"Indian civilization has survived for 5000 years because of its tolerance,"
"Indian civilization has always accepted dissent and differences."
Addressing a gathering in Birbhum, West Bengal, the President asked "Is tolerance and acceptance of dissent on wane?"
"Assimilation through receiving is a characteristic of Indian society. Our collective strength must be harnessed to resist evil powers in society," the President said.
"Humanism and pluralism should not be abandoned under any circumstances," he said, adding, "We have a Constitution that accommodates all these differences."
Greeting people on the eve of Durga Puja celebrations, Mukherjee expressed the hope that "Mahamaya - the combination of all positive forces would eliminate the Asuras or divisive forces."
In a similar appeal earlier this month, President Pranab Mukherjee had said core values of India's civilization that celebrate diversity, plurality and tolerance should not be allowed to wither away.
READ ALSO:Preserve values of diversity, tolerance, President Pranab Mukherjee says
The President's message of peace comes against the backdrop of a series of hate incidents.
BJP's ally in Maharashtra Shiv Sena has been recently involved in several incidents.
Earlier this month, Sena forced cancellation of a music concert by कृपयाstani legend Ghulam Ali. On Monday, protests by Shiv Sainiks forced cancellelation of talks between Indian and कृपयाstani cricket board chiefs. Shiv Sainiks were also involved in blackening the face of Sudheendra Kulkarni, who had organized a book launch of former कृपयाstani minister Khurshid Kasuri.
Remember teachings of Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa ‘Jato Mat Tato Path’
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