Our federal Constitution embodies the idea of modern India: it defines not only India but also modernity.

No problems are ever resolved by violence. It only aggravates the pain and the hurt on every side.

Trickle-down theories do not address the legitimate aspirations of the poor. We must lift those at the bottom so that poverty is erased from the dictionary of modern India.

Propelled by freedom of faith, gender equality and economic justice for all, India will become a modern nation. Minor blemishes cannot cloak the fact that India is becoming such a modern nation: no faith is in danger in our country, and the continuing commitment to gender equality is one of the great narratives of our times.

I am comfortable at the height where destiny has put me.

We must recognise that in a globalised world, we cannot remain insulated from external developments. India's trade performance in the current year has been robust, surpassing pre-crisis export levels and pre-crisis export growth trends. We have diversified our export baskets and our export destinations.

Indian president does not determine policy. Here President is not the policy maker. In the name of the president, the cabinet takes the policy decision.