when protest becomes endemic we are flirting with chaos democracy is a shared process we all win or lose together democratic temper calls for dignity of behaviour and tolerance of contrary views parliament will live by its own calendar and rhythm sometimes that rhythm sounds a bit atonal but in a democracy there is always judgement day an election parliament is the soul of the people the atman of india we challenge its rights and duties at our peril 16i say this not in a spirit of admonition but as a plea for greater understanding of the existential issues that lurk behind the mask of the mundane democracy is blessed with a unique opportunity for redress of grievances through the great institution of accountability free elections 17old fires that threaten the stability of our nation have not been fully doused the ash continues to smoulder it is particularly painful for me to witness the violence in assam our minorities need solace understanding and protection from aggression violence is not an option violence is an invitation to greater violence concrete attempts have been made to heal the wounds of assam including the assam accord conceived by our young and beloved former prime minister rajiv gandhi we should revisit them and adapt them to present conditions in the spirit of justice and national interest we need peace for a new economic surge that eliminates the competitive causes of violence 18it is a fact of our geopolitical environment that some problems transcend borders saarc was created 27 years ago to find solutions through dialogue and by mutual cooperation create the rapid economic growth that is the only longterm answer to problems like migration and uneven development saarc must acquire vigour to fulfil its mandate 19the saarc should be a major instrument in the common war against terrorists great success is possible by international cooperation all saarc nations must cooperate to bring to justice those who believe in mayhem against innocents there is no other way towards peace on the subcontinent 20i am proud of our brave armed forces and our valiant police forces who have done so much at such great personal risk to curb this menace of terrorism it is their vigilance which has prevented more havoc if we sleep in peace it is because they are awake and vigilant in the desolation of desert and mountain and forest and in the vast loneliness of the seas i salute their commitment and their patriotism it is heartening that the armed forces not only guarantee our peace but also produce medal winners at olympics i congratulate all who have done their nation proud at the recently concluded games by winning as well as by participating the number of trophies may not be too large but it is a remarkable improvement upon the last count four years later when i hope to address you again i am sure we will celebrate a medals spring my fellow citizens 21if there is one man in