While anger against the bitter ‘pandemic’ of corruption is legitimate, it cannot become an excuse for an ‘assault’ on democratic institutions, President Pranab Mukherjee has said.
In his maiden address to the nation as President on the eve of Independence Day, Mr. Mukherjee (who was the chief trouble shooter of the UPA) dwelt at length on the right to protest without endangering democratic polity.
“When authority becomes authoritarian, democracy suffers; but when protest becomes endemic, we are flirting with chaos. Democracy is a shared process.” The recent violence in Assam was the other major theme of his speech. He said the time had come to ‘revisit’ the 1985 accord worked out by the then Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, and adapt it to the present conditions in the ‘spirit of justice and national interest.’
Signed by the Centre and student leaders in Assam, the agreement envisaged detection and deportation of illegal migrants from the State. “We need peace for a new economic surge that eliminates the competitive causes of violence.”
Mr. Mukherjee said minorities need solace, understanding and protection from aggression. His observations on protests assume significance in the backdrop of the prolonged agitation by Team Anna on the Lokpal Bill and Baba Ramdev’s protest against the ‘failure’ of the government to take effective measures to unearth black money.
“Our institutions may have suffered from the weariness of time; the answer is not to destroy what has been built, but to re-engineer them so that they become stronger than before. Institutions are the guardians of our liberty,” the President maintained.
Mr. Mukherjee said there must be measures to restore the credibility of those areas of our polity, judiciary, executive and legislature where complacency, exhaustion or malfeasance might have clogged delivery.
The President said Parliament would live by its own calendar and rhythm and sometimes that rhythm sounds a bit atonal but in a democracy there was always a judgment day, an election.
“Parliament is the soul of the people, the ‘Atman’ of India. We challenge its rights and duties at our peril.”
Mr. president is not talking about the behaviour of the MP's in the
parliament which tarnished the image of secred institutions many
times.
why he did not direct the MP's to bring the lokpal. why did he not
campaign for the strong lokpal as he campaigned for the president's
post. our prime minister is saying that we have not political
consensus to pass the lokpal bill but when the time elect the vice-
president of their own choice they made arrangements by organise
dinner party so that the person of their choice selected without
hurdels. why they do not show this type of tempo on the issues of
black money and lokpal bill.
So how does one raise his concern with an inactive government over
issues like Lokpal. If i vote and elect a government I should keep quiet
for next 5 years. hello!! then what is social activism. May be they want
us to do something like Medha patkar, some sort of a silent agitation.
Then what is the benefit, it doesn't even evoke a reaction from the
Govt.
What he said is right but that's only a congress viewpoint he has
expressed.He should enlighten us on what concrete will be done to
eradicate this malaise of corruption.Besides he failed to touch upon
other issues of importance like economic downturn in recent
months.Rather than being a mouthpiece of INC he should actually start
behaving as the president.
I'm relieved and happy that, "I'm not the alone to feel anguish at the speech of Mr. President". What I'm utterly concerned about is - "the stifling environment created by the media". Here I'm referring to "english news channels". The media should be the voice of the people; but alas, these days it is the voice of the government!!. Oddly enough, for the present sentiment voiced by the comments over here, the likes of Sagarika Ghosh would be remarking at us with a condascending and disparaging term as "Internet Hindus" for voicing our concerns.
The social movement against corruption launched with lots of hype and hoopla has sadly lost the direction with political consideration hobnobbing overtaking the social ones. Now, with the cat is out of the bag, the campaign(s) shall be dwarfed to mere political campaigns sans the moral sheen which they once had. Admittedly, the campaign against corruption could rope in some of the respectable citizens best known for their unimpeachable probity in public life. But, even those respectable persons must have been gloomy today with the politicization of the campaign. Even Anna Hazare seems to be deflated and disappointed with a group of people hijacking the whole agenda and implementing their own covert political philosophy in the name of overt agenda of fighting corruption. Though the campaign against corruption has certainly succeeded to touch the hearts of the youth, the self-styled champions of anti-corruption could not sustain this enthusiasm and thirst for change.
Mr. President is cursing symptoms instead of trying to get rid of the disease. I'm sorry to say, but an uninspiring first address to the nation.
The first address of the PResident did not evoke any curiosity. He has repeated what he was telling as the Finance Minister. The speech was rather a congress tutored sppech rathen than from a neutral first citizen of India. If people cannot revolt against corruption who else as everybody know that elections are won by money power which is exhibited every time. He should have given his piece of mind to the government also in eradication of corruption at high places, not bucking to coaliation pressure tactices, enact bills to benefit the welfare of the people, not to defencd the corrupt ministers/politicians, have transparecny in functioning, not to treat the opposition as enemies and have a constructive discussion for benefiting the public. He should have also advised the ruling government to distribut excess foodgrains to poor rather than allowing them to rot, free education to all, power distribution equally to all states and frequent NDC meets with CMs for chalking good schmes.
President Pranab Mukherjee’s observations, in his maiden address to the nation, are significantly “in the backdrop” of the agitations and protests against corruption and black money. There were allegations of corruption against the candidate himself and his sponsors. These were discarded but not disproved. Perhaps, the President’s own words, namely “when authority becomes authoritarian, democracy suffers”. He is also well aware of the corruption in our public life and the weaknesses of our institutions. Still he holds the anger against corruption as an ‘assault’ on our democratic institutions and wants to limit its intensity and spread. For a moment, if one remembers the long history of a Lokpal Bill within the Parliament and the short agitation by civil society outside on the issue, it would be clear who is at fault.
