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The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil,
addressed the Nation on the eve of the 63rd Republic
Day. Following is the text of the President’s
address on the occasion:
Dear Citizens,
On the eve of our 63rd Republic Day, I convey my
warmest greetings to all of you across the country,
from every walk of life and in different parts of
the world. I convey my special greetings to the
Armed Forces and the Para-Military Forces who guard
our frontiers with great vigil and valour, in high
mountainous terrains, deserts and the plains, on the
coasts and the seas. I also convey my best wishes to
our internal security forces and to our civil
services. I compliment all citizens for their
contribution to the process of nation-building.
We are living in a world that is complex and
challenging. Forces of globalization have created an
interlinked and interdependent world. No country
exists in isolation; it is continuously being
influenced by external developments. All nations,
developed and developing, are facing the impact of
global economic instability, as well as problems of
unemployment and inflation, in varying degrees.
Indeed, the 21st Century has brought in its trail a
host of issues at a breath-taking pace. There are
growing aspirations of the people, coupled with
their expectations of immediate solutions. We are
observing, an information explosion and ever-newer
technological inventions. These have altered
lifestyles and there is also a growing quest for
materialism. There are persistent questions about
how growth and resources will be shared in a more
equitable manner. There are worries about the
direction in which the human community is heading in
this age of globalization, knowledge and technology.
For us in India, the discourse is about how an
ancient civilization and a young nation, will move
ahead to take India to its destiny. Our vision and
our goals are clear. We look at building our
country, as one whose economy demonstrates a
robustness to grow, so that we can become a
developed nation. For us, however, economic
prosperity alone is not enough. We look towards an
India, where there is equity and justice. We look at
democracy, rule of law and human values, as being
essential for making our country strong. We want a
scientific and technological outlook in our people.
We also look towards India as a country which will
continue to bring moral force on to the global
stage. I believe that there is a unity behind this
vision of India. But, yet, sometimes one gets
distracted by discordant pulls and pressures. How
should we proceed to build our nation and its
people? I believe that the answer lies in our age
old values; the ideals of our freedom movement; the
principles of our Constitution, as also in our
unity, a positive attitude and our aspiration to
grow.
It is often said, but not fully realized, that we
are very fortunate to have a rich legacy of values,
traditions and teachings. The ageless spirit of
India, the eternal voice of India, has been
resonating through millennia. What are those
intrinsic qualities which have seen India prosper
through centuries and eras? What is the message that
should light our path, as we chart our future
course? Our civilizational ethos contains the
lessons of duty and truth. It tells us to be humane
in all our thoughts and deeds. It highlights the
qualities of compassion, care and of respect for
others. It teaches that human beings and nature must
exist in harmony with each other. All issues should
be viewed in the context of humanity as a whole.
Concepts, like ‘समन्वय’, ‘सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः’
‘वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम’, are the very essence of Indian
thought. This philosophy has given succeeding
generations the inherent strength to grow, embracing
in their fold a vast diversity of cultures,
languages, religions and communities. So, when the
question is asked, as to what ideals should be
placed before the new generation, to take the
country forward, should then there be any dithering
or doubt in a country like India? As the inheritors
of thousands of years of history and culture, we
should follow the high ideals of our age-old
civilization. More particularly, the youth should
understand this, as they are the architects of the
future as well. Our past becomes the essential guide
for the future as well. In this context, I recall
the lines of Gurudev Tagore, “Every great people
holds its history so valuable because… it contains
not mere memories, but hope, and therefore the image
of the future.” The past of India has been glorious
and so must be its future.
We can also draw inspiration from our independence
movement. It was a unique struggle, as it involved
non-violent methods and required extraordinary mass
discipline, steadfastness and patience. We followed
this course, under the leadership of Gandhiji,
because we had faith in ourselves and in our
strength. Surely, we can demonstrate the same
discipline in nation building. But, how do we do
this? It is, only when we resolve to make the goal
of nation building more important, than anything
else and, show strong belief in it. It is then that
courage, confidence and determination, shall be our
companions in this task, which has to be carefully
piloted in a constitutionally acceptable order.
In fact, during various times of difficulties or
when searching for an answer, the Constitution has
provided us our moorings. It was framed by those who
had participated in the freedom struggle, and had a
deep understanding of the aspirations of the people,
and of our culture. The Constitution has been and
should be our compass, guiding us in
nation-building. It is the charter of our democracy.
It is the document guaranteeing individual freedoms
to its citizens. It is the basis on which
institutions of the State have been created and have
derived their powers and functions. Our Constitution
is a living and dynamic instrument, which has
demonstrated its ability to be flexible enough to
meet the demands of changing times, while retaining
its basic features. Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar in his
closing speech at the Constituent Assembly said,
“The first thing in my judgment we must do is to
hold fast to constitutional methods of achieving our
social and economic objectives.” Unquote.
Dear Citizens,
There is tremendous work to be done to move forward
on our social and economic agenda, if we are to
achieve fast, inclusive and sustainable growth. Our
foremost priority is the removal of poverty, hunger
and malnutrition, disease and illiteracy. All social
welfare programmes must be implemented efficiently.
Agencies involved in the delivery of services should
have a strong sense of duty and work in a
transparent, corruption-free, time-bound and
accountable manner.
We have a population which is predominantly young.
