Mar 2, 2017: Amidst recent violence in Ramjas College in New Delhi, the President of India Pranab Mukherjee said, there must be space for legitimate criticism and dissent. He also said, those in Universities must engage in reasoned discussion and debate rather than propagate a culture of unrest. It is tragic to see them caught in the vortex of violence and disquiet.
The President was delivering the 6th K.S. Rajamony Memorial Lecture on the topic ‘India@70’ today in Kochi, Kerala. 
The President mentioned, there should be no room in India for the intolerant Indian. India has been since ancient times a bastion of free thought, speech and expression. Freedom of speech and expression is one of the most important fundamental rights guaranteed by our Constitution.
Speaking on the occasion, President mentioned, our leaders and political activists must listen to the people, engage with them, learn from them and respond to their needs and concerns. Our law makers must never take the people for granted.
The President said he does not consider a society or State to be civilised if its citizens’ behaviour towards women is uncivilized. The acid test of any society is its attitude towards women and children. India should not fail this test, he commented.
The President concluded with saying that he sees a very bright future for India. He is confident that in the next ten years, we will see even greater progress as we steer our nation, focused on further strengthening our open, democratic and inclusive society.
Among other dignitaries present on the occasion were Justice P. Sathasivam, Governor of Kerala; PinarayiVijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala.
