The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee said broad outlook, unhampered by regionalism, unencumbered by parochialism, unhindered by prejudices alone can make our nation great and ideal enough to lead the world. He was addressing the students of Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education at Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry today (September 25, 2013).
The President said the youth of our country are not lagging behind any other in matters of intelligence or talent; but what our country needs is sincerity and dedication. He called for continuous efforts to generate greater tolerance and understanding among all sections of a democratic society. The President said it is this role which Sri Aurobindo expected India to play.
The President said we must be increasingly mindful of the sensitivities of those around us and how they may be affected by our words and deeds. While we endeavour to eliminate the problems that distort our social development, and as we address imbalances, we must collectively identify the values that have over the centuries, served to safeguard the pluralistic and secular fabric of our society. And we must reinforce these ethics so that as we go forth into a globalised world, we as Indians remain faithful to these unique traditions.
This release issued at 2000 hrs