NEW DELHI: On the eve of India's 71st Independence Day, President Ram Nath Kovind made a strong pitch for a "compassionate and egalitarian society that does not discriminate on gender or religious background" even as he invoked the concept of "integral humanism" propounded by Sangh ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyaya. This is the first time that "integral humanism", the credo of BJP, figured in a presidential speech - a thread which marks the Sangh Parivar 's current dominance.The reference to "integral humanism" was part of the President's larger narrative about an egalitarian and compassionate society that dwelt upon a sense of partnership between the citizen and government. "Kovind spoke at length about the citizen-government partnership, citing instances where it was exhibited in the current scenario in people giving up LPG subsidy voluntarily, response to demonetisation, and introduction of GST, among others. "Emphasising the sense of oneness that it showcased, he said, "There was a sense of caring and of sharing, and of interdependence." Calling on citizens to adopt this sense of "caring and sharing", Kovind added, "This will make us a gentler and happier society and help us understand each other with greater empathy."

Source: Times of India August 14, 2017 22:38 UTC