8 percent GDP growth rate is achievable if we make united efforts, says President
8 percent GDP growth rate is achievable if we make
united efforts, says President
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the 185th Anniversary Celebrations of Calcutta Chamber of Commerce today (December 12, 2015) in Kolkata.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce, which is one of the oldest associations of its kind in the world, since inception, has played a catalytic role not only in the industrial growth of the region but also in its socio-economic development. A unique contribution of the Association is its efforts to improve Calcutta’s civic amenities. It took an active interest in the enactment of key legislations in areas like Bengal Town Planning, Merchandise Marks, Copyright, Apprenticeship and Calcutta Port Trust etc.
The President said India has witnessed a period of high growth particularly in the middle years of last decade. Though the tempo could not be maintained thereafter, we did have good years of growth. This was despite the fact that prolonged global economic slowdown had affected the growth performance of all major economies. Barring a below five percent growth in 2012-13, our economic growth in all other years has been not less than 6.6 percent.
The President said for better economic performance, a re-energized manufacturing sector is crucial. During the years 2005-06 to 2007-08 when our economy grew by more than 9 percent, exports grew in excess of 20 percent in each of these years. Though Exports have come down in the last three years, the import bill has also called because of the decline in oil prices. This has helped to keep the current account deficit at a manageable level of 1.4 percent last year. Foreign exchange reserves at US Dollar 353 billion as of end October are also at comfortable levels giving us a cushion to meet any crisis.
The President said 8 percent GDP growth rate is achievable by India if we make united efforts in this direction. Various countries today consider India an attractive investment destination because of political stability and Government’s new initiatives like Swachh Bharat, Make in India, Digital India, Skill India, etc. He called upon the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce to contribute substantially to the development of the region and the economic regeneration of India.
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Prime Minister of Japan calls on the President
His Excellency Mr. Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan called on the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (December 12, 2015).
Welcoming Mr. Shinzo Abe, the President said India attaches high value to its partnership with Japan and considers Japan a key strategic partner. Bilateral relations between India and Japan have been strengthened through efforts of successive Governments in both countries. Japan is a major partner in infrastructure development of India. The projects that have been undertaken through Japanese Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) have directly impacted in a positive way the lives of ordinary Indians. India would like to see an expansion of ODA projects and more Japanese business activities as well as an enhancement in the flow of FDI into India. He said India’s current growth rate provides opportunities and he was confident that the Japanese private sector will seize these opportunities.
The Japanese Prime Minister warmly reciprocated the President’s sentiments and paid tribute to the President on his contributions over the years to India-Japan relations. He conveyed condolences and support to the victims of the floods in Chennai. The Japanese Prime Minister said relations between the two countries are built on common values and strategic interests. Cooperation between the two countries is important for the peace and security of the entire India-Pacific region.
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Address by the President of
India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the Closing Ceremony of the Bicentenary
Celebrations of the Diocese of Calcutta at St. Paul’s Cathedral Kolkata:
December 13, 2015
1. I am happy to
be present here at this closing ceremony of the bicentenary celebrations of the
Diocese of Calcutta, Church of North India. At the outset, let me congratulate
this historic institution on completing two hundred years of its fruitful
journey of service and commitment to the city of Kolkata and to the society at
large.
2. The Diocese of Calcutta has a significant history behind its inception and existence. In 1814, a Letter of Patent was issued where upon the “Bishopric of Calcutta” was given effect to and the Diocese of Calcutta was defined. The Diocese of Calcutta at that time comprised entire India, including Burma. It extended up to Ceylon and gradually even as far as Borneo, Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, Cape Town and China. However by the time India became independent in 1947, most of the dioceses outside the geographical boundary of India had become separate. Presently, the Diocese of Calcutta comprises the Churches and institutions in and around the city of Kolkata, a Church at East Midnapore, and the churches located in the neighbouring districts of Howrah and Hooghly.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
3. It is sacrosanct to have faith in the greatness of God through kindness and concern for others. Lord Jesus Christ had taught mankind and I quote: “Love thy neighbour as thy self” (unquote). It is important for us all to embrace this teaching in word and deed. To my mind, the Diocese of Calcutta has shown the way through its respectful conduct of multifarious humanitarian activities and set an example for others to follow. It has fully exhibited faith in action. Its activities and services are in whole-hearted consonance with the vision and mission of the Church of North India, which are Unity, Witness and Service.
