By Andalib Ahkter
President Ram Nath Kovind highlighted India’s defence power and economic strength in his address to the nation on the eve of the 74th Independence Day today
President Ram Nath Kovind asserted that while India believes in peace it is also capable of giving a befitting response to any attempt of aggression as he said “some in our neighbourhood” tried to carry out “misadventure of expansion”.
Mr. Kovind said that Indian soldiers gallantly defended the borders of the country from all misadventures of expansion. He remembered the martyrs who sacrificed their lives protecting the nation’s pride and said that the entire nation salutes them for their brevity. He also mentioned that the country has taken the current crisis as an opportunity and numerous landmark reforms benefitting all spheres of life have been introduced by the government.
President also spoke about the ‘Aatmanirbhar’ initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and allayed fears of foreign investors saying India’s self-reliance means being self-sufficient without alienating or creating distance from the world, with which it would continue to engage.
Reaffirming, India’s belief in the principle of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam, World is One family, President said that the country, apart from taking care of its own citizens, also extended helping hand to many foreign countries. He said, the overwhelming support India got at the elections for the non-permanent seat of the United Nations Security Council bears testimony to the goodwill the country enjoys internationally.
Speaking about the impetus to self-reliance, Mr. Kovind said that India’s push to Atma-Nirbharta comes without alienation or distancing from the world. He said, the country will continue to engage with the world economy while maintaining its own identity.
Touching upon the COVID-19 pandemic, Kovind said the nation is indebted to doctors, nurses and other health workers who have been continuously on the forefront of the fight against the disease which has disrupted all activities world over and taken a huge toll.
Mr. Kovind exhorted on the lessons which the pandemic has unveiled to the humanity. He also stressed on the importance and adoption of human-centric collaborations over economy-centric inclusions. He said, these testing times have brought all sections of people together apart from highlighting the need to develop a robust health infrastructure in the country.
The President also called for accelerating developments in science and technology which he said helped meet the twin objectives of saving lives and resumption of activities in midst of a global pandemic.
Speaking about the New Education Policy, Mr. Kovind said that its implementation will lead to a new quality education system which will help transform the future challenges into opportunities, paving the way for a New India. He also lauded the unflinching belief of countrymen in the judicial system, which he said was depicted in the restraint and patience shown by the people during the long drawn Ayodhya Ram janmbhoomi case. He said, Indian ethos of peace, non-violence, love and harmony emerged victorious globally when all the concerned parties and people respectfully accepted the verdict of the Supreme Court in the matter.
Mr. Kovind wished for universal good health and urged everyone to continue to maintain caution and act responsibly in order to defeat the menace of Corona Virus.