Tolerance and co-existence are basic tenets of our civilization, says President

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has said that tolerance and co-existence are basic tenets of our civilization. He was replying to written questions from Al Ghad, an Arabic daily of Jordan on the eve of his visit to Jordan, Palestine and Israel from October 10 to 15, 2015.

The President said “I have noted the speech made by His Majesty King Abdullah in the UN General Assembly on September 29 this year in which he has proposed seven steps to promote values of tolerance and co-existence in the face of extremism.  Tolerance and co-existence are basic tenets of our civilization. We hold them very dear to our hearts.

Our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru propounded the five principles of peaceful co-existence amongst nations.  I agree with His Majesty King Abdullah that the world is confronted with a third world war to which we must respond with equal intensity.  I also agree that we must go back to the essence of our respective faiths and creeds.  Hate speech and fear mongering should come to an end.  Our values should become part of our daily life.

We must amplify the voice of moderation.  We should not permit religion to be used as a mask to satisfy hunger for power and control of some individuals.  I completely agree that leaders of every country, every belief, every neighborhood need to take a clear and public stand against intolerance of any kind, as called for by His Majesty”.

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President’s Message on the Eve of Unification Day of Germany

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and the people of the Federal Republic of Germany on the eve of Unification Day of Germany (October 3, 2015).

In his message to His Excellency Dr. Joachim Gauck, the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, the President has said, “On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and the people of the Federal Republic of Germany on the occasion of your Unification Day.

Germany is our valued partner. Our relationship is based on key complementarities and has evolved into a multidimensional Strategic Partnership encompassing a rich tapestry of cooperation.

India's participation as Partner Country in the Hannover Messe-2015 underlined our commitment to further intensify and strengthen our engagement with Germany. I am confident that the visit of H.E. Chancellor Angela Merkel to India for the 3rd Intergovernmental Consultations will take our partnership to the next level by deepening and expanding our collaboration in a range of sectors of mutual interest.

Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your well-being and good health, and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Germany”. 

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First Lady Smt. Suvra Mukherjee passes away at 74

First Lady, wife of President Pranab Mukherjee, Smt. Suvra Mukherjee passed away today (Aug 18,2015) in New Delhi at 74. She was admitted in hospital following illness. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paying homage at the mortal remains of Smt. Suvra Mukherjee, First Lady, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on August 18, 2015.

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Shiv Sena to Support UPA's Presidential Candidate

In a major development in the Presidential elections in India for 2012, the key ally of NDA, Shiv Sena announced on Monday night,  to support the UPA candidate Pranab Mukherjee in the election. The support from the Shiv Sena would boost the candidature of Pranab Mukherjee. Shiv Sena had also supported Pratibha Patil in 2007.

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Kalam not to contest in Prez Election

The former President of India A P J Abdul Kalam announced that he would not be contesting the presidential elections. With the announcement from the former president, the presidential election in India got another u turn.

After Kalam's denial, it would be interesting to see the NDA and Trinamool Congress parties agenda for the suitable candidate to stand against the UPA's candidate Pranab Mukherjee. The NDA and Mamata Banerjee may consider the former Speaker P A Sangma as their candidate for presidential polls in India.

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60th anniversary of Indian Parliament

India to mark the 60th anniversary of India Parliament on 13 May 2012. The first session of Indian Parliament was commenced on 13 May 1952 and Parliament will complete 60 years in 2012.

Special session will be held on Sunday to mark the occasion, the President Pratibha Patil will address the MPs in the Central Hall of Parliament. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Speaker of Lok Sabha Meira Kumar will also address on the occasion.

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