The controversy and violent demonstrations may have come to an end on Thursday after the screening of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s movie called Padmaavat amid tight security. The demonstration subjected some states to damages witnessed by burnt motorcycles and vehicles interrupted traffic and destroyed multiplexes. India’ President veiled his message to the people on the violence that ensued following the Apex Court’s decision to let the film screen on Thursday.
Kovind’s Address
During Kovind’s address to the nation, he highlighted that disagreements should not mock a fellow Indian’s dignity or infringe on their personal space. Padmaavat is an opinion of the directors involved, a form of freedom of expression as transcribed in the Indian Constitution commemorated today. The President’s stamen came as a backdrop to the violence perpetrated by various Rajput including the vocal Karni Sena who were at the forefront to oppose the release of the movie.
The President reiterated that civic neighborhoods are responsible for a civic-minded nation, whether in cities or rural villages. He added that a civic nation is where one respects their next-door neighbor’s space, privacy and rights. He resented the idea of inconveniencing each other’s neighbor just because of a celebration or demonstration. Everyone has the right to disagree with another’s viewpoint or even historical content, but their disagreement should not infringe on their fellow citizen’s dignity and space.
Other Subjects Touched on in the Address
In a different twist, the President urged India rich to revive India’s age-old culture of philanthropy. He referred to the old day when the rich used to voluntarily give up their entitlement for those with the most significant needs. He acknowledged that a society that builds a nation through selflessness does so because of its inner will but not because it has been asked to so. President Kovind urged India’s citizens to collate their privileges and entitlements, look at the less privileged who are in the same position as them when they began and help them.
President Kovind reiterated that the education system in India needs reforms, an upgrade and to be enlarged to meet the 21st century standards which entail genomics, digital economies, robotics, and automation.
India is faced with challenges such as poverty and housing evident by the soring population. The President stressed that there is a need to fast track sustainable development goals like housing and eliminating poverty.
