<p>President Pranab Mukherjee tonight warned that pluralism and tolerance, which have been the hallmark of Indian civilisation, cannot be turned into fiction due to the "whims and caprices of a rigid few".<br /><br /></p>.<p>Delivering the Arjun Singh memorial lecture at the Nehru Memorial Museum in honour of the late Congress veteran, Mukherjee said, in a pluralistic democracy it was important that the values of tolerance, respect for contrary views and patience are inculcated amongst citizens, particularly the youth.<br /><br />"Pluralism and tolerance have been the hallmark of our civilisation. This is a core philosophy that must continue undeterred. For, India's strength lies in her diversity.<br /><br />"Diversity of our country is a fact. This cannot be turned into fiction due to the whims and caprices of a rigid few. Plurality of our society has come about through assimilation of ideas over centuries," he said.<br /><br />He said India derives its strength from tolerance. It has been part of its collective consciousness for centuries and it was the only way it will work well for the country.<br /><br />"There are divergent strands in public discourse. We may argue. We may not agree. But we cannot deny the essential prevalence of multiplicity of opinion. Otherwise, a fundamental character of our thought process will wither away," he said.</p>
<p>President Pranab Mukherjee tonight warned that pluralism and tolerance, which have been the hallmark of Indian civilisation, cannot be turned into fiction due to the "whims and caprices of a rigid few".<br /><br /></p>.<p>Delivering the Arjun Singh memorial lecture at the Nehru Memorial Museum in honour of the late Congress veteran, Mukherjee said, in a pluralistic democracy it was important that the values of tolerance, respect for contrary views and patience are inculcated amongst citizens, particularly the youth.<br /><br />"Pluralism and tolerance have been the hallmark of our civilisation. This is a core philosophy that must continue undeterred. For, India's strength lies in her diversity.<br /><br />"Diversity of our country is a fact. This cannot be turned into fiction due to the whims and caprices of a rigid few. Plurality of our society has come about through assimilation of ideas over centuries," he said.<br /><br />He said India derives its strength from tolerance. It has been part of its collective consciousness for centuries and it was the only way it will work well for the country.<br /><br />"There are divergent strands in public discourse. We may argue. We may not agree. But we cannot deny the essential prevalence of multiplicity of opinion. Otherwise, a fundamental character of our thought process will wither away," he said.</p>