Independence Day address: 'New India' must be compassionate and egalitarian, says President

Calling for creating a New India by 2022, President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday said the country must be compassionate and egalitarian society.

Pic courtesy: @rashtrapatibhvn

Delhi: In his first address to the nation, on the eve of 71st Independence Day, President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday hailed the government's demonetisation decision and the people's support in the battle against corruption and black money.

At the same time, he also called for creating a 'New India' by 2022 and said that the country must be compassionate and an egalitarian society that does not discriminate on gender or religious background.

"My greetings to fellow citizens as we complete 70 years of our Independence. On August 15, 1947, we became a free nation; some have called this process a 'transfer of power'. It was much more than that. It was culmination of a dream for our country – a dream seen by forefathers and freedom fighters.It is crucial to understand that the dream for a free India was rooted in our ordinary villages. It is crucial to understand that the dream for a free India was in the all-round development of our country. For this we owe so much to the countless freedom fighters who made great sacrifices to bring us here," he said.

He referred to Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, Bose and various other freedom fighters and also invoked Jana Sangh ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyay, saying New India must include "that integral humanist component that is in our DNA and which has defined our country and our civilisation".

"From earliest days of our freedom struggle, we were blessed with a galaxy of revolutionary leaders who guided our country. Mahatma Gandhi emphasised the moral character of India and of Indian society. The principles that Gandhiji spoke about are relevant even today. At Neta ji Subhas Chandra Bose’s word, millions of Indians joined the freedom movement and gave their all. Nehru ji emphasised India’s age-old heritage and traditions could co-exist with technology and quest to modernise our society. Sardar Patel instilled in us the importance of national unity and integrity. Babasaheb Ambedkar urged the virtues of constitutional governance, of rule of law – and of the vital need for education. The generation that brought us to freedom was diverse," the President pointed out.

He further said, "They were men and women who represented all parts of our country and a variety of political and social thought. We need to draw inspiration from such brave freedom fighters, many of whom sacrificed even their lives for the country. I remember from my childhood that when there was a wedding in any one family, entire village shared responsibility, Regardless of the caste or community, the bride became the daughter of not just a single family but of the entire village. There was a sense of caring and of sharing, and of interdependence. If you helped your neighbours in their times of need, they instinctively helped you in turn.

"Whether in cities or villages, it is important to renew that sense of caring and sharing, This will make us a gentler and happier society and help us understand each other with greater empathy. We should work with unity and purpose to ensure that the benefits of government policies reach all sections of society," he said.

Talking about BJP-led NDA government's policies, the President maintained, "Government has started the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan but it is for each of us to ensure a Swachh Bharat. Government is building toilets or helping build toilets but it is for each of us to make India open-defecation free. Government can frame laws and strengthen law enforcement but it is for each of us to be a law-abiding citizen."

Favouring making GST an essential part of everyday business culture, the President said he was happy that the transition to GST system had been smooth. 

"Government is implementing GST to eliminate multiple taxes and simplify transactions. But it is for each of us to make GST an essential part of our everyday transactions and business culture. It should be a matter of pride for all of us that the taxes we pay are used for nation building," he said.

Talking of a strong partnership between citizens and the government that will allow the country to meet the goals of 'New India', President Kovind said, "When we speak of a New India, what do we mean? There are some obvious parameters like a house for every family, better roads and telecom, a modern railway network New India must include that integral humanist component that is in our DNA and which has defined our country and civilisation. New India must be a society rushing towards the future, but also a compassionate society New India we can cherish – where every Indian is equipped to fulfill his or her potential New India we can cherish – where every Indian contributes to society and our country."

He appealed to the people, "Your whole-hearted support in battle against corruption and black money reflected a responsible and enlightened society. Demonetisation has boosted our efforts to build an honest society Poverty and New India are simply not compatible Today, the world is looking at India with admiration. The Tokyo Olympics of 2020 offer another opportunity for us to raise our standing in the world’s eyes. As citizens of India – whether we live at home or abroad – we must ask ourselves how we can add to our country’s pride. We must heed the call for that extra degree of selflessness, that extra something beyond just duty."

Talking about armed forces he said, "Our soldiers who guard our borders are not just doing their duty; they are displaying an extra degree of selflessness. Police and paramilitary forces that brave death to combat terrorism or crime are not just doing their duty. They are displaying an extra degree of selflessness. Can each of us not imbibe this spirit of selflessness? We can and we have. I salute those families that gave up their LPG fuel subsidy. We should draw inspiration from these families; each of us must find a way to give back to society."