Essence of democracy is liberated ideas: President

President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said the essence of democracy is the liberation of ideas and "true liberation" can come only through creative minds which must be nurtured and supported.

Interacting with 10 innovation scholars, two writers and two artists who were part of the two week In-Residence programme, the President told them to remember in future when they are at the zenith of their creativity that "an old man once expressed his goodwill for your success". The scholars called on him Yesterday on the eve of the completion of their stay in Rashtrapati Bhavan. 

"Creative minds are the real leaders and benefactors of society...The essence of democracy is the liberation of ideas and thoughts. True liberation can come only through creative minds and they must, therefore, be nurtured and supported," he said.

The innovators, writers and artists who were the part of two week long In-Residence Programme were Vikram Sampath, Gayatribala Panda, Rajesh Kargutkar, Haobam Sanaton Singh, Priyanka Mathikshara, Diptanshu Malviya, Mansukh Jagani, Rai Singh Dahiya, Kamruddin Saifi, T S Anand, Shantanu Pathak, Vikas Karade, Mohanlal and Sarthak Shukla.