On the commencement of the Ram temple construction in Ayodhya, the President called it âa moment of pride for allâ. President Ram Nath Kovind Independence Day eve Speech: Addressing the nation on the eve of the 74th Independence Day Friday, President Ram Nath Kovind said celebrations this year will be restrained owing to the coronavirus pandemic which has “altered the world we live in.”
Lauding the efforts of healthcare professionals at the frontline in the country’s fight against the virus, the President said the nation is “indebted to doctors, nurses and other health workers.” While celebrations are muted for this year’s Independence Day, twenty-five Covid warriors have been invited to the âAt Homeâ ceremony to be hosted by President Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 15.
The President also spoke on the Galwan Valley face-off in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed fighting the Chinese army in June this year. “Our brave soldiers laid down their lives defending our borders. Those worthy sons of Bharat Mata lived and died for national pride.Their bravery in combat has demonstrated that while we believe in peace, we are also capable of giving a befitting response to any attempt of aggression,” he said.
Besides, President Kovind called the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya a “moment of pride for all” and said the National Education Policy 2020 will “strengthen the culture of âInclusionâ, âInnovationâ and âInstitutionâ in the sphere of education.”
Police personnel during dress rehearsal of Independence Day celebrations at Guru Nanak Dev Stadium in Ludhiana
Parliament House, North Block, South Block and India Gate in the national capital has been illuminated on the eve of the 74th Independence Day
In his address to the nation, President Ram Nath Kovind said the ‘National Education Policy’ spells a long term vision with far-reaching impact, adding that "it will strengthen the culture of ‘Inclusion’, ‘Innovation’ and ‘Institution’ in the sphere of education"
"Imparting education in the mother tongue has been given emphasis in order to help young minds grow spontaneously... It is a right step in this direction," he said.
"It was a superhuman effort on part of the govt to respond effectively in meeting the challenges due to COVID pandemic," President Ram Nath Kovind said in his address to nation.
"Only ten days ago, construction of the temple at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi began, in Ayodhya. It was indeed a moment of pride for all. People of the country maintained restraint and patience for a long time and reposed unflinching trust in the judicial system."
In his address to the nation on the eve of the 74th Independence Day, President Ram Nath Kovind paid homage to the soldiers killed in the face off with the Chinese army in Galwan valley.
"Even while the world community needs to fight together against the greatest challenge before humanity, some in our neighbourhood tried to carry out their misadventure of expansion. Our brave soldiers laid down their lives defending our borders. Those worthy sons of Bharat Mata lived and died for national pride. The entire nation salutes the martyrs of Galwan Valley. Every Indian feels grateful to their family members. Their bravery in combat has demonstrated that while we believe in peace, we are also capable of giving a befitting response to any attempt of aggression."
"It has been the tradition of India that we do not just live for ourselves, but work for the well-being of the entire world. India's self-reliance means being self-sufficient without alienating or creating distance from the world. It implies that India will continue to engage with the world economy while maintaining its identity."
Addressing the nation on the eve of the 74th Independence Day, President Kovind said: "August 15 fills us with the excitement of unfurling the tricolour, taking part in celebrations and listening to patriotic songs. On this day, the youth of India should feel the special pride of being citizens of a free nation. We gratefully remember our freedom fighters and martyrs whose sacrifices have enabled us to live in an independent nation."
President Ram Nath Kovind lauded the efforts of health professionals and those providing essential services during the coronavirus pandemic.
Lauding the Centre and state government for taking steps to contain the transmission of novel coronavirus, President Ram Nath Kovind said India's role in dealing with the pandemic is a lesson for the world.
"Unlike every year, this Independence Day won't be celebrated with pomp and show," the President said.
President Ram Nath Kovind will address the nation on the eve of the 74th Independence Day today. The President's address will be broadcast at 7 pm. Watch this space for LIVE updates.