President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday (January 25, 2021) addressed the nation on the eve of Republic Day 2021. President Kovind started his address with greetings to the nation and then 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 in his speech.
President Kovind Backs Farm Laws
He said that India is enriched by diversity where many festivals are celebrated across the country.
"This is the day to also pause and ponder over the core values that Constitution propounds. These values - Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity - outlined in the Preamble of our Constitution are sacred to all of us," said President Kovind.
He took the opportunity to "salute" the farmers of the country who have made India self-reliant in foodgrain and dairy products.
"Every Indian salutes our farmers, who have made our vast and populous country self-reliant in foodgrain and dairy products. Despite adversities of nature, numerous other challenges and Covid-19 pandemic, our farmers sustained agricultural production," the President said in his annual address.
He said that the government and entire nation is fully committed to the welfare of our farmers.
Speaking about the three farm laws passed by the BJP-led government in September last year, Kovind said: "Economic reforms continue apace and supplemented by long-pending reforms in areas of labour and agriculture through legislation. Path to reform at initial stages may cause misapprehensions. However, it's beyond doubt that the government remains singularly devoted to farmers’ welfare."
President Ram Nath Kovind salutes frontline warriors
He also made a special mention about the healthcare and frontline workers who took the coronavirus disease head on, and hailed the contribution made by the scientists of the country in developing a vaccine.
"Our scientists created history by decoding the coronavirus and developing a vaccine in such a short time," said the President, adding, "Our scientists, along with doctors, administrators & people from other walks of life, have made major contribution in containing the virus and keeping the fatality rate lower in our country, compared to that in developed countries."
President remembers brave martyrs of Galwan Valley
He then talked about the standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Ladakh in which 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives. The skirmish on June 15 also causes casualties on the Chinese side.
"Past year was a time of adversity and it came from many fronts. We faced an expansionist move on our borders, but our valiant soldiers foiled it. To achieve this objective, 20 of them had to lay down their lives. The nation shall remain grateful to those brave soldiers," President Kovind said.
For Indian troops, he said, "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."
President Says Indian economy is recovering from Covid pandemic at fast pace
President also spoke about the economic reforms by the central government in view of the pandemic. The president said that the government's self-reliant schemes are turning into people's movement, leading to employment generation.
He said the slowdown has turned into a transitory period as the country has been able to turn a crisis into opportunity. "India is rightly being called the pharmacy of the world."
President urges citizens to take Made in India Covid vaccine
President Ram Nath Kovind congratulated the scientists and doctors for developing Covid vaccine in such short spans and dismissing the doubts on Made in India vaccines President urged the citizens to come forward and take the vaccine.