The celebrations were low-key primarily due to the severe economic crisis the island nation is facing.
Sri Lanka celebrated 75 years of independence on Saturday by holding a military and cultural parade with the participation of a number of foreign special invitees.
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena participated in the events held at Galle Face in Colombo, Xinhua News Agency reported.
The parade included armored vehicles of the military, and parades with the participation of troops, including retired officers and disabled officers.
A two-minute silence was observed to commemorate all Sri Lankans who sacrificed their lives for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.
The President’s Media Division said that the event was organised with great pride and dignity ensuring minimal cost to showcase the pride and past glory of Sri Lanka to the world.
MoS Muraleedharan attends celebrations
Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs V Muraleedharan on Saturday participated in Sri Lanka’s 75th Independence Day celebrations.
The union minister said that it was a great pleasure to represent India and participate in the celebrations held in Colombo on the occasion of the 75th Independence Day of a close friend and foreign country, Sri Lanka. “Happy to represent India at 75th Independence Day celebrations of our friendly neighbour Sri Lanka in Colombo,” he tweeted.
“This milestone coincides with 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries,” tweeted Muraleedharan.
“India will always be Sri Lanka’s true friend and reliable partner,” he added.
Muraleedharan who was arrived at Colombo today was accorded a warm welcom from Tharaka Balasuriya, Sri Lankan State Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Muraleedharan is visiting Colombo at the invitation of the Government of Sri Lanka.
During the visit, the Minister of State will also have separate bilateral interactions with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, MUM Ali Sabry, on mutual interest. He will also have an interactive session with prominent members of the Indian Diaspora, said the Ministry of External Affairs press release.
Earlier, Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar congratulated his Lankan counterpart MUM Ali Sabry on their 75th Independence Day.
“Warm congratulations to FM @alisabrypc and the Government and people of SriLanka on 75 years of their Independence,” tweeted Jaishankar.
He further reiterated that India would remain a dependable partner and a reliable friend of Sri Lanka guided by the Neighbourhood First policy.
“Guided by our Neighbourhood First policy, India will always remain a dependable partner and a reliable friend,” tweeted Jaishankar.
Sri Lanka is India’s close neighbour and friend and occupies a central place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. India, as always is committed to standing with the people of Sri Lanka for their economic recovery, growth and prosperity. (IANS/ANI)
Eager to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Independence Day? There’s no easier way to do it then dressing for the occasion; take a cue from these celebrity closets…writes Olivia Sarkar
Madhuri Dixit
A saree in India trio of colours is a great way to start the day. It’s even better if you can get your hands on a handloom one. Madhuri Dixit’s printed chiffon in red, pinks and greens and white is the ideal pick.
Nora Fatehi
There is no denying that the lovely Nora Fatehi adores traditional clothing. Her floral salwar suit is a fantastic pick for the holiday as the multicoloured thread embroidery celebrated all things, India.
Sara Ali Khan
With a white chikankari kurta, green pants, and an orange dupatta, is a winning option which is both easy and fuss free. Sara Ali Khan brilliantly expresses her inner patriotism adding blue chakra earrings and accesorising with a flag.
Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt monotone saffron kurta in cotton is light and yet still speaks volumes.
Kriti Sanon
Kriti Sanon’s yellow salwar suit is the ideal choice if you want to wear something striking that is yet simple. The floor-length, mustard yellow anarkali printed in traditional floral motifs pays homage to Indian textiles.
Janhvi Kapoor
With this white and gold kurta, Janhvi Kapoor demonstrates how to pick an elegant and refined outfit, keeping it simple and feminine.
She said the pandemic has uprooted lives and also economies in the entire world…reports Asian Lite News
President Droupadi Murmu in her maiden address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day talked about India’s vibrant democracy, success story of Covid vaccines, Atmanirbhar Bharat and the growth of the country’s economy after the pandemic.
The President on Sunday said that it is a cause of celebration “not only for all of us but also for every advocate of democracy around the world”.
