Don't mock dignity of others: President Ram Nath Kovind

New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday called for a “civic-minded” society where one can disagree with views, even those having a historical context, without mocking the other person’s dignity — a comment that appeared to have been made in the backdrop of escalating violence over the film Padmaavat.

In his first Republic Day-eve address to the nation, the President also said that institutions should be “disciplined and morally upright”, adding they are always “more important” than the individuals in office. The institutions should also respect their “fraternal relationship” with other institutions, he added.

Touching on other issues, Kovind said it is our “sacred obligation” to eliminate the curse of poverty in the shortest possible time. “This is non-negotiable for the Republic.”

Respect personal space: Kovind
“A civic-minded nation is built by civic-minded neighbourhoods, whether in our cities or our villages. Where we respect the next-door persons space, privacy and rights. Where we do not inconvenience our neighbours while celebrating a festival or while resorting to a protest or on any other occasion.

“Where one can disagree with another viewpoint or even with a historical context — without mocking a fellow citizens dignity and personal space. This is fraternity in action,” the President said.

“A disciplined and morally upright nation is built by disciplined and morally upright institutions. Institutions that respect their fraternal relationship with other institutions. Institutions that maintain the integrity, discipline and limits of their functioning, without compromising on excellence. “Institutions that are always more important than the individuals located there. And institutions where the holders and members make every attempt to live up to the office they occupy as trustees of the people,” Mr Kovind said.

In his speech, the President highlighted the struggle of millions of people led by Mahatma Gandhi in getting independence of the country which was followed by efforts by them in writing the Constitution.

“This was a period of constant striving  of dedication, determination and commitment to improving our country. And setting right the aberrations of our society,” he said and drew a parallel with today’s time saying, “today, we are at a similar juncture. We have achieved a lot as a nation, but much remains to be done. We need to work on this in the spirit of the generation that gave us our Republic.”

“I refer to those from a less privileged socio-economic background, from the weaker communities and from families that still live at the edge of poverty. It is our sacred obligation to eliminate the curse of poverty in the shortest possible time. This is non-negotiable for the Republic,” he emphasised.