"We are of the view that a non-political person should be elected as the President of India. The President's office should be occupied by a person of eminence and dignity who holds highest ethical values and integrity and one who has rendered selfless service to the nation," the statement issued by the group said.u00a0

The signatories included Snehlata Deshmukh, former Vice Chancellor of University of Mumbai; M N Singh, former Police Commissioner of Mumbai; Niranjan Hiranandani, President-elect, Indian Merchants' Chamber; Dr Farooq Udwadia, Chief Physician, Breach Candy Hospital; Farzana Behram Contractor, Editor-publisher, and Nanik Rupani, Chairman of Priyadarshni Academy.