"Each one of us must be mindful of the sensitivities of those around us and the effect of our words and actions on them. We must collectively preserve the core values of pluralism and secularism that have served, over the years, to safeguard the fabric of our society," Mukherjee told a group of young volunteers of the Bharat Scouts and Guides here.
"The Bharat Scouts and Guides must infuse a greater sense of tolerance in young minds, whilst allowing them to summarily reject any divisive agenda," he added.
Stressing on the need for the country to be mindful of the aspirations of the youth, the President said, "Our nation is going through an unprecedented demographic transformation. In another five years' time, the average age of an Indian would be 29 years!
"The statistical fact is not only indicative of how important it is, for the country, to focus on the aspirations of our youth but, equally, for each one of my young friends here, and across the country, to strive and become the much-needed 'agents of change'," the President said.
"Today, I am especially happy to note that your dedication and purposeful activities, at such a tender age, are paving the way for national integration as well as international harmony in equal measure," Mukherjee said.
He was speaking after presenting the President's scout, guide, rover, ranger and adult leader awards and certificates for 2013 at a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan here.