President addresses nation ahead of I-Day

" India demands creative thinking in governance that enables fast-track development and ensures social harmony," Mukherjee said in his speech while addressing the nation ahead of the Independence Day.

"The nation has to be placed above partisan impulses. The people come first," he said.

Speaking on governance model, he said: " A country of our size, heterogeneity and complexity calls for culture-specific governance models."

He said people should nurture nature so that it continues to 'nurture' humanity.

" The benefits from economic development must percolate down to the poorest of the poor," he said.

Mukherjee said people of India should defend 'our secular fabric' with vigour.

" The focus of our policies now has to move from alleviation of poverty to elimination of poverty," he said.

Speaking on the country's economy, Mukherjee said the stage is now set for the economy to move on a high growth trajectory of 7 to 8 percent.

"A nation is very young at 68. India has the will, energy, intellect, values & unity 2 claim the 21st century," he said.

In his speech, He asked the nation: "I sometimes wonder has our democracy become too noisy?Have we lost the art of contemplation and calm thinking?"

India will celebrate  68th Independence Day on Friday.