ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT OF
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 valor, 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
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
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 and I quote, “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,
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
thinkIndia could set an example before the democratic world of progress and
growth.
Dear Citizens,
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
बहें जहां सदभाव की नदियां |
उगें जहां नैतिकता की फ़सलें |
सब मन एकता का गीत सुनाएं |
पग-पग देश का विकास बढाएं |
मिलकर ऐसा देश बनाएं |
JAI HIND!!