President Pranab Mukherjee : National film awards celebrate India's diversity

President Pranab Mukherjee today hailed the National Film Awards for celebrating the diversity of the

 country and lauded Indian cinema for highlighting the spirit of unity.

"I am happy that the 64th National Awards represent a microcosm of India which celebrates the diversity of languages, customs, religions and culture," Mukherjee said.

The president said Indian cinema and its diversity convey the underlying spirit of brotherhood, tolerance, acceptance and co-existence.

Mukherjee congratulated the award winners in different sections and thanked Dada Saheb Phalke Award winner, veteran filmmaker K Vishvanath, for his contribution to the film industry.

The president said he was happy to see a large number of young winners and motivated them to work hard to take the Indian culture forward through cinema.

"It is heartening to see so many young faces being recognised in various fields. If the young generation is taking it forward like this, then we can relax and be happy that our national interest will be protected," Mukherjee said.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Information and Broadcasting M Venkaiah Naidu said Indian cinema has showcased the vast richness of the country's cultural diversity.

"Cinema has been a great unifying force in promoting national integration. The film industry should join hands to facilitate mission MODI (Making Of Developed India)," he said.

He mentioned that the movies that had won the awards focus on a variety of issues and themes ranging from discrimination, love, historical relationships and relevant social challenges.