Please print all these responses and send it to our dear President .Let him know what the people of India think . Again I frankly dont think ,that our Politicians including respectable Pranabda , are ignorant of the whats going on in the country or dont have a sense of the mood of the nation . They are too smart and by feigning ignorance , they are just trying to extend their term a little bit . Finally , as history has shown ,like in many countries before , the corrupt will meet their just ends . The wheels of dharma turn slowly , but inevitably delivers true and due justice .It will in India too.
Well, if you demand for new strong legislations not being part of the
government, you are being undemocratic, unconstitutional, anti-
parliamentary etc. because passing of legislations is duty of the
government (like it does it well..). If you take opposition support in
demanding stronger bills then the media reports as protestors having
political aspirations etc.. Either way there should be no protests
against the government...
Having worn the crown of most corrupt government ever, congress needs
to be taught tough lessons. Unfortunately we don’t see any political
alternative at this stage unless the Anna party gets big and string..
I hope the media plays a better role this time around... supporting
the cause and not attacking the people...
After reading the text of the first nation-wide address by the newly
appointed Indian President, one is constrained to conclude that
Pranav Mukharji has not been able to adapt to the new apolitical
role. An incumbent of the office of President of India is expected
to behave not like a political party’s spokesman but as a “friend,
philosopher and guide” to the whole nation, especially to the
government as the executive head. But by repeating the trite
argument regarding ‘Parliamentary supremacy’ which in fact finds no
place in our Constitution, and which was utilized ad nausium by the
political establishment last year to discredit Anna Hazare’s
movement, and obliquely condemning the ongoing protests and
demonstrations against rampant corruption nourished by the current
system, Pranav Babu has actually shown the august office in poor
light. Why doesn’t Pranab Babu look to the illustrious examples of
Presidents like Dr. Rajendra Prasad, R. Venkataraman or Dr. Abdul
Kalam, instead of emulating the footsteps of Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad or
Mrs.Pratibha Patil? It is time Mr. Mukharji starts musing over the
noble constitutional ideals of peoples’ sovereignty, liberty and
democracy all over again, or else he would firmly establishes
himself as yet another Central Government stooge in the highest
office.
What The President said is exactly right. The moment we take away the
founding principles of democracy in our nation, we immediately
destroy the efforts of our valiant freedom fighters. There is no
fairness in going on protests at a time when India is facing economic
woes, and badly needs the Government to bring on reforms. These
protests are only diluting their efforts and distracting the valuable
time of the Government from the more pressing issues. Yes, we need to
fight corruption, but that should not be at the cost of other
important Bills. The Opposition should stop creating ruckus every
day, stopping the Parliament from doing its job. People should own
their own decide to stop giving or receiving bribes, and then
corruption will be rooted out.
Here is a little detail of the white paper on black money
"I would have been happy if I could have included the conclusions of reports of three premier institutions that have been tasked to quantify the magnitude of black money. These reports are likely to be
received by the end of this year....."
With all due respect,
its just a calculated speech from the ex-INC member.
"If this happens then that will happen"
Perhaps at this juncture, its more important to find root causes of the problem and solution to it. Barely pointing out that there is a problem is not sufficient.
BTW, I am still waiting for the details on the white paper about black money that you tabled in the parliament. I read the whole document. One important clause in the document is that "the details of the amount of black money will be delivered by the year end."
Rest of the document is just play of words.
Best.
We should be prepared to accept change, from everywhere. How long will we be seeing our president reading from the prepared text, all couched in ceremonial subtext.We will atleast expect Pranad Da, to make a free speech, in tune with the time. That is the best privilege, we should accord to a person hailing from Tagore's land.
Let him about Economics, politics,internal security, sports and films too , a bit openly and without any inhibition. Let it be a full flow from the heart and not from the lips.In fact, media and the press should make it a point to interview at regular intervals to hear about his views on serious current events. Let him be active in his thoughts and mind till the last day in office.That is one way of ensuring that he is free from illness and enjoy a good health. We have seen that an active mind and body, keeps you young even in your old age.
I think it is very unfortunate speech by any President of independent
India. He does not find chaos in 2G, CWG, Coal etc. rather he finds
chao in sane voices who are trying to clear the mess created by
political parties today. It reminds me the speech of the head pig of
the "Animal Farm " written by George Orwel. How the phrases of
democracy get changed over time by the ruler once they occupy power is
evident in the book Animal World. "All animals are equal" slowly got
changed to "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal
than others". Its going to happen in India very soon. The Indians who
once revolted against British ruler, now became victim of their own
black coloured British. Its exactly similar to the animals revolt
against human tyranny in the Animal Farm. Unfortunately the pigs who
suppose to provide self rule and better justice created more trouble
to other animals over a short period.
Yes, we want chaos. This chaos will root-out corrupt politicians who
have made their election a license to loot.
The first speech from our new President comes off as rant that suits someone like Mr. Digvijay Singh. Mr. President is showing his and the ruling party's arrogant stand against corruption. People are doing "endemic protest" as corruption and lawlessness have become endemic. Instead of address endemic issues of corruption - Mr. President uses his office to preach somethings that Congress spokemen are already doing.
I do think Mr. President is smart to realise that there is no next term for this set of ruling folks - hence he decide to retire. Good call. Hope he pushes Parliment and all parties towards concenue on tackling corruption and lawlessness by enacting and enforcing strong actions against. Nothing is threating our republic more than the representatives that are elected to protect it.
