PM Modi greets citizens on India’s 74th Republic Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted citizens on Republic Day, as the country gears up for day long celebrations to mark the joyous occasion.

The Prime Minister tweeted; “गणतंत्र दिवस की ढेर सारी शुभकामनाएं। इस बार का यह अवसर इसलिए भी विशेष है, क्योंकि इसे हम आजादी के अमृत महोत्सव के दौरान मना रहे हैं। देश केमहान स्वतंत्रता सेनानियों के सपनों को साकार करने के लिए हम एकजुट होकर आगे बढ़ें, यही कामना है।

Happy Republic Day to all fellow Indians!”

The Prime Minister’s greetings follow President Droupadi Murmu address on the eve of Republic Day where she said that with Covid-19 mostly out of the way the stage was set for the country’s economic rise, in which women can play a key role.

In her address to the nation on the eve of 74th Republic Day, the President said that under India’s G-20 presidency, the country can make a difference in addressing key global problems such as  global warming and climate change.

“Under India’s leadership, I am sure, G20 will be able to further enhance its efforts to build a more equitable and sustainable world order. As G20 represents about two-thirds of the world population and around 85 percent of global GDP, it is an ideal forum to discuss and find solutions for global challenges. To my mind, global warming and climate change are the most pressing among them”
She said global temperatures are rising and incidents of extreme weather are increasing.

“We are faced with the dilemma: To lift more and more people out of poverty, we need economic growth, but that growth also comes from fossil fuel. Unfortunately, the poor bear the brunt of global warming more than others. Developing and popularising alternative sources of energy is one of the solutions.
“India has taken a commendable lead in this direction by giving a policy push to solar energy and electric vehicles. At the global level, however, emerging economies need a helping hand from advanced nations in the form of technology transfer and financial support,” she said.

The President said that to maintain the balance between development and environment, there is need to look at the ancient traditions with a new perspective.

“We need to reconsider our basic priorities. The scientific aspects of traditional life-values have to be understood. We must, once again, rekindle that respect for nature and humility before the vast universe. Let me state here that Mahatma Gandhi was a true prophet of our times, as he foresaw the calamities of indiscriminate industrialization and cautioned the world to mend its ways. We need to modify our lifestyle if we want our children to live happily on this fragile planet.”

She pointed out that most sectors of the Indian economy had shaken off the effects of the Covid pandemic enabling India to continue on the path of rapid growth, as one of the leading economies of the world.

“Last year, India became the fifth largest economy in the world. It needs to be underlined that this achievement comes against the backdrop of high economic uncertainties around the world. The pandemic has entered the fourth year, affecting economic growth in most parts of the world. In its initial phase, Covid-19 also hurt India’s economy badly. Yet, guided by our able leadership and driven by our resilience, we soon came out of the downturn, and resumed the growth saga.”

The President spotlighted the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, saying that the initiative has evoked great response among people at large.

The President said it is a matter of great satisfaction that those on the margins have also been included in the schemes and programmes and they have been helped in tiding over difficulties.

She specifically referred to ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana’ and other steps that had been taken to benefit the poor during Covid times.

“With the economy on a sound footing, we have been able to begin and carry forward a series of praiseworthy initiatives. The ultimate goal is to create an environment in which all citizens can, individually and collectively, realise their true potential and prosper. As education builds the right foundation for this purpose, the National Education Policy has introduced ambitious changes,” she said.

The President stressed that the National Education Policy underscores the role of technology in expanding and deepening the learning process.

“As we have come to realise since the early days of Covid-19, technology offers life-changing possibilities. The Digital India Mission is striving to make information and communication technology inclusive by bridging the rural-urban divide. More and more people in far-flung places have been reaping the benefits of the internet and are receiving a variety of services provided by the government, as the infrastructure expands.

“We have reasons to be proud of our achievements in the domain of science and technology. India has been among the handful of pioneers in space technology. As long-pending reforms in this sector are underway, private enterprises are now invited to join the quest. The ‘Gaganyaan’ program to carry Indian astronauts into space is under progress. This will be India’s maiden human space flight. Yet, even as we reach out to the stars, we keep our feet on the ground,” she said.

Lauding the role of women, the President said that a team of extraordinary women were behind India’s Mars Mission.

“Women’s empowerment and gender equality are no longer mere slogans, as we have made great progress towards these ideals in recent years. With people’s participation in ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign, women’s representation has been growing  in all spheres of endeavour.

“During my visits to various states, educational institutions and while meeting delegations of various professionals, I am amazed by the confidence of young women. I have no doubt in my mind that they are the ones who will do most to shape tomorrow’s India. What miracles cannot be achieved if this half of the population is encouraged to contribute to nation-building to the best of their ability?” she said.
The President said the same vision of empowerment guides the Government’s approach to the marginalised communities including the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Also Read: World has started to look at India with new sense of respect: President Murmu in Republic Day address