Outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday said he firmly believes that the country is getting equipped to make the 21st century "the century of India". He advised the citizens to heed the signals of climate change and "protect nature, air, water and animals" and remain "connected with their villages and roots".
"I believe the National Education Policy will go a long way in making it possible for young Indians to connect with their heritage and also find their feet in the 21t century," he said strongly backing the Government's NEP.
In his last address to the nation as the President of India, Kovind once again invoked Mahatma Gandhi — he had in his farewell speech too on Saturday — saying Mahatma Gandhi's principle of remembering the "poorest of poor" was his "guide" during his five-year tenure in the Rashtrapati Bhawan. He also recalled the "wise counsel" of his predecessor Pranab Mukherjee.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed it "an inspiring address" and said, his remarks “showcase his passion towards national progress and reflect the spirit with which he served the nation as our President.”
Besides many other leaders including Lokmanya Tilak, BR Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Syama Prasad Mukherjee and Subhash Bose, whom he remembered, Kovind quoted Ambedkar saying "political democracy" has to be satisfied with "social democracy" which means " Swatantrata, Samanta aur Bandhutva" (freedom, equality and brotherhood/harmony). " "These three cannot be separated…if done so will mean negating democracy", said the President.
He saluted the "power of vibrant democratic system" of India and said "staying connected to one's roots is the specialty of Indian culture."
"A strong connect to the roots is a feature of India's culture. I urge the youth to continue this tradition of remaining connected with their roots..of being associated with their village or town and their schools and teachers," Kovind added.
Speaking of the direction of development in the country, he said he was confident that the 21st century would be an Indian century.
The President drew the attention of the citizens to the rapid changes in climate. " If one suggestion I have to give is...we have to protect nature, air, water and animals," he said.
As about him- 'a humble poor boy from Kanpur village'- reaching the highest constitutional post of the country, Kovind said it reflects the vibrancy of "our democratic system".
"Ram Nath Kovind, who grew up in a very ordinary family in Paraunkh village of Kanpur Dehat district, is addressing all of you countrymen today, for this, I salute the power of the vibrant democratic system of our country," said President Kovind, who will demit office on Monday.
He said visiting Kanpur and "touching feet of my old teachers there were my memorable moments".
In the beginning the President said, "Five years ago, you put faith in me and elected me as the president. I express my gratitude to all the Indians and their public representatives," he said in a televised address to the nation."
"During my five-year long tenure, I have fulfilled my duties with the best of my abilities. I have been quite aware of being the successor of greats like Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. S Radhakrishnan and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam," he said.
In his farewell speech on Saturday, Kovind called for protests to always be conducted in the "Gandhian mould" and urged political parties to rise above partisan politics. "Citizens and political parties have many constitutional avenues open to them, including protests. After all, the father of our nation employed the weapon of satyagraha for that purpose, he had said. Eom