The much anticipated address by former President Pranab Mukherjee to the valedictory ceremony of RSS' Tritya Varsh Training Programme in which 709 swayamsevaks from across the country were trained took place in Nagpur.

Former President Pranab Mukherjee was welcomed by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh founder KB Hedgewar's birthplace in Nagpur.

Pranab Mukherjee participated as the Chief Guest at the concluding ceremony of RSS' Tritya Varsh Training Programme .He spoke on the concepts of nation, nationalism and patriotism. He said India's national identity has emerged after a long drawn process of confluence and assimilation and the multiple cultures and faiths in India make us special and broadminded.

Pranab Mukherjee said that democracy is not a gift but a sacred trust. He hailed the Constitution as a magna carat for socio-economic transformation.

He spoke on the need for dialogue to balance and put to rights competing interests and how the objective of spreading peace, harmony and happiness should guide all actions of our state and society and from that will flow nationalism automatically.

Earlier, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed the gathering. He spoke in a similar vein, asserting that Sangh believes in uniting all and its aim is to organize and integrate society and not divide it.

The RSS chief also referred to the storm created over Pranab Mukherjee's acceptance of RSS invite for the event saying it was pointless as RSS was only following tradition of inviting people who have made noteworthy contributions to national life as Chief Guest and have the advantage of their experience.