President Kovind Speech

Kovind said changes made in J&K and Ladakh will enable the people to access and enjoy the same rights, same privileges as their fellow citizens in the country

Reminding Indian citizens of theresponsibility of tolerance even in disagreement, President RN Kovind came downheavily on those who resort to mocking "a fellow citizen's dignity and personalspace". This was the nearest the President came to criticising the protestsagainst the film Padmaavat and other vigilante action. He also asked India torespect institutions, mildly criticising the public airing of differences bysome judges of the Supreme Court and said a great nation could only be built byinstitutions that were 'disciplined'.Delivering the Republic Day eve address tothe nation ahead of India's 69th republic day, the president said: "Acivic-minded nation is built by civic-minded neighbourhoods, whether in ourcities or our villages. Where we respect the next-door person's space, privacyand rights. Where we do not inconvenience our neighbours - while celebrating afestival or while resorting to a protest or on any other occasion. Where onecan disagree with another viewpoint - or even ..