President Ram Nath Kovind today called for a “civic-minded” society where one can disagree with views even which had a historical context without mocking the other person’s dignity, comments that come in the backdrop of escalating row and violence over Bollywood 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.”
“A civic-minded nation is built by civic-minded neighbourhoods, whether in our cities or our villages. Where we respect the next-door person’s 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,” he said.