If India is "flirting with chaos" so be it. In Hinduism, the god
Shiva is symbolically a simultaneous destroyer and creator and is
proposed as the source of the Western notion of "creative
destruction". Theory of reactive destruction or "Schumpeter's gale"
by economist Joseph Schumpeter, is an economic innovation and the
business cycle. To quote Schumpeter “In breaking down the pre-
capitalist framework of society, capitalism thus broke not only
barriers that impeded its progress but also flying buttresses that
prevented its collapse”. That process, impressive in its relentless
necessity, was not merely a matter of removing institutional
deadwood, but of removing partners of the capitalist stratum,
symbiosis with whom was an essential element of the capitalist
scheme. ..Capitalist process in much the same way in which it
destroyed the institutional framework of feudal society also
undermines its own”
Some content of president's speech on the eve of 65 Independence day is
UNDER VALUED compared to the previous Speech of presidents. In
democratic system if government acting sleep "Movement" is only the
ultimate arm in the peoples hand to wake up the government. So the first
citizen should not discourage the "movements" for good system and more
democracy. Since 40 years our parliamentarians unable to enact a LOKPAL
bill, It is an ultimate example how our system is working and expressing
our leaders intentions.
it was a great speach which touched all the relevent points.there is no doubt our president is having vast expierence,intelligence and patriotic,but he is also from the legacy of political party.the people of this country are disillusioned with all political parties and believing that all ills of our people and country facing is due to policies and programs implemented which suits the respective parties ruling on that day. we all agree that prolonged protests and dharnas will paralise the administration and progress,but then what is the solution.the political partys are opurtunistic and to bring lokpal bill they took almost 50 years that too toothless.no change happened in this world without revolution.finaly the people of this country expect something meaningful from this president who has enjoyed all the pleasures,positions in his life out of sweat money of the poor.
When protests become endemic, it is a serious sign that the issues raised need to be addressed. Instead, we have a President who is mouthing the same evasive lines as he did, as a member of Parliament. Instead, it will bode well for democracy if the issues that need to be addressed are acted upon.
Do we really have a choice, Mr. President? With all these corrupt government officials and ministers we are actually living in a chaotic state. Because of your political position you might not be able to face this music directly but this chaotic cacophony is a part of our life now. People with power they, in reality, are the culprits who are making this chaos, not us the commoners. And if you think we are posing too many questions for you then think and ask the political leaders about not giving us that chance instead of asking us to stop protesting.
The bitter comments from learned readers saddened me on the current state of affairs in India we are living in. Indian public should realize that Pranabda is just an ordinary person and not extraordinary personality like Rammohan Roy or Vivekananda with universal thought.
Still the Congressman... He always was and always will be, he will never be the President...
Dear President ,if you are talking about the 'assault" on democratic institutions /parliament , the assault is not by the citizens . The assault started the day criminals were allowed to sit inside that pristine institution- the tempe of democracy , through questionable electoral means . The assault on the institution , started the day , the elected representatives , started framing laws taking care of their own personal interests & not the interests of the nation or the people .Now that you are the President , its time you rise above party politics and address the true cause of the nation and people , just as President Kalaam did before . Its an earnest request , as we have matured as a nation to read through all such speeches .
Mr. President
wants us to keep quit and don't make noise while the system is looting
us
friends dont u think they are very busy in making their system stronger
so that no one can raise voice
hunger, poverty, malnutrition, governance, rights violations these are
small thing for them as they dont think about them or makins system
transparent so that corruption can be minimised and ambika soni remark
"humne to white paper bhi la diya ' seems that they are doing sacrifice
for us , government is there for the people by the people and to the
peolple but who will tell them this
Its clearly evident that President of India's speech is always prepared by excellent IAS officers or by Pranab himself. Secondly its understood that President of India can not oppose any bill proposed by twice and he/she has to approve it.Then what is the need of President and governors of states in India? Its an extra exchequer to state.
Mr. President
You need to think about hunger, poverty, malnutrition, governance, rights violations by the state etc. etc...
Only then the ordinary citizen will regain some respect for the post of presidency.
Someone should remind Sri Pranab Mukerjee that he is the President of
the Republic of India and not that of the Indian National Congress.
That he could not have got the latter position even if he wanted to
for obvious reason might be out of context here. However it was indeed
very sad that Sri Mukerjee had not given any suggestion that could help
the government clean the system which had led to the present chaos.
It is true that mere agitations alone cannot bring the required change.
What is required , now, is the will to change for genuine causes.
Indians, we should not forget the fact, did the same type of agitations to get freedom.
People of India , can we say then are endemic? NO.
Greetings For Independence Day.
The Independance day eve speech by President Pranab was inspiring and statesman like. It was most objective . The rightto legislate cannot be wrenched from the Ligislature. Jantar Mantar is not Parliament.There is nothing partisan about Pranabda. Aftr Dr.Radhakrshnan we heard a good speech.
The President of India in his address to the Nation on the eve of
Independence Day has dealt at length on the protests becoming endemic
and the democracy becoming chaotic in the country. It is an accepted
fact that the corruption and black-money in the country are dancing
like a devil (vilaya-tandavam), the people in authority became
authoritative only to curb the protests, instead of taking some
tangible steps to mitigate the hardships of the common man. As long
as the corruption exists, people in common will suffer and the
protests from them, who suffer will continue under the leadership of
honest people. Our new President, Shri Pranab Mukherji being an
experienced politician having dealt with all the matters in the
different ministries for nearly five decades knowing all the loop-
holes of the administration and now being in a suitable authoritative
position, to guide the Govt in a right direction, is hoped by the
people of this country. God bless our Nation all success.
Mr. Persident, India is a curious mix of philosophies - it is a democracy, but the elected representatives are corrupt (mostly); India is a republic but the political parties have a lineage of sucession (Congress, Samajwadi Party etc). Now, Ms Sonia Gandhi wants to put the heir on the throne of Congress and India...
