NEW DELHI: President Ram Nath Kovind on the eve of 74th Independence Day extended his greetings to the countrymen. Addressing the nation, the President expressed his gratitude towards the freedom fighters who struggled for India’s Independence and reminisced the sacrifices they made.
Here are the highlights from President’s address:
* It gives me great pleasure to greet all people of India, living in the country & abroad, on the eve of 74th Independence Day. August 15 fills us with excitement of unfurling the tricolour, taking part in celebrations
* We are fortunate that Mahatma Gandhi was the guide of our freedom movement. The combination between a saint and a politician reflected in his personality was possible only in the soil of India.
* Nation is indebted to doctors, nurses & other health workers who have been continuously on the forefront of our COVID fight. Unfortunately, many of them have lost their lives battling the pandemic. They are our national heroes.
* Festivities for this year’s Independence Day will not take place as usual. The whole world is grappling with a deadly virus that has caused massive damage to life and hindered all kinds of activities. It is very reassuring that in order to meet this challenge, the central government took effective steps in time.
* Amidst disasters, people from all sections of society are coming together to help those in distress.
* By introducing ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana’, the government has enabled crores of people to earn their livelihood, and mitigate the impact of job-loss, dislocation and disruption caused by the pandemic. No family has to starve, for this, free food grains are being given to the needy people. Every month, around 80 crore people are being guaranteed ration.
* Committed to helping our people in trouble anywhere in the world, more than a million Indians have been brought back home by the government under the ‘Vande Bharat Mission’.
* All states are being brought under the ‘One Nation – One Ration Card’ scheme to enable ration card holders to take ration anywhere throughout the country.
*India has extended a helping hand to other countries in the fight against Covid-19. By supplying medicines at the request of other countries, we have once again proved that India stands with the world community in times of crisis.
* The overwhelming support for the temporary membership of the United Nations Security Council in the recently concluded elections is evidence of widespread international goodwill towards India.
* Today, when the biggest challenge faced by the world community is the need to unite and fight, then our neighbour dared to carry out his expansionist activities cleverly. Protecting the borders, our brave soldiers laid down their lives. The entire nation pays tribute to the sacrifices of the Galwan Valley. Every Indian expresses gratitude towards their family members.
* We are proud of our armed forces, police and paramilitary forces, which guard the borders, and ensure our internal security.
* India’s self-reliance means being self-sufficient without alienating or creating distance from the world. It implies that India will continue to engage with the world economy while maintaining its identity.
