The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented the 63th National Film Awards today (May 3, 2016) in New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion,the President said a country having 1.2 billion people, 102 languages, 1800 dialects, several religions, 3 major ethnic groups and huge diversity is working under one administrative system, under one constitution and under one flag. We never believed in exclusion, always in inclusion. We never allowed divergences to create disarray. We celebrate divergence. The President expressed gratitude to Indian cinema for truly reflecting India's unity in diversity.

The President expressed happiness that during the year 2015, the turnover of Indian film industry was Rs. 138 billion as against Rs. 126 billion just a year before. He said not only has domestic revenue increased but external revenue has also increased from Rs. 8.6 billion in 2014 to Rs. 9.6 billion in 2015.

The President said it was privilege to honour Shri Manoj Kumar with the Dada Saheb Phalke Award. He wished him good health and many more years in Indian film industry. The President also congratulated Mr. Rajiv Mehrotra of Public Service Broadcasting Trust for receiving his 28th National Award.

This release issued 2050 hrs.