With education and training, they can become skilled
and, thus, capable of finding their livelihoods,
starting their own businesses and thus, becoming
productive assets. Reinforcing our health and
education sectors is fundamental for developing our
human resources. Primary education is now a
fundamental right for children. There is a
commitment to universalize secondary education.
Expansion of school education will also require
increase in the number of higher education
institutions. This process has to be structured with
great thoughtfulness, to ensure quality and
excellence. Moreover, education must reach every
section of our society, as must access to health
reach all. We need to expand health services,
particularly in rural areas. We need quality medical
facilities for our population, which are affordable.
In today`s era of ICT, technology can be very useful
in our mission of health and education. In fact,
science and technology is a critical input for the
growth of the nation and for all sectors of the
economy. Focus on research and development is an
investment in our future. Our agriculture, industry
and service sectors need to be working more
efficiently, with greater scientific inputs and more
inter-linkages with each other. Agriculture,
however, is one sector whose integration with other
sectors of the economy remains inadequate. We need
to look at models of partnership, of farmers with
industry and with R&D institutions in various
activities, so that, not only does agricultural
productivity increase, but farmers benefit as well.
Special focus is necessary on dryland farming, given
its enormous potential and, the fact that, a large
proportion of farm labour and poor farmers are
dependent on it. At the same time, it is very
important to build our physical infrastructure –
such as roads, ports and airports, to overcome
constraints to rapid growth.
I strongly believe that women need to be drawn fully
into the national mainstream. Empowerment of women
will have a very big impact on creating social
structures that are stable. The National Mission on
Empowerment of Women set up in 2010, should help in
the co-coordinated delivery of women-centric and
women-related programmes. An important component of
women’s development is their economic and social
security. Social prejudices prevalent in our society
which have led to gender discrimination need to be
corrected. Social evils like female foeticide, child
marriage and dowry must be eradicated. Status of
women is an important indicator of progress in a
society.
Dear Citizens,
India can take pride in its democratic record, but
as in any functional democracy, it faces pressures
and challenges. An important feature of a democracy
is the constant expression of opinions. This process
of incessant dialogue should flow in such a manner,
that we are willing to listen to each other. Those
who believe in democracy must try to see whether
there is rationale in the others’ point of view.
Gandhiji once said, “Evolution of democracy is not
possible if we are not prepared to hear the other
side. We shut the doors of reason when we refuse to
listen.” The purpose of discussions and
deliberations is to find solutions. Often, we are
quick to find blame with others; but, yet are unable
to give constructive responses. There seems to be a
tendency to doubt almost everything. Do we not have
faith in our own people’s strengths and in our
institutions? Can we afford distrust amongst
ourselves? Nations are built through great patience
and sacrifices. Concord and not discord is the way
forward for a country as large as India. All issues,
therefore, must be resolved through dialogue and
there can be no place for violence. Negativity and
rejection cannot be the path for a vibrant country
that is moving to seek its destiny. Our work, our
values and our approach, must be based on the vast
capability and capacity that India and its people
have.
Our institutions may not be flawless, but they have
coped with many challenges. Our Parliament has
enacted path-breaking laws. Our Government has put
together schemes for the progress and welfare of the
people. Our judiciary has a reputable standing. Our
media too has played an important role. With all
institutions working together for the same national
purpose it will create a stream of positive energy.
Our effort to improve is an on-going process. While
bringing about reforms and improving institutions,
we have to be cautious that while shaking the tree
to remove the bad fruit, we do not bring down the
tree itself. There will be short term pressures, but
in this process we must not lose sight of the long
term goals, and must work together on our core
national agenda. I do hope in the spirit of national
interest, matters of national importance, are
discussed and solutions are found between different
stakeholders. This will strengthen the roots of our
democracy and the foundations of our nation. We have
a shared future, and we should not forget that it
can be achieved if we demonstrate a sense of
responsibility and a show of unity. I think India
could set an example before the democratic world of
progress and growth.
Dear Citizens,
India’s foreign policy is aimed at the promotion of
an environment that is conducive to its
socio-economic transformation. We seek to build
bridges of cooperation and friendship with all
countries of the world. We constructively engage
with the international community to find responses
to global challenges. The role and stature of India,
has been growing and our nation has been scaling up
in the ladder of the comity of nations. India seeks
an architecture for global institutions that is more
reflective of contemporary realities. We are also
proud of the contributions of the Indian Diaspora,
spread over many countries and across continents, to
the economic, professional and political fields of
the countries where they live.
Dear Citizens,
In conclusion, I would like to say that we must
build a strong, prosperous nation, based upon a firm
system of values. As we remove poverty, let us also
enrich our thoughts. As we remove disease, let us
all remove ill-will towards others. As our youth
study more and acquire more knowledge, let them also
learn to be more involved in activities for the
progress of the nation, other than only self
advancement. As we legislate, let us also understand
that the most effective law is the conscience of
citizens. As we advance in science and technology,
let us realize and understand that it is more for
human welfare. As we use the Earth’s resources, let
us not forget to replenish and renew its vitality.
On the eve of our Republic Day, let me once again
convey my greetings, to all fellow citizens and end
with the following lines which describe an India we
should work for:
बहें जहां सदभाव की नदियां।
उगें जहां नैतिकता की फ़सलें।
सब मन एकता का गीत सुनाएं।
पग-पग देश का विकास बढ़ाएं।
मिलकर ऐसा देश बनाएं।
JAI HIND!
****** PIB, Aizawl |