4. It is heartening to note that the Diocese of Calcutta along with its Churches, educational institutions and organizations is extensively involved in helping the underprivileged sections of society. Their efforts are aimed at providing equal opportunity to all the deprived and needy people in terms of developing social awareness, gaining access to quality education, building capacity, and providing healthcare services.
5. I am told that the Diocese of Calcutta runs many educational institutions, including schools at all levels, from pre-primary to primary, secondary and higher secondary levels. These schools impart quality education in both the vernacular and English medium. The society also operates under-graduate colleges and offers post-graduate courses as well. Nursing and engineering colleges, a hospice for AIDS patients, Child Care Centre for the children of AIDS affected or infected parents, Tuberculosis centre and hospitals, Old Age Homes, Orphanages and Day Child Care Centres are other priority projects of the diocese. Women, children, the elderly and backward sections of the population residing in both urban and rural areas are helped by the Diocese through these projects. It has empowered them to break the chains of poverty and injustice, and has helped them to lead a life of human dignity and respect. Mother Teresa had once said and I quote: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love” (unquote). The Diocese of Calcutta has truly exemplified this thought by its social engineering projects. Its noble deeds have significantly impacted and transformed the lives of the citizens of Kolkata across many generations.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
6. Every religion preaches the fundamental values of humanity. Forbearance, restraint and acceptance of different views form some of our core principles. India prides itself in its pluralistic ideals. In India, several major religions have thrived due to its assimilative character that has come to define our civilization over the centuries. People professing different faiths have lived here in harmony for a long time.
7. It is the mosaic of being multi-religious that makes our nation an oasis of peaceful co-existence and communal harmony. It is here that the Christian community is looked upon with respect for their peaceful and humanitarian nature and for their magnanimous contribution to the process of nation building. The fabric of our society would remain strong when every individual irrespective of caste, creed, language, region and religion can live and partake in its progress without fear and prejudice. In this context, the Diocese of Calcutta’s effort in promoting inter-faith dialogue is truly commendable.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:
8. I am today reminded of the words of the great missionary of Serampore, William Carey, who had said and I quote: “Expect great things from God and attempt great things for God” (unquote). On this auspicious occasion, I urge the Diocesan Family of Kolkata to keep up the good work and continue making a difference to the lives of citizens. At the end, I once again compliment the Diocese of Calcutta and wish them the very best for the future.
Thank you. Jai Hind.
2. The Diocese of Calcutta has a significant history behind its inception and existence. In 1814, a Letter of Patent was issued where upon the “Bishopric of Calcutta” was given effect to and the Diocese of Calcutta was defined. The Diocese of Calcutta at that time comprised entire India, including Burma. It extended up to Ceylon and gradually even as far as Borneo, Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, Cape Town and China. However by the time India became independent in 1947, most of the dioceses outside the geographical boundary of India had become separate. Presently, the Diocese of Calcutta comprises the Churches and institutions in and around the city of Kolkata, a Church at East Midnapore, and the churches located in the neighbouring districts of Howrah and Hooghly.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
3. It is sacrosanct to have faith in the greatness of God through kindness and concern for others. Lord Jesus Christ had taught mankind and I quote: “Love thy neighbour as thy self” (unquote). It is important for us all to embrace this teaching in word and deed. To my mind, the Diocese of Calcutta has shown the way through its respectful conduct of multifarious humanitarian activities and set an example for others to follow. It has fully exhibited faith in action. Its activities and services are in whole-hearted consonance with the vision and mission of the Church of North India, which are Unity, Witness and Service.
4. It is heartening to note that the Diocese of Calcutta along with its Churches, educational institutions and organizations is extensively involved in helping the underprivileged sections of society. Their efforts are aimed at providing equal opportunity to all the deprived and needy people in terms of developing social awareness, gaining access to quality education, building capacity, and providing healthcare services.
