President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday said India has shown an unmatched resolve in the face of the extraordinary challenge to humankind posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. A strong and sensitive India is now emerging, he pointed out even as he asked people to celebrate “Indian-ness” this Republic Day,
In his address to the nation on the eve of 73rd Republic Day, Kovind noted that democracy, justice, liberty, equality and fraternity form the bedrock of India and stressed that the observance of Fundamental Duties mentioned in the Constitution creates the proper environment for the enjoyment of Fundamental Rights.
This year’s celebrations may be muted due to the pandemic, but the spirit is as strong as ever, Kovind said.
Doctors, nurses and paramedics have risen to the challenge, working long hours in difficult conditions even at the risk of their lives to attend to patients. Others have kept the nation moving, managing supply chains and utilities, he said.
Hailing the timely interventions by the leadership, policy-makers, administrators and others at the central and state levels during coronavirus pandemic, Kovind said it is a testimony to India’s spirit in the face of adversity that the economy is on the move again and is projected to grow at an impressive rate in this fiscal, after going through contraction last year.
“The impressive economic performance is made possible due to improvement in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors. I am happy to note that our farmers, especially young farmers with small holdings, are enthusiastically adopting natural farming,” the President said.
As the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, Kovind said he was glad to note that it has been a watershed year for women empowerment in the armed forces.
“Our daughters have broken a glass ceiling, and the permanent commission has now been allowed for women officers in new areas,” he said, adding that “consequently, our armed forces will benefit from better gender balance”.
Also, the talent pipeline for the forces will be strengthened with women coming through Sainik Schools and the prestigious National Defence Academy, the President said.
“I am confident that India is better placed today to meet the challenges of the future,” Kovind said, adding that new opportunities await the next generation.
Invoking Mahatma Gandhi, Kovind said he would have liked us to celebrate Republic Day by striving to become better human beings and contributing towards the making of a better India and a better world.
“‘Two days ago, on 23rd January, all of us observed the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who had adopted the energising salutation of ‘Jai-Hind’. His quest for independence and his ambition to make India proud inspire all of us,” the President said.
Referring to a visit to his village in Kanpur, he also urged the people to remember their roots and work for the development of their native village, city and country.