“When India won independence, there were many international leaders and experts who were sceptical about the success of democratic form of government in India. They had their reasons to be doubtful. In those days, democracy was limited to economically advanced nations. India, after so many years of exploitation at the hands of foreign rulers, was marked by poverty and illiteracy. But we Indians proved the skeptics wrong. Democracy not only grew roots in this soil, it was enriched too,” the President said.
Murmu said that ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ festival is dedicated to the people of India.
LIVE: President Droupadi Murmu pays homage at National War Memorial on the occasion of Independence Day https://t.co/kJE8jBRTj9
“Based on the success achieved by the people, the resolve to build ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ is also a part of this Mahotsav. Citizens from all age-groups have keenly participated in a series of events held across the country,” she added.
Talking about the vaccine success story that the country has achieved, President Murmu said: “The world has seen a new India rising in recent years, more so after the outbreak of Covid-19. 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. In combating the pandemic, our achievements have been better than those of many developed countries. For this feat, we are grateful to our scientists, doctors, nurses, paramedics and the staff associated with vaccination.”
She said the pandemic has uprooted lives and also economies in the entire world.
“When the world has been battling the economic consequences of the great crisis, India got its act together and is now moving forward. India is among the fastest growing major economies in the world. India’s start-up eco-system ranks high in the world. The success of start-ups in our country, especially the growing number of unicorns is a shining example of our industrial progress.
“The government and policy-makers deserve credit for beating the global trend and helping the economy flourish. During the last few years, unprecedented progress has been made in the development of physical and digital infrastructure,” she added.
The President said: “The success of start-ups in our country, especially the growing number of unicorns is a shining example of our industrial progress. The government and policy-makers deserve credit for beating the global trend and helping the economy flourish.”
Murmu also talked about India’s achievement in the Commonwealth Games saying that a large number of our winners come from underprivileged segments of society.
“Our daughters are the biggest hope for the nation. Some of them brought laurels for the country at the recently held Commonwealth Games. Of course, India’s sportspersons have been making the country proud by their performance in international competitions,” she added.
In her maiden speech, the President said that the keyword for India today is compassion; for the downtrodden, for the needy and for those on the margins.
President Droupadi Murmu visited the National War Memorial on the occasion of Independence Day and paid homage to the martyrs who had made supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. pic.twitter.com/s3fYWxXBfY
“Some of our national values have been incorporated in our Constitution as the fundamental duties of the citizens. 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,” she added.
She also quoted the iconic Kannada poet Kuvempu in her first address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day to urge the youth to make a total sacrifice for the motherland and upliftment of fellow citizens, as they intend to build the country of 2047.
Gandhi also depreciates the fact that the unceasing debate on India’s standing in the world, and whether it has gone up or down in recent years, “usually leaves out the biggest question. What does India stand for?”…writes Vishnu Makhijani
In the 20th century, the global media spoke of democratic India “as a hope giving marvel”. Today, the country is “in the hands of diligent leaders and dedicated organisations whose first commitment is not to democracy or equality” but Hindu nationalism, leaving out the biggest question of “What does India stand for”, writes biographer and historian, and Mahatma Gandhis grandson, Rajmohan Gandhi as he reflects on the state of the nation in the 75 years since Independence.
“In the 20th century, the world’s newspapers spoke of democratic India as a hope-giving marvel. A densely populated country with high levels of illiteracy and poverty, a bewildering variety of religions, castes, and languages, and a history of internal conflict was functioning as a democratic polity and trying to become a society of liberty, equality, and mutual friendship!
“Today, however, the Indian state is in the hands of diligent leaders and dedicated organisations whose first commitment is not to democracy or equality. Hindu nationalism may summon noble stories from the past. It may evoke passions to avenge supposed wrongs enacted a thousand years ago. But it will never permit equality to a Muslim, a Christian, a Sikh, or a Buddhist. Unless they say they are really Hindus, that their Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, or Buddhism is secondary to their ‘Hinduness’. Which most of them will never say, not even under duress,” Gandhi writes in “India After 1947 – Reflections and Recollections” (Aleph).
