Preserve pluralism, says President Pranab Mukherjee
This was followed by an appeal to people for practising tolerance and to accept differences
New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday once again called for preserving the multiplicity and pluralistic character of the country and said India has thrived due to its power of assimilation and tolerance.
The President, who had on a number of occasions spoken against growing intolerance in the last three weeks, was speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Delhi High Court here.
“Our country has thrived due to its power of assimilation and tolerance. Our pluralistic character has stood the test of time. Our ancient civilisation has over the centuries accommodated our diversities.
“Multiplicity is our collective strength which must be preserved at all costs. It finds reflection in the various provisions of our Constitution,” Mukherjee said at the function which was attended by Chief Justice of India H.L. Dattu, Chief Justice of Delhi High Court G. Rohini, Lt. Governor of Delhi Najeeb Jung and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
In the wake of the Dadri lynching and subsequent incidents, the President had asked a question whether tolerance and acceptance of dissent are on the wane during a function at his home town at Suri in West Bengal on October 19. This was followed by an appeal to people for practising tolerance and to accept differences while respecting dissent.