You are calling demonstrations against corruption "chaos", but let me remind you because of this chaotic nature of Indians, we are celebrating our Independence Day today.
Indians have every right to assemble peaceful demonstations, as it is guranteed by our Constitution. You are no authority to make stray comments like these, as your seat is also guranteed by that very constitution.
You are 76 years old now, please do something for the people before you go!!
Jai Hind
Where authority has become authoritarian, endemic protest is the only
fair chance for the Democracy to survive, for the people to survive.
Induce steps to make the liable punishable. Let people get back to their
lives not when they are in the middle of the tunnel, but when they know
there is hope for betterment and can see a ray of light.
Democracy gives the freedom to protest. And people protest only when
they are sick and tired of things around them, otherwise they have many
better things to be attended to.
Mr President, the base on which democratic institutions are built is the people and the trust they place on their parliamentarians. When the parliamentarins have abused the trust to amass wealth for themselves and some of their supporters at the expense of the nation, it is quite natural for the people to take up any means to bring back the institutions from death. People are not damaging the democratic institutions but their elected representatives are. It is the duty of the elected people to keep the institutions vibrant and healthy - our parliamentarians including yourself in the long innnings in the parliament.
Dear President,
Protest is the only alternative if the elected representatives usurp the power and wealth of the nation for their well being and the ignoring the national interest in particular and the well being of the citizen in large. Mr. President you are at the helm of affairs when 2G scam took place. you have successfully prevented the appointment of JPC and made the parliament to come to an halt for entire session. Only after SC interfered you have relented. Better address the politicians and the institutions to work responsibly rather than advising not to protest.
most peoples in India are in habbit of blaming politician for curruption but if someone in their work place offer some bribe to clear the sub standard products then many may accept saying that "ATTE ME NAMAK HI TO HE". I am 100% sure if most peoples refrain from curruption in any form leaving aside all politician then assume that bcurruption is gone from India so I only all well wisher of India not to raise finger at someone. Yoy can do that only if you are 100% OK.
Every one has a vision, what what is the plan to reach there. I am sure
when Mr President got to Raja Sabha he had the same vision. In 2012
holding the highest office he still has the vision. Who and when will it
there will be action to match vision.
Pranab Mukerjee, a great stateman, parliamentarien, vast experienced
senior amongst all congress and a gandhian,aspired tobe the President and he got this with the full backing of Mrs Sonia and congress.it is good.But,he has undertaken to eradicate, poverty,and ensure square meals and a shelter to all those who were not getting even after 66 years of celebrating independance.He has just assured.but has to implement immediately.How to do this, without a Iron Hand of completely removing coruption in the country and in this process,many big crocodiles are waiting to swallow him and He has to bring in yet another emergency just like Madam Indra gandhi did,and brought the country to a standstil overnight.IF he has the guts to do this, he will be yet another SAVIOUR for the country at this crucial time.
and can he a simpler life at Raj bavan now,without much paraferlania leaving legacy of is Predecessor Mrs Preteeba Patel, who has swindled value foreign exchange to the extent of 300crors?
what about endemic corruption among public servants and our political
class ? Is that good for our democracy and our country Mr. Pranab
Mukharjee??
I do see a reason why I am crying foul. It is I, who elected these
representatives to the Parliament. If had voted for the right person, I
would not have seen this day. I am still trying to understand why I
voted these people again and again. There is a reason, I realize that it
was I who was corrupt, I was greedy, I was power hungry, I didn’t care
about this country. I put selfishness first, not the nation. To change
anything, it is for me to decide, whether I am ready to clean up myself.
Can I undo my mistake next time when there is election?
Mr Mukherjee being the president, you are acting like Congress spokesperson. Unfortunately, even if you did not deserved to be the president you became on (madamji's) support.
You said, Indian needs a second freedom struggle against Hunger, poverty & etc etc. My Question to you, do you remember when we did got the freedom from British & why still we have those same basic questions ? You spent your whole like on politics but never been a successful leader of mass. You once again proved the same on your first lecture.
We Indians need a political shift on Power not your lecture. Enough is enough! Indian is not property of any political family or party, sooner we Indians understand the better!
Parliament is "supreme",Mr.President,but the members of parliament are however only people's representatives elected by them. Since the entire population cannot sit around, discuss and make laws for good governance of the country, they elect a few hundred representatives to do this work for them. People, individually or in groups have therefore every right to criticise the decisions of their elected representatives including ministers and demand cetain actions by them. One expects the President, who has been long in politics and also has been a member of parliament for long years,to agree with this line of thought. The President should tell the Members of Parliament and the Ministers that they have not fallen from heaven,but have been placed in their present positions by the people to work for their good. People are the real masters and they have every right to criticise public servants like the Members of Parliament and Ministers.
Constitutions has ensured both the Judgement Day and Free and fair
election by giving universal adult suffrage. It is ironical that we
couldn't achieved it. Elections will be Free and Fair only when it is
free form inducements, poverty, hunger, unemployment, liquor, quilts, caste-ism, sectarian politics, dynasty and family politics and other
forms of corruption.
I believe that during your years as a politician you always kept
distance from it.
Mr. President mere lip service would not fulfill the aspiration of
youths.
Its a failure of an acting president to underline the importance of parliament and not of the plight of people who form this nation. What it actually means, if you scrub out the sugar coating, is stop challenging the Netas, and accept status quo.
Clearly, it is a congressman speaking! Dear Mr President, Let us remind you that what you have spoken about is nothing new. All these things are a priority in our 5 year plans since the independence. What would rather help is rooting out the causes why plans dont get implemented. Corruption from the top to the bottom only fills up pockets of politicians. It does not trickle down to where it belongs.