If Hindu nationalism permits of no equality to those outside the Hindu world, “within that world it only permits tactical, not genuine equality. The virus of high castes, low castes, and outcastes is a stubborn legacy from out past”, Gandhi writes, lamenting that “despite the injustice lying at its heart, Hindu nationalism commands vast resources. It possesses state power, street power, and money power, and controls the bulk of the media”.
In such circumstances, Gandhi maintains, “the prospect of rebuilding Indian democracy must seem quixotic. Overcoming Hindu nationalism in India is likely to be as hard a test as, for example, overcoming Islamic nationalism in countries like Turkey and Iran. Or perhaps even harder. The challenge is probably beyond the capability of political leaders, no matter how gifted, or of parties, no matter how large”.
Contending that the ball is thus “in the court of the Indian people, a frequently underestimated force”, Gandhi writes: “The people will act or react at times of their choosing, when events throw up opportunities. At times elections may provide opportunities, and moments may arrive when our people openly or quietly press the change button.”
However elections are “dicey affairs” going by India’s experience and that of countries like Iran and Turkey, the author writes.
“Many things, and a variety of parties, must come together if a juggernaut backed by great wealth and claiming to represent the national religion’ is to be defeated at the hustings,” Gandhi states, admitting that it is not reasonable to expect political parties to perform miracles, “whether of unity, dazzling appeal, or something else, before circumstances change” and blaming them “when miracles are not produced is a waste of energy”.
Until circumstances change, the author writes, “we should welcome any stroke for liberty and democracy, no matter how inadequate or isolated. We should not mind whether the stroke comes via the political platform and vote , or through the power of disciplined protest, or through the bravery of a judge, bureaucrat or reporter, or the words of a poet or songwriter, or in any other form”.
Such stokes not only can come but have been coming day after day, in place after place, Gandhi notes.
“These last few years, India has witnessed an array of creative and courageous young women and men, and their older compatriots, fighting for precious values, and willing to pay a price” and they include students, reporters, photographers, artists, poets, singers, scholars, lawyers, judges, and more, Gandhi maintains.
Asserting that democracy has been India’s strongest card but one that has weakened in recent years, the author warns that “a Hindu Rashtra will snuff out candles of hope in nations far from India and those close to it”.
Gandhi also depreciates the fact that the unceasing debate on India’s standing in the world, and whether it has gone up or down in recent years, “usually leaves out the biggest question. What does India stand for?”
“What are the ideas that India is contributing to our world? Calm, poise, and mindfulness through yoga? No doubt about that. While not everyone in the world who benefits from yoga or allied practice thinks of India while engaging in it, Indians can feel legitimate pride in this steady extension of an Indian or eastern insight to all parts of the earth”…but “Indians do not exist for India alone”, the author writes.
“India has to offer a message to a humanity where doctrines of supremacy are once more resurgent, yet equality’ and mutual respect’ are not the headlines that jump out of today’s India,” Gandhi write.
Gandhi closes with a grim warning that with India’s footprint being stamped more and more across the world, “in all these countries, it’s not just India’s name that is at stake. The daily life of people of Indian origin everywhere is affected by the state of Indian democracy. In much of the world, Christianity or Islam is the religion of the majority. Denying rights to India’s Muslims and Christians causes problems straightaway for Indians outside India. It’s an anti-Indian exercise, not just an anti-democratic exercise. Anything more foolish is hard to imagine”.
US Independence Day celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country, but country still faces burning issues…reports Asian Lite News
Independence Day arrives at a time when the United States is roiled by hearings over the Jan. 6 insurrection, awash in turmoil over high court rulings on abortion and guns and struggling to maintain the common bonds that keep it together. Yet many also see cause to celebrate: The pandemic continues to be on the wane and, despite its faults, America’s democracy survives.
“I think many of us are feeling conflicted about celebrating 4th of July right now,” obstacle race champion and attorney Amelia Boone tweeted as the week gave way to the long holiday weekend.
