Friday, August 15, 2008

No place for violence in our society: Patil

New Delhi : President Pratibha Patil yesterday made an oblique reference to the violent incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, appealing for calm and urging efforts towards reconciliation. "Whatever the problem, whatever the cause, whatever the reason, there is no place for violence in our society. There is no issue that does not lend itself to dialogue and reconciliation," she said while addressing the nation on on the eve of the country's Independence Day. According to Patil, "The paths of peace and compromise can be complex and difficult, but pursue them we must. They alone will enable the nation to grow and prosper. "I appeal that calm be always maintained in all parts of the country and wherever differences exist, all efforts be directed towards reconciliation." Noting that great nations "are built with the contributions and hard work of one and all", she added: "On the other hand, violence in any form undermines its progress." During the address, Patil spoke on a wide range of issues, including terrorism, international relations, the need for ushering in a second Green Revolution, and the need for sustainable and cleaner sources to address energy security issues. She also asked scientists and researchers to find efficient and cost-effective options for growth. Patil maintained that terrorists, "with their disruptive agenda, will never succeed in discouraging us from our resolve to build a strong India, or from working with our neighbours to eliminate this menace from our region, or from our commitment to forge co-operative relations with other countries across the world". "Unfortunately, terrorist groups continue to receive support and sanctuary. India has been the target of terrorist attacks for several decades and, in more recent times so have many countries across the globe. We must stand united against the threats emanating from terrorism," the president said. Turning to agriculture, she noted that India's food security was dependent on the growth of the sector and that "our scientists and agricultural research institutes must work to usher in a second Green Revolution which, along with agro-biotechnology, can translate into an ever-Green Revolution in India". Noting that science and technology "holds the key to progress in today's knowledge based societies", Patil urged scientists and researchers to find efficient and cost-effective options for growth. Speaking about energy security, the president said: "We need to look at energy mixes that are sustainable in the long run and are cleaner sources of energy, gradually making a deliberate shift to renewable energy. "It should be our national mission to begin exploring ways in which new sources of energy can be harnessed viably. Technologies that increase efficiency in energy-intensive sectors need to be developed."

http://www.s7news.com/story/3966

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