New Delhi, November 24: Former President Pranab Mukherjee, speaking at an event in New Delhi, said that the "Country is passing through a difficult phase. The land which gave the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, civilisational ethos of forgiveness, tolerance, acceptance is now in news for rising intolerance, rage, infringement of human rights." Pranab Mukherjee Gives a Strong Message on Nationalism to RSS Workers in Nagpur, Says ‘India’s Strength Lies in Tolerance, Hate Will Destroy Our Identity'.

The former President's harsh words, targeting the present dispensation without naming names, is his strongest criticism of the government in recent years.

Talking about the institutions in the country, Mukherjee said that "In the recent past institutions have come under severe strain and their credibility is being questioned. There is widespread cynicism and disillusionment with the government and the functioning of the institutions."

Mukherjee added that the institutions in the country are a mirror of national character and must immediately win back the people’s trust to save India’s democracy.

Mukherjee, who was speaking at the inauguration of a national conference on “Towards Peace, Harmony and Happiness: Transition to transformation” in New Delhi, stressed the need for maintaining the delicate balance of power between institutions and the state, as provided in the Constitution.

Former President Pranab Mukherjee, had on June 7, attended the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur. Addressing the concluding ceremony of 'Tritiya Varsh Varg' training programme in Nagpur, Mukherjee gave a strong message on Nationalism to all the RSS workers. "Our national identity has emerged after a long drawn process of confluence and assimilation, the multiple cultures and faiths make us special and tolerant."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 24, 2018 09:56 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).