India needs to build tolerant society for inclusive growth: President Patil

MANGALORE - President Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Thursday said as the country looks forward to the promise of a bright future, it needs to build a society where differences are sorted out amicably and tolerance overrules conflict.

President Patil said further pressing on the need for an inclusive growth said development of the country should bring opportunities to all sections of people and help establish an unassailable unity among countrymen.

“We have to weld the entire nation into a strong, unassailable unity. Pursuing a growth path that is inclusive, is essential to bring overall progress and prosperity in the country,” she said, while speaking at the ‘Vishva Konkani Ekta Divas’ here today.

The 25-day celebrations are being held here to mark the first World Konkani Cultural Convention to showcase the heritage and traditions of the Konkani people.

President Patil also pointed out that the Konkani people, a ‘peace-loving’ community of nearly 50 lakh people along the western coastline of India, were one of the most diverse denominations of the country with many community identities but the bond of a common language overrules their differences.

She further said the various communities have to learn to be accommodative and tolerant for the nation to be one.

“We must follow a pattern of behaviour, in which every individual must act responsibly and where differences are addressed in a constructive and accommodative manner,” said President Patil.

“Our tradition of living in accord with each other must continue to form an integral part of the rhythm of life that makes our nation strong and united,” she added.

President Patil said we have a commitment to work for a nation where all its citizens have an opportunity to prosper.

On the occasion, she also honoured selected people for their contribution to preserve Konkani culture across the world and complimented the community for their progressiveness and inclination to education.

“Unity in diversity and harmony are the essential features of the country. Konkani language and its people represent the essence of India and its identity,” President Patil said.

Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj, Uttarakhand Governor Margaret Alva and Karnataka’s Higher Education Minister V S Acharya were also present on the occasion among others. (ANI)