Ethos of acceptance, assimilation has defined Indian civilization: President

President Pranab Mukherjee has said the ethos of acceptance and assimilation has defined Indian civilization and made it a melting pot of world.

President Mukherjee, who inaugurated the "Festa De Diu" yesterday speaking on the occasion, said Diu may be geographically small, but it holds immense possibilities to draw tourists from all parts of India and the world.

"Diu was once a thriving port and traders from Gujarat would carry textiles to Africa and return with gold and ivory. In that age, our people were bound by ideas, culture and trade. It is in Diu that the Parsis first landed in India. This ethos of acceptance and assimilation has defined the Indian civilization and made it a melting pot of the world. We must nurture and preserve this spirit which has made our country a rich amalgam of multiple cultures," he added.

The President complimented Diu for striving to become the first city in the country to be completely run on solar energy and said this would be a model for other cities in the country.

"Diu has a unique locational advantage, blessed as it is with the bounty of nature.