M A I N   N E W S

Have faith in democratic institutions: Prez
Calls for removing prejudices that have led to gender discrimination
Ashok Tuteja
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 25
Deploring the tendency to doubt the strength of different institutions in the country, President Pratibha Patil today called upon all stakeholders to discuss matters of national importance in the spirit of national interest and find amicable solutions.

“Our institutions may not be flawless but they have coped with many challenges. Our Parliament has enacted path-breaking laws,’’ she said in an address to the nation on the eve of the Republic Day.

Her remarks assume significance against the backdrop of the movement against corruption by ‘Team Anna’, which has expressed its dissatisfaction with the manner in which Parliament has treated its demand to pass a strong anti-graft law.

Emphasising that an effort was on to improve the functioning of different institutions, Patil, however, cautioned that while bringing about reforms and improving institutions, “we have to be cautious that while shaking the tree to remove the bad fruit, we do not bring down the tree itself.’’

She said India could take pride in its democratic record but as in any functional democracy, it faced pressures and challenges. “An important feature of a democracy is the constant expression of opinions. This process of incessant dialogue should flow in such a manner, that we are willing to listen to each other. Those who believe in democracy must try to see whether there is rationale in the others’ point of view.’’ Often, people were quick to find blame with others but were unable to give constructive responses. There appeared to be a tendency to doubt almost everything.

Nations, she said, were built though great patience and sacrifices. Concord and not discord was the way forward for a country as large as India. All issues, therefore, must be resolved through dialogue and there could be no place for violence.

The President underlined that negativity and rejection could not be the path for a vibrant country that was moving to seek its destiny. “Our work, our values and our approach must be based on the vast capability and capacity that India and its people have.’’

She said the people should draw inspiration from the country’s independence movement. During various times of difficulties, the Constitution has provided the country its moorings. “The Constitution has been and should be our compass, guiding us in nation building, it is the charter of our democracy. It is the document guaranteeing individual freedoms to its citizens. It is the basis on which institutions of the state have been created and have derived their powers and functions.’’

Holding that the status of women was an important indicator of progress in a society, Patil called for removing social prejudices that have led to gender discrimination in the society.

Underlining India's growing global stature, she also pitched for the reform of global institutions to reflect contemporary realities.