Inculcate compassion, tolerance for harmony in society: Prez

President Pranab Mukherjee today asked people to make a fresh beginning in the New Year and inculcate compassion and tolerance for building a peaceful and harmonious society.
On the eve of New Year, the President conveyed his greetings to the people and expressed hope that this would be an "occasion to make a fresh beginning and renew our resolve for individual as well as collective growth".
"Let us inculcate in ourselves love, compassion, tolerance and work towards creating an inclusive society where peace and harmony prevails," the President, who has in the past raised the issue of growing intolerance, said.

This is the time to reinforce the civilisational values that bind together the complex diversity of modern-day India and promote them in the country and the world, he said.
The President also spoke about making the country clean and green.
Referring to the surgical strikes, Mukherjee said the

government had taken decisive steps to give a fitting reply to the repeated incursions on India's territorial sovereignty.
"On September 29, 2016, our defence forces successfully conducted surgical strikes at several launch pads along the Line of Control to prevent infiltration by terrorists. We are proud of the exemplary courage and valour displayed by our defence personnel and owe a debt of gratitude to them," he said.

Touching on the demonetisation decision, the President said the resilience and forbearance demonstrated by the countrymen especially the poor, recently in the fight against blackmoney and corruption, is remarkable.
Later again, referring to the issue, he said, "My Government has taken bold decisions in the interest of the poor."
To combat evils of blackmoney, corruption, counterfeit currency and terror financing, Mukherjee said the government took the decision on November 8 to demonetise old 500 and 1000 rupee currency notes.
"My government's very first cabinet decision (in 2014) was to set up a SIT on blackmoney.
On the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the President said

the Government is thankful to the GST Council for working to resolve outstanding issues.
He also said India has been widely acclaimed as the bright spot in the global economy at a time when the global growth has been slow.
The rate of inflation, the balance of payments, the current account deficit and the fiscal deficit have been consistently reduced since 2014.
Mukherjee said foreign direct investment (FDI) and foreign exchange reserves have reached record levels. The country's macro economic fundamentals are very strong, creating a platform for sustained high growth.
FDI inflows in 2015-16 were USD 55.6 billion, the highest-ever for any financial year and the government further liberalised FDI policy provisions in various sectors in June 2016.

On terrorism, the President said India has been facing the grave challenge for the last four decades.
"Terrorism poses a serious danger to the global community. India will actively collaborate with other nations in decisively defeating these forces. My Government is committed to combating terrorism and to ensure that the perpetrators of such acts are brought to justice," he said.
Mukherjee said Jammu and Kashmir has been affected by terrorism sponsored and supported from across the border. The attempts of infiltration, incidents of terrorist violence and loss of precious lives of civilians and security personnel remain a cause of grave concern.

He also noted that there has been a considerable success in containing left-wing extremism over the last three years with the surrender of 2600 extremist.
The security situation in North Eastern states has also shown significant improvement.
The President said the government is committed to the philosophy of partnerships for peace and progress and continues its active diplomacy aimed at facilitating national development, enhancing security and ensuring greater Indian influence in global fora.
Referring to 30 million overseas Indians settled in almost every corner of the world, he said the Government will maximise the strength of Indian diaspora in nation building and for deepening global outreach.

The President said Indians today have a deep sense of pride in the awakening of India caused by the momentous steps government has undertaken.
"Our fellow citizens have exhibited great solidarity with our endeavours in transforming India. My Government reiterates its commitment to fulfil the aspirations of our citizens," he added.