Parliament has become an arena of combat, President says in Independence Day address

President Pranab Mukherjee, in his address to the nation on the eve of 69th Independence Day, said Parliament has become an arena of combat rather than debate. He said institutions of democracy are under stress and "correctives must come from within".

Mukherjee quoted from a speech made in November 1949 by B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution, to stress how the workings of the organs of the state would depend on the people and political parties of India. "Who can say how the people of India and their parties will behave," the President, quoting Ambedkar, said.

The President, in comments that come in the backdrop of the washout of the monsoon session of Parliament, said: "If the institutions of democracy are under pressure, it is time for serious thinking by people and their parties". He said: "the roots (of vibrant democracy) are deep but the leaves are beginning to wilt. It is time for renewal."

"If we do not act now, will our successors seven decades hence remember us with the respect and admiration we have for those who shaped the Indian dream in 1947? The answer may not be comfortable but the question has to be asked," Mukherjee said.

Referring to social harmony, Mukherjee said Indian democracy is "creative" because it is plural but diversity must be nourished with tolerance and patience.

"Vested interests chip away at social harmony, in an attempt to erode many centuries of secularism. In an age of instant communication through ever-improving technology, we must remain vigilant to ensure that the devious designs of a few never overcome the essential oneness of our people." He quoted Mahatma Gandhi, "You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty".

Mukherjee said it is most heartening that despite a dip in last one decade, the growth rate has been recovered to 7.3 per cent in 2014-15 but said the benefits of growth must reach the poorest of the poor much before they land in the bank accounts of the richest of the rich. "Our policies must be geared to meet the 'Zero Hunger' challenge in a foreseeable future," he said. 'Economic reforms' is a work-in-progress," the President said.

He called upon, students, teachers and authorities that run educational institutions to "pause and introspect" how we have abandoned the 'guru-shishya parampara'. The President also expressed concerns over the environmental degradation.

Mukherjee said it was heartening that the long pending land boundary issue with Bangladesh has been finally resolved. He noted that India has been a target of vicious terrorist groups operating from across the borders. "Except the language of violence and the cult of evil, these terrorists have no religion and adhere to no ideology. Our neighbours must ensure that their territory is not used by forces inimical to India," he said.

The President said India rejected any attempt to use terrorism as an instrument of state policy.