President Ram Nath Kovind, in his first address to the nation on the eve of the 71st Independence Day, called for a partnership between citizens and the government to create a New India “that does not discriminate on gender or religious background.”
Spelling out his vision, President Kovind said when India completes 75 years of Independence by 2022, it should have a compassionate society. “New India must include that integral humanist component that is in our DNA and which has defined our country and our civilisation,” said the President.
He recalled the contributions made by leaders such as Jawahar Lal Nehru and urged the people to draw inspiration from them and invoke the same spirit for the task of nation-building.
“The stress on the moral basis of policy and action, belief in unity and discipline, faith in a synthesis of heritage and science, and promotion of the rule of law and of education — all of it was located in a partnership between citizen and government.”
Praising initiatives like Swach Bharat Mission, demonetisation and introduction of the Goods and Services Tax, President Kovind pointed out that the success of many of the flagship programmes depended on citizen’s participation.
“Your immense patience and understanding in the days following demonetisation — and your whole-hearted support in the battle against corruption and black money — reflected a responsible and enlightened society,” said the President
Asserting that India occupied an admirable place on the global stage, President Kovind said, “the country is seen as a responsible global citizen, a growing economy, and a solution provider to various international challenges — such as climate change, disasters, conflicts, humanitarian crises, radicalism and terrorism.”