India's economic growth story waiting to be written, rise will be measured by strength of values, says Mukherjee

Addressing the nation on the eve of the 68th anniversary of India's independence from British colonial rule on Friday, President Pranab Mukherjee said India's rise in the comity of nations would be measured by the strength of its values, as also its economic growth and the way it ensured an equitable distribution of its resources.

"Our country's rise will be measured by the strength of our values, but it will equally be determined by economic growth and equitable distribution of the nation's resources," Mukherjee said.

He further stated that India Story is waiting to be written, and the Indian economy promises much hope for the future.

"The new chapters of the 'India Story' are waiting to be written. Economic reforms is a work-in-progress. Our performance over the last decade has been commendable; and it is most heartening that after a dip, we have recovered to 7.3 percent growth in 2014-15," the President said.

However, he cautioned that the benefits of this growth must reach the poorest of the poor much before they land in the bank accounts of the richest of the rich.

"We are an inclusive democracy and an inclusive economy. There is place for everyone in the hierarchy of wealth. But the first call goes to those who suffer on the brink of deprivation. Our policies must be geared to meet the 'Zero Hunger' challenge in a foreseeable future," President Mukherjee said.

"The symbiotic relationship between man and nature has to be preserved. A generous nature when violated can turn into a destructive force, leading to calamities, resulting in huge loss of life and property. Even as I speak, large parts of the nation are barely recovering from floods. We need immediate relief for the afflicted as well as long-term solutions for the management of both, water deficiency and excess," he said.