Dear President, instead of using high sounding words, I challenge you to focus on the issues on hand and hear the sentiment of the people the youth who put you there.
If the previous president was bad, this guy is worse!
Mr.President, have you wondered why there is so much protest. Maybe because those running parliament are the scum. How pathetic to see the president of the country dancing to the tunes of the rulers.
After having seen Abdul Kalam in my lifetime, I will never be able to
accept rubber stamps, for remainder of my life.
Respected President common citizen is for democracy and institutions like parliament,legislation,act,judiciary etc.There can never a substitute.
Since 1947 we have been waiting for elimination of poverty and crave for education.My food is taken away.My education is deprived and so on.The wealth created through government has not percolated down for the purpose best known to the people at the helm. and has gone to the few hands.The legitimate income to the government meant for us,the expenditure apportioned for us has been taken away by middlemen, politicians, bureaucrats and corporate through policy enactments. The result is corruption and illegal wealth creation by the said miscreants and depraved section since independence.We need a change in the system to eradicate. Where principles,ethics and morality are becoming a thing of past governance should help.Our hard fought democracy can never be taken away for which many countries craving.It is only a voice of call to act
for us Please.
Mr. President one must apreciate your concern for the Democracy and the institutions but unable to get the logic that you donot want any medicine to get rid of the plauge that has been eating away the system. You are better aware that the roots of the curruption are well established and mingled with the roots of the democracy, resulting the branches and stems of the corruption have occupied the democratic institutions. Your speech doesnot sound any hope of initiating steps to save the Institutions of democracy from corrupted political sustem, it was only effort to show the ongoing public resentiment against corruption as an attack on democracy.
The president should have been more careful in choosing his words,as his first speech is
judged on the altar of political agnosticism which is supposed to be the religion of the
resident of the Raisana hill.The most active politician ever to don the robes of a president,his
address should include all shades of thought and should never sound one sided.preaching
about the sanctity of democratic institutions sounds hollow,as long as it refuses to be
conginzant of the fact that alarming levels of corruption in the political class is even more
detrimental to the foundations of democracy.Sorry sir! You disappointed us.
I hope the President can counsel the same opinion to the intransigent Congress High command. If a Chaos happens, the ruling UPA will be as guilty as the people that are being lectured by the President.
Not very different from a speech that would have been made by Ben Ali
in Tunisia, Mubarak in Egypt, Gaddafi in Libya, or Bashar Al Assad in
Syria. When politicians start worrying about Endemic Protests rather
than Endemic corruption, it is clear which side they are on.
Mr. President, is the endemic protests the problem of India? If so,
then you are mistaken. The basic problem of India is that a few are
becoming richer and richer at the expense of the vast majority. They
are becoming richer and richer through Corruption, Price rise, black
money and depleting natural resources and the destruction of the
environment. The so called endemic protest as you say is the only
response against the basic problem of India. Can you do something to
tackle the basic problem of India as you say removing the mass poverty
of India. What are you going to do as President of India?
Mr. Prsident sir, this is not in my capacity to admire you for highlighting the plight of India i.e. poverty, malnutrition and illiteracy. We require more concrete solution; I hope that will be provided by executive of this country. But I dream of the day when king will speak the tone of its citizens. Ethical wish of Citizen’s will be fulfilled immediately. President must be not in pressure of one political Party. If King will speak in pressure of its ministers, then citizens cannot speak freely. The difference b/w king and president, president has been elected from the public unlike the monarchy. So president must feel the nerves of public. Speech on this day must provide the hope to the citizens that leadership of country will lead them to a progressive path. Speech must not be in full contradiction with public sentiments. Sense of the nation must not be ignored to support one ideology or party. Sir you are the president of this country, you have eminent experience of political and public life. I trust you that you have given your best with your capacity in current circumstances.
Democratic institutes are the temples of democracy, which is why they are sacred. When democracy itself had been killed, they will cease to be sacred like old temple ruins. We can keep them as archeologically important buildings though.
We have seen that Indira gandhi made Zail singh the president who was just a doll in her hands. It seems her bahu Sonia has made Pranab president for the same purpose. To have a doll president under congress control.
One thing is clear, if Pranab had the respect of any people, with this it is gone.
I am happy that he made this statement at this stage. It sure helped people to understand where he really stands and will encourage more people to join protests.
I am extremely disappointed that Pranab Mukherjee has failed to give us a route map of
eradicating corruption. He talks of the sanctity of Parliament that harbours crooks, and
murderers. What is the use of having a judiciary where judges take bribes in return for
bails, and parliamentarians on sale for multinational corporates.
Pranab's message is similar to asking a patient to not to complain, about his heart
attack, as it might disturb sleeping children.
India's millions of poor are illiterate and sleeping, and anti-corruption movement would
rouse them to action and revolution.
Mr.president ... I have respect for this position , not for you .Congress gov thas been involved in corruption from toe to head .Not only Corruption , recent Assam violence and Mumbai violence are also concerns .
Mr President are you representing Congress or people or republic of India?
Pranab Da, We are educated too. We don't need you to tell us the
importance of parliament and the legislature. We worry about them
"cracking" too. And they have already cracked. That's why all this rage
against corruption. Enough words! This is the time for action. Words
like these have kept the nation asleep all these years while you
politicians have pilfered away our wealth and natural resources. We are
awake now ! We are alive now and we will have our system clean ! No more
words !
well,that's it.This speech proves that we are having a old puppet in new avatar,whose main act is to safeguard,preach and accompany the brand CONGRESS.
