No progress if talent is not respected: Prez

Stressing on the need for creativity and innovations in the country, President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday said no society can progress if it cannot respect talent.

Talking to participants of the Rashtrapati Bhavan’s ‘In-residence’ programme, including writers, artists and innovators from different parts of the country, he termed them as “special guests” who would continue to be special because of their talent.

“All of them are creative minds of a resurgent India and they will add many more glorious chapters to our ancient civilisation. If a society cannot respect talent, it cannot be described as a progressive society. Without innovations and creativity, no society can advance,” Mukherjee said.

He said the programme is among the initiatives taken to open up Rashtrapati Bhavan to the public. 

Omita Paul, Secretary of the President, said by encouraging bright minds “we can usher innovations which go beyond economic gains and cover the aspect of social good.”