In what could be her last address to the nation on the eve of Republic Day as President, Pratibha Patil sought reform for India but asked citizens to shed self-doubt and negativity.
In her five-year term, which will end in July and was marked by scams, economic meltdowns and movements against corruption, Patil asked the country in her traditional address to consider the Constitution of India as the touchstone of democratic values. While conceding the need for reform in institutions, she warned “while shaking the tree to remove the bad fruit, we do not bring down the tree itself”.
Patil said in any society there will always be, what she called, “short-term pressures, but in this process we must not lose sight of the long-term goals, and must work together on our core national agenda. I do hope in the spirit of national interest, matters of national importance are discussed and solutions are found between different stakeholders. This will strengthen the roots of democracy and the foundations of our nation”.
This was clearly aimed at the anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare last year that brought all activity to a standstill.
Patil said the world was complex and changing. Lifestyles had altered and materialism was growing. There were also questions about how growth and resources will be shared in a more equitable manner. But she said India would continue to bring moral force on to the global stage.
She said India had a young population, which could be harnessed well, if it were taught the values that helped India get its freedom.
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Patil also sounded a warning.
“India can take pride in its democratic record, but as in any functional democracy, it faces pressures and challenges. An important feature of a democracy is the constant expression of opinions. This process of incessant dialogue should flow in such a manner, that we are willing to listen to each other.”
The purpose of discussions and deliberations, she said, was to find solutions. “Often, we are quick to find blame with others, but, yet are unable to give constructive responses. There seems to be a tendency to doubt almost everything. Do we not have faith in our own people’s strengths and in our institutions? Can we afford distrust amongst ourselves? Nations are built through great patience and sacrifices. Concord and not discord is the way forward for a country as large as India. All issues, therefore, must be resolved through dialogue and there can be no place for violence. Negativity and rejection cannot be the path for a vibrant country that is moving to seek its destiny.”