President Kovind addresses nation on Independence Day eve: Key quotes

NEW DELHI: President Ram Nath Kovind on the eve of 74th Independence Day extended his greetings to the countrymen. Addressing the nation, the President expressed his gratitude towards the freedom fighters who struggled for India's Independence and reminisced the sacrifices they made.
Here are the highlights from President's address:
* It gives me great pleasure to greet all people of India, living in the country & abroad, on the eve of 74th Independence Day. August 15 fills us with excitement of unfurling the tricolour, taking part in celebrations
* We are fortunate that Mahatma Gandhi was the guide of our freedom movement. The combination of a saint and a politician reflected in his personality. He was a phenomenon that could have happened only in India.
* Nation is indebted to doctors, nurses & other health workers who have been continuously on the forefront of our COVID fight. Unfortunately, many of them have lost their lives battling the pandemic. They are our national heroes.
* Today, when the biggest challenge faced by the world community is the need to unite and fight, then our neighbour dared to carry out his expansionist activities cleverly. Protecting the borders, our brave soldiers laid down their lives. The entire nation pays tribute to the sacrifices of the Galwan Valley. Every Indian expresses gratitude towards their family members. We are proud of our armed forces, police and paramilitary forces, which guard the borders, and ensure our internal security.
*India has extended a helping hand to other countries in the fight against Covid-19. By supplying medicines at the request of other countries, we have once again proved that India stands with the world community in times of crisis.
* The overwhelming support for the temporary membership of the United Nations Security Council in the recently concluded elections is evidence of widespread international goodwill towards India.
* The issue of Ram Janmabhoomi was resolved through the judicial process. All concerned parties and the people respectfully accepted the verdict of the Supreme Court and displayed before the world, Indian ethos of peace, non-violence, love and harmony.
* Festivities for this year's Independence Day will not take place as usual. The whole world is grappling with a deadly virus but it is very reassuring that in order to meet this challenge, the central government took effective steps in time.
* By introducing ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana’, the government has enabled crores of people to earn their livelihood, and mitigate the impact of job-loss, dislocation and disruption caused by the pandemic. Every month, around 80 crore people are being guaranteed ration.
* Committed to helping our people in trouble anywhere in the world, more than a million Indians have been brought back home by the government under the 'Vande Bharat Mission'.
* The Essential Commodities Act has been amended to remove certain regulatory restrictions on farmers. This will help raise farmers’ income.
* The central government has announced the National Education Policy. I am confident that with the implementation of this policy, a new quality education system will be developed and this will transform the future challenges into opportunities, paving the way for a 'New India'.
* Under the new education policy, importance has been given to studies in the mother tongue, so that children can easily flourish.
* We have learnt some tough lessons in the year 2020. The invisible virus has demolished the illusion that human being is the master of nature. I believe, it is still not too late for humanity to correct its course and live in harmony with nature.
* The second lesson is that we are all equal before Mother Nature and we primarily depend on our fellow residents for survival and growth. Coronavirus does not recognize any artificial divisions created by human society.
* The third lesson relates to strengthening healthcare. Public hospitals and laboratories have taken the lead in confronting Covid.
* The fourth lesson relates to science & technology. During unlocking, info. and communication technology has emerged as an effective tool for governance, education, business, office work and social connect.
* Everyone should be happy, all disease-free, everyone should focus on the good, and no one has to suffer. This message of the welfare of the entire world is a unique gift of India to humanity.
In Video:Our neighbourhood tried to carry out their misadventure of expansion: President Kovind