New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of the 75th Independence Day on Sunday. In her maiden Independence Day eve speech, she extended her greetings to every Indian living in the country and abroad. She also paid homage to all those who had laid their lives during the partition in 1947.
“My heartiest greetings in advance to all Indians living in the country and abroad on the eve of the 75th Independence Day. I am delighted to address you on this momentous occasion. India is completing 75 years as an independent nation. Fourteenth August is observed as ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’ so as to promote social harmony, unity and empowerment of people. Tomorrow marks the day when we had freed ourselves from the shackles of colonial rulers and decided to reshape our destiny. As all of us celebrate the anniversary of that day, we bow to all those men and women who made enormous sacrifices to make it possible for us to live in a free India,” news agency ANI quoted President Murmu as saying.
Complimenting the policymakers for ensuring the growth of the country, she said, "Our response to the pandemic has been appreciated everywhere. We launched the biggest vaccination drive in human history with vaccines manufactured in the country itself. Last month we crossed the 200-crore mark in cumulative vaccine coverage."
She stressed on the need for people to know about their Fundamental Duties. "I appeal to every citizen to know about their Fundamental Duties and follow them in letter and spirit so that our nation reaches new heights," the President said.
Murmu, 64, is the first tribal to become the President, she belongs to the Santhal tribe of Odisha. The youngest President ever, she is the first President to be born after independence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort on August 15.
Meanwhile, people have been enthusiastically taking part in the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' drive under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to mark the 75th year of India's independence.
The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign commenced on Saturday and will run till August 15.
‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ is a drive under the aegis of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' in a bid to encourage people to bring the Tricolour home and to hoist it to mark the 76th year of India’s independence.
The programme envisages inspiring Indians everywhere to hoist the national flag at their homes. The aim of the programme is to make the relationship with the national flag a more personal one rather than just keeping it formal or institutional.
'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence and the glorious history of India’s people, culture and achievements.