President expressed dissent for violence, disharmony and calls for cultural assimilation

"It seems human life was more peaceful in the past compared to present times which may be because media’s reach was not  so deep and wide then," he said.

Mukherjee further said, riots did occur in the past, but violence was more controlled in the bygone era, while negative feelings seem to have penetrated deeply now.

"Yet, normal human behaviour calls for love, acceptance, brotherly feelings and peaceful co-existence which finds a mention and is conveyed through rural fairs where men from all walks of life come together," Mukherjee stated.

The President stated, Dantan, located at Bengal-Odisha border has been a place for cultural assimilation for long.

"In ancient times, the place was known as Dandabhukti, and was mentioned by the 16th  century Icon Sri Chaitanya, who crossed over Dandabhukti while travelling to Puri and had expressed desire to visit a mela or fair which brings together fellow humans and wherefrom different cultures are spread fan and wide," said he.

He said, terrorism, fundamentalism and sectarianism are spreading their tentacles across the globe, threatening peaceful coexistence and endangering the lives of millions of innocent people including women and children.

"The consequences of terrorism are more terrible than war. Not only India but the entire globe is facing the biggest challenge in the shape of extremism and terrorism.  The radicalization youth in the name of religion poses biggest threat to the humanity. In the present scenario, there is a stronger need to enhance mutual respect between religions and beliefs," said he.

Former Chief Minister of Odisha Giridhar Gamang and Governor of West Bengal Keshari Nath Tripathi were also present on the occasion.