(EMBARGOED - 7:15 PM) India a messenger of peace, says Pranab

India has repeatedly conveyed the message of peace and harmony to the trouble-torn world and the Indian way can provide salvation to mankind, President Pranab Mukherjee observed on Sunday in his address to the nation on the eve of India's 70th Independence Day.

"India, through its unique civilizational contribution, has repeatedly conveyed the message of peace and harmony to the trouble-torn world," he said.

The President quoted noted historian Arnold Toynbee, who in 1970 said that the world was going through a transitional chapter in history, and said: "But it is already becoming clear that a chapter which had a Western beginning, will have to have an Indian ending."

"Toynbee further went on to say that at the cross roads of human history, the only way of salvation of mankind is the Indian way," Mukherjee said.

Mukherjee invoked verses from the Upanishads:

"May God protect us; May God nourish us;

May we work together with vigour and energy;

May our studies be brilliant;

May there be no hostility amongst us;

May there be peace, peace, peace."

--IANS

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