5. I am told that the Diocese of Calcutta runs many educational institutions, including schools at all levels, from pre-primary to primary, secondary and higher secondary levels. These schools impart quality education in both the vernacular and English medium. The society also operates under-graduate colleges and offers post-graduate courses as well. Nursing and engineering colleges, a hospice for AIDS patients, Child Care Centre for the children of AIDS affected or infected parents, Tuberculosis centre and hospitals, Old Age Homes, Orphanages and Day Child Care Centres are other priority projects of the diocese. Women, children, the elderly and backward sections of the population residing in both urban and rural areas are helped by the Diocese through these projects. It has empowered them to break the chains of poverty and injustice, and has helped them to lead a life of human dignity and respect. Mother Teresa had once said and I quote: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love” (unquote). The Diocese of Calcutta has truly exemplified this thought by its social engineering projects. Its noble deeds have significantly impacted and transformed the lives of the citizens of Kolkata across many generations.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
6. Every religion preaches the fundamental values of humanity. Forbearance, restraint and acceptance of different views form some of our core principles. India prides itself in its pluralistic ideals. In India, several major religions have thrived due to its assimilative character that has come to define our civilization over the centuries. People professing different faiths have lived here in harmony for a long time.
7. It is the mosaic of being multi-religious that makes our nation an oasis of peaceful co-existence and communal harmony. It is here that the Christian community is looked upon with respect for their peaceful and humanitarian nature and for their magnanimous contribution to the process of nation building. The fabric of our society would remain strong when every individual irrespective of caste, creed, language, region and religion can live and partake in its progress without fear and prejudice. In this context, the Diocese of Calcutta’s effort in promoting inter-faith dialogue is truly commendable.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:
8. I am today reminded of the words of the great missionary of Serampore, William Carey, who had said and I quote: “Expect great things from God and attempt great things for God” (unquote). On this auspicious occasion, I urge the Diocesan Family of Kolkata to keep up the good work and continue making a difference to the lives of citizens. At the end, I once again compliment the Diocese of Calcutta and wish them the very best for the future.
Thank you. Jai Hind.
*******
Mosaic of Multi-Religions
Makes India an Oasis of Peaceful co-existence and Communal Harmony, Says
President
The President of India, Shri
Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the closing ceremony of the Bicentenary
Celebrations of the Diocese of Calcutta today (December 13, 2015) in Kolkata.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said every religion preaches the fundamental values of humanity. In India, several major religions have thrived due to its assimilative character that has come to define our civilization over the centuries. People professing different faiths have lived here in harmony for a long time.
The President said it is the mosaic of being multi-religious that makes our nation an oasis of peaceful co-existence and communal harmony. It is here that the Christian community is looked upon with respect for their peaceful and humanitarian nature and for their magnanimous contributions to nation building. The fabric of our society would remain strong when every individual irrespective of caste, creed, language, region and religion can live and partake in progress without fear and prejudice.
The President congratulated the Diocese of Calcutta on completing two hundred years of its fruitful journey of service and commitment to the city of Kolkata and society at large. He said it has shown the way through its respectful conduct of multifarious humanitarian activities and set an example for others to follow. He urged the Diocesan Family of Kolkata to keep up the good work and continue making a difference to the lives of citizens.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said every religion preaches the fundamental values of humanity. In India, several major religions have thrived due to its assimilative character that has come to define our civilization over the centuries. People professing different faiths have lived here in harmony for a long time.
The President said it is the mosaic of being multi-religious that makes our nation an oasis of peaceful co-existence and communal harmony. It is here that the Christian community is looked upon with respect for their peaceful and humanitarian nature and for their magnanimous contributions to nation building. The fabric of our society would remain strong when every individual irrespective of caste, creed, language, region and religion can live and partake in progress without fear and prejudice.
The President congratulated the Diocese of Calcutta on completing two hundred years of its fruitful journey of service and commitment to the city of Kolkata and society at large. He said it has shown the way through its respectful conduct of multifarious humanitarian activities and set an example for others to follow. He urged the Diocesan Family of Kolkata to keep up the good work and continue making a difference to the lives of citizens.
******
Cleaning Ganga as Important as
Worship of the River, Says President
The President of India, Shri
Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated a statue of Lord Shiva at Seth Banshidhar Jalan
Smriti Mandir, Howrah, West Bengal today (December 13, 2015).
Speaking on the occasion, the President said the central message of all religions is one and the same, namely love, compassion and humanity. It is this message which enables society move forward in harmony. He complimented the Trust for having created a beautiful temple and statue of Shiva on the banks of the Ganga. He called upon the Trust and temple authorities to take steps to clean Ganga and prevent pollution of the river. The President said cleaning of Ganga is as important as worship of the river.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said the central message of all religions is one and the same, namely love, compassion and humanity. It is this message which enables society move forward in harmony. He complimented the Trust for having created a beautiful temple and statue of Shiva on the banks of the Ganga. He called upon the Trust and temple authorities to take steps to clean Ganga and prevent pollution of the river. The President said cleaning of Ganga is as important as worship of the river.
