Dear Fellow Citizens,
Namaskar! On the momentous occasion of the 75th Republic Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to each one of you. Looking back, it fills me with pride to witness the remarkable journey of our nation, overcoming adversities and reaching the historic milestone of the 75th year of the Republic. This celebration parallels the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, where we honored our nation’s unique greatness and diverse culture upon completing 75 years of Independence.
Tomorrow marks the commemoration of the Constitution’s commencement, emphasizing the theme of democracy with its opening words, “We, the People of India.” India, often hailed as the “mother of democracy,” has a democratic system older than its Western counterparts. The Constitution, a product of prolonged deliberations by the Constituent Assembly, stands as our nation’s foundational document. Today, we gratefully remember the leaders and officials who contributed to shaping this inspiring Constitution.
As we enter the early years of Amrit Kaal, leading to the centenary of Independence, we are at a pivotal moment for transformative change. Every citizen’s contribution is vital for achieving our goals, and I appeal to all to uphold the Fundamental Duties enshrined in the Constitution. Mahatma Gandhi’s wisdom reminds us that focusing on duties, not just rights, is the path to progress.
Republic Day is an occasion to reflect on our foundational values and principles, where democracy implies diversity, equality, and justice. Guided by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s sagacity, our Constitution has led us on the path of social justice, eliminating discrimination.
I pay tribute to Shri Karpoori Thakur Ji, a tireless champion of social justice, on the conclusion of his birth centenary celebration. His life’s dedication to the welfare of backward classes serves as a profound message.
The recent consecration of Prabhu Shri Ram’s idol in Ayodhya, following due judicial processes, stands as a testament to our civilizational heritage. Our Republic, with over 1.4 billion citizens, reflects coexistence as a source of happiness during our Republic Day celebrations.
In the past year, India achieved unprecedented success, hosting the G20 Summit under its presidency and passing the historic Women’s Reservation Bill, fostering gender equality. Our space program, exemplified by Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L1, showcases our commitment to scientific advancements.
India’s economic robustness, with the highest GDP growth among major economies, aligns with inclusive development. Welfare initiatives, including free food distribution during the pandemic, and the expansive Ayushman Bharat scheme demonstrate our commitment to humanitarian values.
Our sportspersons, with a record-breaking medal tally in the Asian Games, inspire confidence in India’s potential. The National Education Policy aims to bridge the digital divide, while the expanding insurance cover of Ayushman Bharat reassures the vulnerable.
In times of global conflicts, India advocates for reason over violence, drawing from our ancient wisdom. Our commitment to environmental consciousness is evident in the ‘LiFE Movement,’ promoting eco-friendly lifestyles.
As we enter a period of unprecedented technological change, opportunities abound for the youth in areas like Artificial Intelligence and machine learning. Ensuring equality of opportunity will empower them to shape India’s future.
On this Republic Day, let’s express gratitude to our teachers, farmers, and laborers for their immense contributions. Salutes to our Armed Forces, Police, and Para-military Forces for safeguarding our nation’s heights.
In conclusion, I extend greetings to the judiciary, civil services, officials abroad, and the diaspora community. Let us dedicate ourselves to serving the nation and fellow citizens.
Thank you.
Jai Hind!
Jai Bharat!