President Pranab Mukherjee, referring to the recent cases of writers, historians and other intellectuals returning top national awards over the “growing intolerance” in the country, said on Monday: “S
President Pranab Mukherjee, referring to the recent cases of writers, historians and other intellectuals returning top national awards over the “growing intolerance” in the country, said on Monday: “Sensitive minds sometimes get disturbed by some incidents. But the expression of concern over such events should be balanced. Emotions should not overrun reason, and disagreement should be expressed through debate and discussion.”
At a function organised by the Press Council of India to mark National Press Day here, the President said: “We must, as proud Indians, have confidence in the idea of India and the values and principles enshrined in our Constitution. India has always been able to self-correct whenever such a need has arisen.”
Mr Mukherjee paid tribute to legendary cartoonists like R.K. Laxman and Rajinder Puri, and referred to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, saying the country’s first PM used to repeatedly tell cartoonist V. Shankar not to spare him in his work. “This open-mindedness and appreciation of genuine criticism is one of the loveable traditions of our great nation, which we must preserve and strengthen,” Mr Mukherjee said.
The President noted that freedom of the press in India formed part of freedom of expression, that is guaranteed by the Constitution as a fundamental right. He said in a democracy various challenges will emerge from time to time, and these should be addressed collectively.
