Uniformity will be disastrous for country's development: Pranab Mukherjee

DARJEELING: Citing India's vast diversity, President Pranab Mukherjee today said any one form or uniformity in the country will be disastrous.

Addressing a function here, the President laid emphasis on the country's multi-racial culture.

"We celebrate our diversity. We do not try to bring any one form or uniformity because we know that will be most disastrous to our social foray and development. Unity in diversity is strength in us. We are united in our national bondage," he said.

Mukherjee said the vastness of India is in its diversity. He was speaking at a function to mark the 202nd birth anniversary of Nepali poet Bhanubhakta Acharya at 'Chowrasta' (Mall) here.

The President's assertion has come at a time when there is a debate over implementation of uniform civil code in the country.

Mukherjee said India has an excellent relationship with Nepal. "We would like to strengthen this relationship amongst us," he said.

Talking about the great poet, the President said he had composed his poems in Nepali but his message was for entire humanity.

"His appeal transcends the boundaries of geography and time. He was delighted to have this opportunity to pay homage to the foremost poet of Nepali language," he said.

Praising the people of Darjeeling for having nurtured different cultures and identities, Mukherjee said unity in diversity was India's strength.

Earlier in the day, the President has visited Himalayan Mountaineering Institute here.

The President is on a three-day visit to Darjeeling.

West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi was present during the function.