Dear Mr.President,
You have talked about Endemic protests creating chaos. but, What about
endemic corruption which is in the heart of every congressman and the
beaurocracy it has supported since independence? Do you or your party
ever tried to address this issue. Knowing that you or your party has
not addressed this issue, why have skirted responsibility of this in
your address? All honest Indians would like know this from you
Mr.President.
A Concerned Citizen
For how many more years will they speak these cliches? Do they not see what is going on around them? Oh, these Congress folk make me want to throw up. Words, words, words!!!!!!!!!
After being a Apolitical person, Mr. dada Please change the view. It seems that still Political party chief is presenting his Agenda. I am very sorry to say that. if the same tempo will continue , we will never see any thing new or extra ordinary in him. Jai Hind..
As the new President proclaimed, we indeed considerate a second freedom struggle; but this time from
the demons of graft and greed(which Mr President unfortunately failed to observe). Then only all the
negative by-products like poverty, intolerance and violence afflicting our Nation will melt away on its
own!Parliament is rightly the soul of the people.But whether all the parliamentarians really represent
people's aspirations is a moot question that needs serious soul searching!!
“As I said in my acceptance speech, our motto must be: All for knowledge and knowledge for all. Vision cannot be an open-ended vista; it must be focused on our youth,” the President said.
This is like saying, forget the millions of middle-aged and old who have suffered debt, malnutrition, social deprivation, and the lack of right to live a decent life because of our policies and trust in what we have to offer NOW!
It is the time to end the anti corruption drama. If we are really want to express our concern on the burning issues faced by the poorest section of India, we have to look into the plight of Tribal community living in the forest areas of remote India. Where they are becoming the scape goats of both extreme political sections and security agencies. The government system is under the pressure of coorporate mafia sections. The anti corruption protest drama staged in Delhi is the childish play of a set of people roaming around Anna Hazare with an intention to capture attention of visual media. Babaramdev has become like an icone of joke even among illiterate rural sections. What is his right to fight against corruption, who paid him to establish medical stores in Indian Multi cities where Ayrvedic drugs are selling, by mocking medical science and painful efforts of medical research and development, he recomend breath control as the remedy for all ailments.
We are indeed flirting with chaos. Molesting women police has all the signs of it. Even the police uniform has ceased to deter the perpetrators from molesting the woman inside. Women under any garb, whether political or bureaucratic or judicial, will suffer the same fate. It brings out the pathetic status of women in India. You can be an IAS, IPS, or anything that is held constitutionally respectable but if you are a women in India you will be skinned alive of that garb and exposed as a women to be violated by the mob. Those who perpetrated those shameful acts must be punished.
Mr. President, it is the very Chaos, for which this endemic protest is
held. Do not fool the people. They know in their heart that chaos is
spread to such a level in this country that it needs to be sorted. And
that's why they are protesting against the corrupt people who have
spread this chaos in the last six decades. Now it has spread so deep in
this Nation that it can no more be tolerated. And people know that to
bring things in order, we must remove the people who are spreading this
chaos.
Mr. President, it is not the youth or Baba Ramdev a
problem.
It is your own Congress is the danger and problem for the
Hindu civilzation. Your Congress leadership are corrupt, are
spies and have black money. This you must address first. The
famers, widower/widows, orphans and other groups, who not have
enough to eat. while they are suffering because Congress are
looting the nation. You have no choice left and quit from
the precendany and take your Congress with you, please! India
have decided to bury Congress.
Mr.President will you please see into the policy changes being made by your
successor to the post of FM no sooner you vacated and he took over? Will it not
spell that lack of direction in the ruling party and insensitiveness to sufferings of
common man has lead to the agitation and restlessness of the masses? You are
speaking of the parliament and its supremacy. Nobody is questioning it. What is
being asked is to make the institutions to work for which they are constituted. The
way the parliament is seen today with members running to the well and chairmen
blinking to control the mobocracy and even fisticuffs and throwing chairs and
whatnot will not give any legitimacy to the institutions you are boasting of. Make
them to correct themselves first and then advise the others.
It is most unfortunate that the first Address by the President is
disappointing. Probably he still lives in the Shadow Sonia. Our appeal
to to President Pranab please throw away your political Vasana. You
should act as the president for the whole nation .No purpose is served
by his veiled attack on Baba Ramdev and others. He should have desisted
from such Gallery dressings
Is the President suggesting that people can only express their opinion
during election times?? Maybe the President needs a reminder that the
freedom to peacefully protest and express opinion is a fundamental right
of every citizen enjoys at any given point of time. Our doom has been
sealed. Congress can ransack the country under the able watch of our
President.
People who are actively participating to eradicate the long existing
problems of modern india deserves praise instead of those who are taking
inactive role when responsibilities was on his head.
Endemic protests are a result of bad governance.
In modern democracies, a few point swing in an opinion poll against a
position taken by the government is enough to force it to correct
course. In other words, a truly democratic government is responsive to
people's wishes without waiting for the next elections. In current
India, the anti-corruption agitation has been going on for so long and
with such broad-based support from all sections of the populace; yet,
all the institutions of the Indian democracy have not moved an inch in
the direction people are asking them to. Now, that indicates a truly
broken set of institutions. There is nothing much left to break there.
Now, in the absence of any response to their demands from these
institutions, people are continuing to protest. Now to accuse the
protesters of breaking these institutions by continuing their protest
is mind-bogglingly illogical.
