India passing through rising intolerance, institutions under severe strain, says former president Pranab Mukherjee

Former president Pranab Mukherjee on Friday said that there is disillusionment with governance and functioning of institutions in the country. "In the recent past institutions have come under severe strain and their credibility is being questioned. There is widespread cynicism and disillusionment with the government and the functioning of the institutions," news agency ANI quoted him as saying.

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In the recent past institutions have come under severe strain and their credibility is being questioned. There is widespread cynicism and disillusionment with the government and the functioning of the institutions: Former President Pranab Mukherjee (23.11.18) pic.twitter.com/k8dnErqtBA

— ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2018

Pranab Mukherjee was speaking at the inauguration of a national conference on "Towards Peace, Harmony and Happiness: Transition to transformation" organized by Pranab Mukherjee Foundation and the Centre for Research in Rural Development (CRRID) in Delhi.

"Our Constitution provides a delicate balance of power between various institutions of the state. This balance has to be maintained," he said.

"The land which gave the world the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and the civilizational ethos of tolerance, acceptance, and forgiveness, is now in news for rising levels of intolerance, manifestations of rage and infringement of human rights," Pranab Mukherjee said.

"Peace and harmony prevail when a nation celebrates pluralism, practices tolerance and promotes goodwill among diverse communities and when we purge the toxin of hatred, envy, jealousy, and aggression from our everyday lives," he said.

He said that the "world is one" and the concept of a holistic universe where science and spirituality converge can lead to a better understanding of human relationships and goals of creating a peaceful, egalitarian, inclusive, non-violent and progressive world.

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Pranab Mukherjee said, "we need a state that inspires confidence among people in its ability to surmount challenges before us. We need the media and citizens, who even as they claim their rights, are equally committed to their responsibilities."