabhu Chawla and produced by the senior editorial team of the New Indian Express as a tribute to the President and in celebration of his personality as a human being, eminent political leader and as the occupant of the highest office in the country.
This release issued at 1830 hrs.