In the name of democracy at present only a party system authoritarianism which is whipping/ deciplining the affairs either in the government or the opposition in respect of policies for the people.People are driven only to elect the person chosen by the parties concerned who are usually influenced in one way or other before and after elections for so many considerations or even away from the constituency. No independent is ever have a voice to get elected to serve the people in the true sense due to other odds. It is suggested we can do away with the party system and allow people to elect from the respective constituency truely deserving with proven knowledge which will also avoid party fund generation through black and white for the election expenses.From among such elected, a team can be formed to moniter the government on the decisions taken by both the houses.
The President said,All for knowledge and knowledge for all. True Sir we
Indians have enough knowledge of corruption, squalor, black money and
ever rising prices and taxes; my question is what is your VISION? What
solutions you suggest for corruption? Finally are you aware of ground
realities?If protest an endemic than do meant to say Gandhi was wrong??
This articulation does not seem to come from a neutral head of state.
Mr. president went on to state the ill effects on a country's
development of the the continuously protesting mass but has carefully
avoided in the process to explain why the protest is occurring in the
first place. He in effect is paraphrasing what has been the stated
position of the party he has in his long distinguished political
career been a loyal servant of. He being in the position he is now,
must urge the government to pay attention to what has been a major
grievance of the people of India: an evil called corruption that none
is willing to stamp out. It is unreasonable on his part to ask his
people to refrain from protestation and let things go on as usual.
This however is not to suggest that those spearheading this drive
against corruption are justified to adopt any means to achieve their
end of a corruption free nation. Their movement has to be calibrated
to ensure that it does not incite violence.
Dear Mr. President.
Congratulations on your maiden speech to the Country
However I have advice "Please go to the books and get meaning of
Democracy." Its not only elections where we can judge our government.
We have all right to shout against our mistake of electing the
government. Please try to understand current situation and need of the
people. It is not the country 20 years back. People have all rights to
shout against bad things.
Expecting your actions.
No one expects Pranab Mukharji to do wonders after wearing the new garb
of president of India.Alas!his speech on the eve of 65th Independence
day was stale and missing any message to political class as expected.
he may need more time to get rid of that congress hangover.
Provide good quality education to all, and we can eradicate corruption
to a large extend. Corruptive mind is there in you and me. Lets correct
ourselves first before throwing stones at parliament and the people whom
we elected. Protest against corruption must always be welcomed but
protest against democracy must condemned.
Its fashionable to undermine democratic institutions as much by the fringe radical elements as by their more affluent counterparts. Both hold the political system to ransom. Corruption is a far more complicated problem and need not necessarily be reflected by huge scams alone. A significantly greater proportion of corruption exists in our daily lives, often covertly, involving the very people who are awakened to activism by huge scams. Corruption exists because there is a tremendous gap in the quality of life and aspirations within a hugely unequal society. As an esteemed film personality recently pointed out, something as basic as water resource is being snatched away from the poorer villages to satiate the city dwellers, a system that has vested away a life-giving resource to the more affluent and privileged class. There are numerous such examples. While introspection and activism is the need of the hour, it can only be done by strengthening and not weakening the democratic process.
With all due respect sir, move on: You are not the Congress Neta you were a month ago anymore, you are now the President of India. While that position is admittedly purely decorational, it still does not pardon you from slipping into regular political rhetoric. Your speech, decision and direction can yet make a difference.
honble president speech is dissappointing in the sense, while he has rightly touched upon preserving the importance of the democratic institutions, not touched upon the high level corruption which has
perculated into govt.. institutions and have shaken the very confidence of people resulting in such agitations!very sad!he has to shed his party loyalty,and use his inteligence to find a fair solution to the problem of corruption\nepotism !
It is sad that Congress virus entered in Rashryapati Bhawan. He should
side with people of the country not the political parties. Could he tell
us How to weed out corruption?
..Though the fight against corruption is necessary ,it should not be
waged against only those who take corruptions but equally against those
who encourage that ! Mass protests disrupting daily routines of a common
man brings untold misery to him just like any bundh takes away the meager money a daily wage earner gets !
Yes Mr. President!! We saw the endemic protests lead to choas in the Rajya Sabha and the fleedom orchestrated by you and your party with the covert help of Vice President.
Only these protests have made you run for cover on that day
Expressing descent in a peaceful manner is the fundamental right and also only when people question the governments the democracy will survive. Mr.President in a democracy people will question the govt, you like it or not.
All these politicians get the priorities wrong. They always talk about loyalty to the party but never utter a word on loyalty to the people who voted them to power.
How can you people expect someone loyal to a political party all along put India's interest ahead of the party's interest. Do not you think you are expecting too much
Expressing descent in a peaceful manner is the fundamental right and also only when people question the governments the democracy will survive. Mr.President in a democracy people will question the govt, you like it or not.
All these politicians get the priorities wrong. They always talk about loyalty to the party but never utter a word on loyalty to the people who voted them to power.
How can you people expect someone loyal to a political party all along put India's interest ahead of the party's interest. Do not you think you are expecting too much
The President is right in stating that we must learn to listen to opposing viewpoints respectfully, conduct ourselves in a civil manner when disagreeing with others and avoid being hyper critical. This much is essential for debate and resolution of issues in a democracy. However, Mr. Mukherjee has seen corruption grow multifold during his watch as a key member of the central government and a parliamentarian for decades. He would understand if his fellow citizens have little faith in the political class which inhabits the parliament to sincerely address their problems.
But he is right in saying that Parliament ultimately is the only place where laws are and can be made. The question is how to make the parliament work better for the people. We would love to hear the president address the nation on that issue and why corruption is growing unabated in the country? He must have some wisdom to share on these issues. Speeches are OK but practical advice is even more useful.
