New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind, in his address to the nation on the eve of the 72nd Republic Day on Monday, said that Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings are the principle guiding our republic and it was an occasion to remember the sacrifices of the freedom fighters.
“Every Indian salutes our farmers, who have made our vast & populous country self-reliant in food-grains and dairy products. Despite adversities of nature, numerous other challenges & COVID-19 pandemic, our farmers sustained agricultural production,” President Ram Nath Kovind said.
President Ram Nath Kovind highlighted the challenges faced by the country in the year gone by, and hailed the steps taken by the government to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus crisis. President Kovind’s address was broadcast on the entire national network of All India Radio and over all channels of Doordarshan. The address will also be broadcast in regional languages by regional channels of Doordarshan. AIR will broadcast regional language versions from 9:30 PM.
“Similarly, from freezing cold at Siachen and Galwan valley in Ladakh with temperatures as low as -50 to -60°C to scorching heat in Jaisalmer with temperatures as high as 50°C – on land, in the skies and at the vast coastal areas – our warriors are vigilant every moment.”
He also said that India faced an expansionist move on its borders. “But our valiant soldiers foiled it. Army, Air Force and Navy are adequately mobilised in well-coordinated manner to thwart any attempt to undermine our security,” he added.
Here are some of the highlights:
Our scientists, along with doctors, administrators & people from other walks of life, have made major contribution in containing the virus & keeping the fatality rate lower in our country, compared to that in developed countries.
Our farmers, soldiers and scientists deserve special appreciation and a grateful nation greets them on this auspicious occasion of Republic Day.
By conducting not only free & fair but also safe elections in Bihar which has high population density & Jammu & Kashmir & Ladakh with difficulties of access & other challenges, our democracy & Election Commission have accomplished remarkable feats.
Economic reforms continue apace & supplemented by long-pending reforms in areas of labour & agriculture through legislation. Path to reform at initial stages may cause misapprehensions. However, it’s beyond doubt that govt remains singularly devoted to farmers’ welfare.
Though we reiterate our commitment to peace, our defence forces – Army, Air Force & Navy – are adequately mobilised in a well-coordinated move to thwart any attempt to undermine our security. Our national interest will be protected at all costs.
The pandemic threatened to derail the young generation’s learning process, but institutions and teachers quickly adopted new technology and ensured that there was no break in education.
From the freezing cold at Siachen and Galwan valley in Ladakh with temperatures as low as minus 50 to 60 °C to the scorching heat in Jaisalmer with temperatures as high as 50 °C – on land, in the skies and at the vast coastal areas – our warriors are vigilant every moment.
Despite adversities of nature, numerous other challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, our farmers sustained the agricultural production. A grateful nation is fully committed to the welfare of our farmers.