Quixotic heroism can't lead India, says Pranab Mukherjee

Former president Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said that idealistic heroism cannot lead India and the country needs leaders who can help meet the ever-rising expectations and aspirations of its people.

"Quixotic heroism can't lead this nation. India needs leaders who can help them to meet the nation's ever-rising expectations," Mukherjee said at AIMA Managing Awards ceremony here.

He further said: "The country still has a long way to go before it's completely get rid of poverty and achieves a reasonable level of human development."

Mukherjee said that the country needs a growing number of middle-income citizens.

"While it is good to have a rising number of Indian billionaires in the Forbes list, it is much more important to have a growing number of the middle-income Indians every year," Mukherjee stated.

He also stressed on the need to tackle the agrarian crisis, saying: "We still have to find a solution to the ever-growing distress in the farm sector so that the agriculture sector acquires a deserving place.