The spirit of the speech is embodied in the Constitution, but unfortunately it is not able to leap out to emerge for the good of the common and this become endemic. There shall remain no cause for fear from endemic protests. Let dreams come true, grow organically not cosmetically to see the mother land in the horizon. Not lip service but hard realities should emerge to serve the good to prevail,the good without remaining isolated for a few.
Obviously, people like Pranab don't want chaos when they are sitting on their millions. However if change has to come through chaos then we should welcome such chaos.
The President's address to the Nation on the eve of Independence Day is indeed excellent.He admits that corruption is endemic in our country.He further states frequent protests and agitations cannot solve the problem.He stresses the importance of institutions like parliament and judiciary and underlines their importance.Further he points out the importance of elections.In short the address is to be hailed.Jai Hind.
With due respect to mr president, Sir you are not a congressman
anymore.
Dear President, in a democracy, the people have the inalienable collective right to abrogate the constitution itself, if required, thereby invalidating all institutions deriving its powers from the constitution. To quote from United States declaration of Independence "But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."
Mr. President, This is the best speech I have ever heard from an Indian President. You have hit the nail on the head. Most of the commentators do not understand the crux of the problem; these people do not use their head, only use their heart; it is pity. Education is the only tool that will sort out most of the ills facing India today. Thanks and God Bless you, Mr. President.
The President is asking the citizens “not to destroy what has been
built, but to re-engineer them so that they become stronger than
before” by sending in better Representatives, rather than protesting
in the streets ad nauseum.
The President said, “Anger against the bitter pandemic of corruption
is legitimate, as is the protest against this plague that is eroding
the capability and potential of our nation." AND, "when authority
becomes authoritarian, democracy suffers".
The President’s solution, “Democracy is blessed with a unique
opportunity for redress of grievance through the great institutions of
accountability - free elections.”
To send in Representatives who work for the betterment of the nation,
(rather than amassing great personal wealth), should the citizens
support "good candidates" put up by existing parties, or vote in "good
people" from a new party? “Free elections” should make this possible!
Truly agree with president. Parliament is one of the pillars of
democracy. It should react on the need, understand and implement the
best which is necessary and demanded by the society. It is selected to
serve, not to master. And, now when it has gone on the other way, a re-engineering is required. Defects need to be removed. Recycling of
the existing blood is badly required.
To the fact, we shall be having an alternate option at the same time,
to do such re-engineering. If it is required then new raw material is
required too.
Hence the Social groups, formed by large but productive masses, not destructive, should consider to come to parliament and serve the
nation. Provide the nation what you feel as 'required'. Coming up with
a non government organization is surely an option for small groups,
but if someone wants to be in the government itself and flood the
development through proper channel, it should be appreciated.
Except for the excellent language the President has not shed any light about the virus and the policy paralysis.
Dada, bravo. When will Indian politicians play a politics based on facts, I am saddned that no one works or speaks based on facts, it's always the usual rhetoric with no substance, just aimed at making short term news and an eye on next elections.
"country would be “flirting with chaos” if its democratic
institutions come under an assault." Yes none deny this. But the
shoe is on the other foot. Democratic institutions are under threat
from Trojan Horse and not from outside, from utterly unscrupulous
and corrupt legislators and not from Ram Dev, Anna Hazare as the
President wants us believe. Even more fatally from the Government of
the day abrogating its governing responsibility and become a mute
spectator while the country is being rapped. Sad our President
sounds more like a Congress spokesman rather than as the protector
the constitution.
Pranab saab , expecting a lot from you, hope you are not a rubber stamp
and you guide the government of India in the right direction. You have a
made a phenomenal Independence day speech with your own mark on it, hope
you continue the same way by being unprejudiced towards any party,
region or religion.
All is well said Mr President. We need concrete ideas and steps and not just the usual lip service from politicians, in 60 years we are still to achieve the basic requirements of food, water, education & employment for a majority of our people. This is definetly not due to incapability but due to lackluster approach of people and polititians alike after independence. It is a time of change and politicians can no longer hide behind the curtain of "democracy" and "parliament". There has to be an athority to which they are truly accountable. People are getting frustated and time has come for a change.
india should work towards getting back the black money stashed abroad.
Corruption must stop completely. The hunger and poverty must go. Then
only people will not stage any protest. The peace will be achieved when
hungry are given food. otherwise it is a peace of graveyard.
Dear Mr President,
Corruption has become like a plague and Congress party is the virus spreading the disease. Have you made any effort to clean the disease?
Perhaps, you have no intention of doing it.
Enjoy the corruption epidemic!
The President should have added the corruption in his statement “We need a second
freedom struggle; this time to ensure that India is free for ever from hunger, disease and
poverty.” And also corruption. We should accept the fact that corruption is a major hurdle for
India to be free from hunger, disease and poverty.
Respecting the President and his stature (as he is the first citizen of
India),I never expected Mr. Pranab's speech to be by someone who is now
above party politics or partisan politics and will now speak as a
dignified Indian and not a Congress's rubber stamp.It is as mundane a
speech, as worthless as those given by ex-President,Pratibha Patil.
I want a Parliament and Parliamentarians whom I can respect and would
look upto as leaders and achievers,not peons of a High-Command!
President Pranab has not shed the cloak of a Congressman yet! This is
saddening. And he is still an arm-chair economist citing figures,
despite of being aware of the situation on the ground. Personally, I
found mellifluousness in the speech of Mrs.Patil delivered last year,
and the addresses of Dr.Kalam are par excellence.
Dear President,please read the open letter addressed to you by Shri
Debasis Chatterjee, which echoes the views held by most of us!
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