Non-violence is the best weapon to combat terrorism : Prez

Raipur, Sept 29 (UNI) President Pratibha Devisingh Patil today termed the non-violence as the most useful weapon to combat terrorism and separatism.

Addressing the Silver Jubilee Celebration of Women Post Graduate College here, the President said those who adopted the path of violence should know that they would ultimately get nothing but pain and destruction.

Ms Patil said ''Problems can be solved through talks and proper interaction in a democratic set up.Non-violence and peace, which are the basic teachings of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, is the only way for the betterment and development of the nation.'' She also called upon the women to contribute extensively in nation building.

Expressing her special interest in women literacy and empowerment, the President said ''These two aspects should be given utmost priority for the development of a nation.'' She said women should be well educated and self-reliant and the country could not march forward without the upliftment of fifty percent of the women population.

Earlier, a delegation of Chhattisgarh's Netaji Subhas Manch urged the President that a Bharat Ratna should be conferred posthumously on Netaji.

The Manch also requested Ms Patil to help in bringing out the truth behind Netaji's death, develop his birthplace in Cuttack and Jabalpur Jail where he was incarcerated for long.

The President was on a two-day visit to Chhattisgarh.

UNI AS-BDG 2121