New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday said Parliament is the temple of our democracy which provides us highest forum where we discuss, debate and decide issues for the well-being of our people.
“It is a matter of great pride for all Indians that our Parliament will soon be housed in a new building,” he said in his address to the nation on the eve of India’s 75th Independence Day
President Kovind said “it is a matter of great joy for me to wish all Indians, living in India and abroad, a very Happy Independence Day!”
“This day has a special significance as it marks the beginning of the 75th year of India’s independence for which ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ is being celebrated,” said President Kovind.
“Now as we look back to the 75 years journey of our republic, we have reasons to be proud of the considerable distance we have travelled. Gandhiji taught us that slow and steady steps in the right direction are preferable to rapid strides in the wrong direction,” he added.
President Kovind said “our sportspersons have brought laurels to the nation with their stellar performances” in the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics.
“I urge every parent to learn from the families of promising daughters and provide opportunities to their daughters also to explore avenues of growth,” he added.
Stating the intensity of the pandemic has come down, but the coronavirus has not yet gone away, President Kovind said: “We are yet to come out of the devastating effects of its recurrence this year”.
“Our corona warriors, the doctors, nurses and health workers, the administrators, and others, risked everything to contain the impact of the second wave,” President Kovind said.
“I urge all eligible citizens who are yet to get vaccinated to do so at the earliest and also inspire others,” he added.
President Kovind said it is heartening to note that an amount of Rs 23,220 crore is being spent over one year for expansion of medical facilities.
“It is heartening to note that rural India, particularly the agriculture sector has kept growing against all odds,” President Kovind said.
“If there is an improvement in the ease of doing business, it has a positive impact on the ease of living for all,” he added.
President Kovind said “the series of agricultural marketing reforms will empower our ‘annadata’ farmers and help them get a better price for their produce”.
Asserting a new dawn is rising in Jammu and Kashmir, President Kovind said: "I urge the people, especially the youth, of Jammu and Kashmir to utilise this opportunity and work on realising their aspirations through democratic institutions.”
President Kovind further said “all of us should imbibe the motto "mera har kaam, desh ke naam (all my work is for the country) as a mantra and work with full devotion and dedication for the development of the nation”.
He also extended his greetings especially to the members of the armed forces, who have “guarded our freedom, valiantly and gladly making supreme sacrifice when necessary”.