*****
We Need World Class Academic
Institutions if we Aspire to Become one of the Top Nations if the World, Says
President
The President of
India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee today (December 13, 2015) delivered the Debranjan
Mukherjee Memorial Lecture in Kolkata.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said India cannot aspire to become one of the top nations in the world and sit at the high table of the international comity without having world class academic institutions. He said physical infrastructure for higher education has expanded fast in India in recent years. We have 712 universities and over 36,000 colleges, but not a single Indian institution figured in the top 200 rankings till recently. There was a time when India played a dominant role in the higher education system and we had renowned seats of learning like Takshashila, Nalanda, Vikramashila, Valabhi, Somapura and Odantapuri. India now has to work towards regaining that glory of the past.
The President said as Visitor to large number of institutions of higher learning, he has been regularly convening conferences and emphasizing on the need to improve international rankings. The basic problem is not lack of merit on the part of our higher learning institutions but technicalities and our not providing relevant information to the international rating agencies. The President said he was happy institutions are now taking the ranking process more seriously in a proactive and systematic manner. Thanks to the efforts of the institutions concerned and his constant prodding, two Indian institutions have broken into the top 200 for the first time. He was confident many more would join these institutions soon.
The President said the Internet, mobile phones and TV have transformed the world. There are no longer any territorial limitations. Technology and e-classrooms can be used to access best of teachers anywhere. This will help address the problem of faculty shortages.
The President said there is need for cross fertilization of ideas. Faculty and student exchanges should be regularly organized. Novel ideas that can be transformed into marketable products should be supported and higher education institutions should in association with grassroots entrepreneurs create incubation centers.
The President said India has been traditionally a fossil fuel driven energy economy. There is a need to develop solar energy and other alternate energy to reduce dependence on hydro carbons.
The President fondly remembered Shri Debranjan Mukherji who taught him for four years in Suri Vidyasagar College. He recalled that the College has excellent teachers at that time.
The Memorial Lecture has been instituted in the memory of Late Debranjan Mukherji, an influential figure who taught Bengali language and literature. He served in Suri Vidyasagar College, Guskara Mahavidyalaya, Bidhanchandra College at Asansol and the University of Burdwan, where he later became the Head of the Department of Bengali.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said India cannot aspire to become one of the top nations in the world and sit at the high table of the international comity without having world class academic institutions. He said physical infrastructure for higher education has expanded fast in India in recent years. We have 712 universities and over 36,000 colleges, but not a single Indian institution figured in the top 200 rankings till recently. There was a time when India played a dominant role in the higher education system and we had renowned seats of learning like Takshashila, Nalanda, Vikramashila, Valabhi, Somapura and Odantapuri. India now has to work towards regaining that glory of the past.
The President said as Visitor to large number of institutions of higher learning, he has been regularly convening conferences and emphasizing on the need to improve international rankings. The basic problem is not lack of merit on the part of our higher learning institutions but technicalities and our not providing relevant information to the international rating agencies. The President said he was happy institutions are now taking the ranking process more seriously in a proactive and systematic manner. Thanks to the efforts of the institutions concerned and his constant prodding, two Indian institutions have broken into the top 200 for the first time. He was confident many more would join these institutions soon.
The President said the Internet, mobile phones and TV have transformed the world. There are no longer any territorial limitations. Technology and e-classrooms can be used to access best of teachers anywhere. This will help address the problem of faculty shortages.
The President said there is need for cross fertilization of ideas. Faculty and student exchanges should be regularly organized. Novel ideas that can be transformed into marketable products should be supported and higher education institutions should in association with grassroots entrepreneurs create incubation centers.
The President said India has been traditionally a fossil fuel driven energy economy. There is a need to develop solar energy and other alternate energy to reduce dependence on hydro carbons.
The President fondly remembered Shri Debranjan Mukherji who taught him for four years in Suri Vidyasagar College. He recalled that the College has excellent teachers at that time.
The Memorial Lecture has been instituted in the memory of Late Debranjan Mukherji, an influential figure who taught Bengali language and literature. He served in Suri Vidyasagar College, Guskara Mahavidyalaya, Bidhanchandra College at Asansol and the University of Burdwan, where he later became the Head of the Department of Bengali.
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