Ram Nath Kovind: Disagree, but don’t mock others’ dignity

President Ram Nath Kovind called for a “civic-minded” society amid escalating protests and violence over Padmaavat.

In his first Republic Day-eve address on Thursday, the President said, “A civic-minded nation is built by civic-minded neighbourhoods, whether in our cities or our villages. Where we respect the next-door person’s space, privacy and rights. Where we do not inconvenience our neighbours... while resorting to a protest...”

“Where one can disagree with another viewpoint or even with a historical context — without mocking a fellow citizen’s dignity and personal space. This is fraternity in action,” he said.