National integration is essential for India to grow: Prez Mukherjee

President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said national integration is essential for the country to grow, and added that basic unity should be ingrained in every individual citizen which will keep the country together amidst the immense diversity.

"Citizens must constantly endeavour for national advancement and for achieving a shared vision of a great India. We must promote a way of life that does not interfere with civic duties, rights and responsibilities of individuals. National integration demands that every citizen recognise primacy of national interest over group or individual interests. Basic unity that keeps us together amidst the immense diversity should be ingrained in every individual citizen," President Mukherjee said in a series of tweets.

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"Problems of our nation can be successfully handled if we think together, work together and grow together. India has maintained remarkable unity and identity though the centuries, in spite of its vast size and immense diversity. We must encourage a broad human outlook in all our citizens and educate them to rise above caste or communal loyalties," President Mukherjee said.

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"We must learn to respect the rights and sensitivities of minorities, both in letter and spirit. We must cultivate a secular and democratic outlook. We must strive to maintain an atmosphere where every community feels a part of the national narrative," he added.

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President Pranab Mukherjee has also said that Parliament should function through three D's - debate, dissent and decision and not disruption.

Addressing a function in Kolkata yesterday, Mukherjee said, parliamentary proceedings should not be disrupted by creating ruckus.

His comments gain significance in view of disruption of Parliamentary proceedings over some time on several issues including National Herald case.