On the occasion of the Independence Day Anniversary of India, the President of the country, Droupadi Murmu, had the following to say:
“My heartiest greetings to all of you on our 77th Independence Day!
“It is a glorious and auspicious occasion for all of us and I am overjoyed to see that festivity is in the air.
“What we celebrate on Independence Day is the fact that we are part of a great democracy.
“On 15th August 1947, the nation woke up to a new dawn. We not only won freedom from foreign rule, but also the freedom to rewrite our destiny.
“On the eve of Independence Day, I join my fellow citizens in paying grateful tribute to the known and unknown freedom fighters whose sacrifices have made it possible for India to regain its rightful place in the comity of nations.
“Today, women are contributing extensively in every field of development and service to the country and are enhancing the nation’s pride.
“Looking at the present, we see that India has not only regained its rightful place on the world stage, but it has also enhanced its standing in the international order.
“India is playing a crucial role in promoting developmental and humanitarian goals around the world.
“It has also assumed leadership of international forums, especially the presidency of G-20.
“With the G-20 presidency, India can nudge decision-making in trade and finance towards equitable progress.
“Beyond trade and finance, matters of human development too are on the agenda.
“I am confident that with India’s proven leadership in dealing with global issues, member-nations will be able to advance effective action on these fronts.
“What is notable in India’s presidency of G-20 is the way this diplomatic activity has been taken to the grassroots.
“India’s economy has proven to be not only resilient during turbulent times but is also a beacon of hope for others.
“India has converted challenges into opportunities and recorded high GDP growth.
“I am happy to note that along with economic growth, human development concerns have also been accorded high priority.
“The National Education Policy of 2020 has started making a difference. From my interactions with students as well as educationists at various levels, I gather that the learning process has become more flexible.
“The visionary policy, which aims to merge ancient values with modern skills, will bring in unprecedented changes in the education sector over the years, leading to a great transformation of the nation.
“The aspirations of the new India have infinite dimensions – the Indian Space Research Organisation keeps scaling new heights and setting higher benchmarks of excellence.
“This year, ISRO launched Chandrayaan-3, its lander named ‘Vikram’ and rover named ‘Pragyan’ are slated to land on the moon in the next few days. It will be a proud moment for all of us and I look forward to it.
“To foster the spirit of research, innovation and entrepreneurship, the government is setting up the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, with an amount of Rs 50,000 crore for next five years.
“One area that merits urgent attention of scientists and policymakers all over the world is climate change.
“In this context, it is noteworthy that we have achieved unprecedented goals in the field of renewable energy.
“India is providing leadership to the International Solar Alliance. Our country is playing a leading role in fulfilling international commitments.
“We have given the mantra of LiFE i.e. Lifestyle for Environment to the global community.
“Our country has entered the ‘Amrit Kaal’ with new resolutions and we are moving forward towards making India an inclusive and developed nation by the year 2047.
“Our Constitution is our guiding document. Its Preamble contains the ideals of our freedom struggle.
“Let us move forward with the spirit of harmony and brotherhood to realise the dreams of our nation-builders.
“Jai Hind!”