President inaugurates 37th Indian Social Science Congress-2013 in Aligarh

President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the 37th Indian Social Science Congress-2013 at theAligarh Muslim University in Aligarh today.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that it is important that our country grows in harmony with nature.

He stated that our relations with nature should be guided by the principles of reciprocity, limitation, cooperation and sustainability. The fertility of our soil needs to be restored without further delay.

"We need to change agricultural and industrial practices in order to reduce the toxicity in food, water and environment. Conservation of bio-diversity and natural resources merits a serious consideration," Mukherjee said.

The President said that food and energy security and sustainable use of scarce natural resources will constitute important constituents of our strategy for sustainable development.

He stated that climate change is a threat, but also a unique opportunity to work together.

"As a developing country on the frontlines of climate vulnerability, India has a vital stake in the evolution of a successful, rule-based, equitable and multilateral response to climate change," Mukherjee said.