President Kovind addresses nation on eve of R-Day, stresses on Gandhian principles

On eve of India's 71st Republic Day, President Ram Nath Kovind in a televised dress on Saturday shared his warm greetings to fellow citizens in India and abro. President Kovind, in a covert reference to anti-government agitation across country, said that "expression of political ideas" and "fighting for a cause" should be carried out under Gandhian principles. 

"When fighting for a cause, people, particularly youth, should t forget gift of Ahimsa Gandhiji gave to humanity. Gandhiji’s talisman for deciding wher an act is right or wrong also applies to functioning of our democracy. Government and opposition both have important roles to play. While giving expression to ir political ideas, both must move forward in tandem to ensure that development of country and welfare of its people are promoted consistently."

President Kovind, in his near 30-minute long dress, touched on a bro range of topics like constitutional ideals, welfare schemes, ISRO's Gaganyaan mission, Tokyo Olympics, among ors. "I am gl that this year, our distinguished friend, President of Brazil, Mr. Bolsonaro will take part in our Republic Day function tomorrow," Kovind said in reference to scheduled attendance of Brazillian President at Sunday's celebration.

Prez on constitutional ideals

President Kovind said, "Our Constitution gave us rights as citizens of a free democratic nation, but also placed on us responsibility to always here to central tenets of our democracy – justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. It becomes easier for us to follow se constitutional ideals if we keep in mind life and values of Far of our Nation. By doing so, we will be ding a meaningful dimension to our celebrations of 150th birth anniversary of Gandhiji."

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ting that various welfare schemes of government have seen public participation, President Ram Nath Kovind said speciality of se initiatives "is fact that citizens have voluntarily turned m into popular movements." He mentioned success of ‘Swachchh Bharat Abhiyan’, ‘PM Ujjwala Yojana’, 'PM Saubhagya Yojana’, ‘PM Kisan Samman Nidhi’, among ors. President also stressed on water conservation and water manment being given top priority.

J&K, Lakh, N-E

"re is a consistent effort by government to ensure overall development of each and every part of country – be it Jammu-Kashmir and Lakh, states in rth-East or our Islands in Indian Ocean. government has taken several concrete steps to strengn internal security system."

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On education system

President Kovind also highlighted ancient universities like Nalanda and Takshashila to stress that in India, "kwledge has always been considered more valuable than power, fame or riches". "Even though development of our educational institutions commenced soon after Independence, in an environment of scarcity of resources, our achievements in field of education have followed a remarkable trajectory. Our endeavour is to ensure that child or youth is denied an education. At same time, we need to strive to reach global education standards by continuous reform of our educational systems."

On ISRO's Gaganyaan

President Ram Nath Kovind also appreciated efforts of ISRO and said India is waiting for its ambitious human flight mission. "ISRO is making furr progress in Mission Gaganyaan, and nation excitedly looks forward to Indian Human flight Programme gaining furr momentum this year."

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President Kovind touched upon upcoming Tokyo Olympics and said that  Indian contingent will be backed by cheers and good wishes of millions of Indians. "While India has tritionally done well in a number of sports, new generation of players and athletes has brought laurels for nation in more and more varieties of sports in recent years."

Prez appreciates armed forces

"I have thing but unreserved praise for our armed forces, paramilitary and internal security forces. ir sacrifices to preserve integrity and unity of our country present a saga of unparalleled cour and discipline."

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