Free public discourse from violence: Mukherjee in his last address as Prez

Mukherjee has even in the past spoken on many occasions that debate and healthy criticism must be given space in the society.

In his last address to the nation before demitting office, President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said public discourse should not be stifled and called for it to be freed from violence.

Mukherjee has even in the past spoken on many occasions that debate and healthy criticism must be given space in the society, calling them as vital aspects of democracy.

"We must free our public discourse from all forms of violence, physical as well as verbal," he said in his address.

He said that development has meaning only if it reaches the poorest and makes them feel part of the mainstream.

"I have received much more from the country than I have given; for that, I will remain ever indebted to people of India," he said.

"How successful I was in discharging my responsibilities will be judged, over time, by the critical lens of history," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier today said that he received immense help and guidance from President Mukherjee.

"President Pranab Mukherjee is extremely knowledgeable and extremely simple," Modi said at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

"Under President Pranab Mukherjee, Rashtrapati Bhavan became a 'Lok Bhavan'," he added.

Mukherjee was given a farewell by Members of Parliament on Sunday in the Central Hall of Parliament. Mukherjee, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, was given a farewell by the Chiefs of Staff Committee on Friday.

Mukherjee has completed 37 years as Member of Parliament and five years as President of the country. He had also served as cabinet minister in various Congress governments.

OneIndia News