President hails role of frontline Corona warriors, greets countrymen
New Delhi, Aug 14: Extending the greetings to the fellow countrymen on the eve of the 74th Independence Day President Ram Nath Kovind hailed the efforts of the Central, State and Union Territories governments, doctors, nurses, other health workers and police in the effective management of the Covid-19 pandemic.
It required the super-human efforts for effective management and containment of the coronavirus in a country so vast and diverse with high population density, the President said addressing the nation on the eve of the 74th Independence Day.
Recalling the supreme sacrifice of the freedom fighters and martyrs Kovind said that their sacrifice had enabled us to live in an independent nation and we must be grateful to them. He said India's visionary leaders brought together a diversity of world views to forge a common national spirit. Remembering Mahatma Gandhi, President said that his teachings will remain relevant forever and will guide the world in years to come.
The President further said that the Independence Day celebrations this year will be a low-key affair due to the global coronavirus pandemic. He, however, was all praise for the doctors, health workers, disaster management teams, policemen, sanitary workers, government employees, delivery staff, transportation, railway and aviation personnel and providers of various services, social service organizations and generous citizens who went much beyond their call of duty to save the lives and ensure essential services.
Referring to the Natural disasters due to Cyclone and Flood in the North-Eastern and Eastern States, President Kovind said, that through collaborative efforts all sections of the society have been working to help those in distress. Kovind asserted that in the fight against the pandemic, ensuring life and livelihood to every citizen holds key importance. He lauded the timely welfare measures introduced by the government along with the virus containment-efforts which enabled crores of people to earn their livelihood and mitigate their distress.
President Kovind highlighted some of the flagship schemes of the government including Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Yojana, One Nation, One Ration Card, Vande Bharat Mission, and Shramik Special Trains among others, which he said, have eased people's lives amid these testing times.
Reaffirming, India's belief in the principle of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam, World is One family, the 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 (UNSC) bears testimony to the goodwill the country enjoys internationally.
Speaking about the impetus to self-reliance, 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.
Hinting at the recent border skirmishes, the President who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, 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.
Kovind exhorted on the lessons which the pandemic has unveiled to 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 the midst of a global pandemic.
Speaking about the New Education Policy, 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.
Referring to the bhumipujan ceremony of Sri Ram Mandir at Sri Ram Janmasthan, Ayodhya held on August 5, 2020, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the President expressed happiness and said it was a moment of pride for all.
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. By respectfully accepting the verdict of the Supreme Court the people have displayed before the world Indian ethos of peace, nonviolence, and harmony, the President said congratulating all concerned.
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.
Kovind wished for universal good health and urged everyone to continue to maintain caution and act responsibly in order to defeat the menace of the Corona Virus.