Happy #Independence Day #USA! Today, we celebrate the occasion of the 13 American colonies in 1776 previously under the British monarch, uniting under one independent country: the United States of America. #July4thpic.twitter.com/hFzAK2qtio
In her eyes patriotism is also about fighting for change, she said, adding, “I’m not giving up on the US.”
That sentiment is no doubt shared by millions who on Monday celebrated the nation’s 246th birthday and anniversary of independence from English rule. It’s a day for taking off work, flocking to parades, devouring hot dogs and burgers at backyard barbecues and gathering under a canopy of stars and exploding fireworks — in many cases for the first time in three years amid easing coronavirus precautions.
Baltimore, for one, is resuming its Independence Day celebrations after a two-year hiatus, to the delight of residents like Steven Williams.
“I used to actually be up there every year. Then it stopped,” Williams told WBAL-TV. “I haven’t seen them in a couple of years.”
Colorful displays big and small will light up the night sky in cities from New York to Seattle to Chicago to Dallas. However others, particularly in drought-stricken and wildfire-prone regions of the West, will forgo them.
Phoenix is also again going without fireworks — not because of the pandemic or fire concerns but due to supply-chain issues.
In emotional ceremonies across the country, some newer residents will swear oaths of citizenship, qualifying them to vote for the first time in the upcoming midterm elections.
To be sure, these are precarious times: An economic recession lurks, and the national psyche is still raw from mass shootings like those seen recently at a Texas elementary school and a New York supermarket.
Sharp social and political divisions have also been laid bare by recent Supreme Court decisions overturning the constitutional right to abortion and striking down a New York law limiting who may carry a gun in public.
But for many, July 4 is also a chance to set aside political differences and to celebrate unity, reflecting on the revolution that gave rise to history’s longest-lived democracy.
Eli Merritt, a political historian at Vanderbilt University whose upcoming book traces the fraught founding of the United States in 1776, said that “there’s always something to divide or unite us.”
But he sees the Jan. 6 hearings probing last year’s storming of the U.S. Capitol as a reason for hope, an opportunity to rally behind democratic institutions. Even though not all Americans or their elected representatives agree with the committee’s work, Merritt is heartened by the fact that it’s at least somewhat bipartisan with some Republicans joining in.
“Moral courage as a locus for Americans to place hope,” he said, “the willingness to stand up for what is right and true in spite of negative consequences to oneself. That is an essential glue of constitutional democracy.”
India is now critically poised in the precipice of history as a crucial player in world politics. In these tough times of the pandemic, India has shown the world how it can make a difference and be an agent of change… Ram Shankar Menon
As India celebrates its 75th Independence Day there is a palpable sense of anticipation about the trajectory of Indian foreign policy. Over the last seven-and-half decade India has massively expanded its influence worldwide, primarily through diplomacy and trade, which has seen it emerge as an influential power in global politics. There are many aspects that played important role in determining India’s foreign policy over period of time.
India is now critically poised in the precipice of history as a crucial player in world politics. In these tough times of the pandemic, India has shown the world how it can make a difference and be an agent of change.
This was stressed by External Affairs minister S Jaishankar at the G-20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Matera, Italy where he stressed that “institutional multilateralism has been found wanting” and flagged the issue of “vaccine equity.”
Addressing the meeting, Jaishankar said that international cooperation was key to solving the Covid-19 crisis and the challenges it has posed. This was especially important when it came to impartial access to vaccines.
External Affairs minister S Jaishankar
“Whether it is vaccines, medicines, PPE or oxygen, international cooperation is the answer to the Covid challenge. Need more, not less,” Jaishankar said.
The minister’s remarks came in the wake of the European Union’s (EU) opposition to India’s and South Africa’s proposal to increase large-scale manufacturing of vaccines by waiving some parts of the intellectual property rules under the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement). These rules prevent international firms with the capacity to produce approved vaccinations from doing so owing to issues with licencing.
India now also plays a strategic role in securing the high seas from the expansionist ambitions of China. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad comprising India, Australia, Japan and the US are taking forward cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, maritime security and humanitarian aid in order to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. Besides these strategic areas, the grouping is working on areas like vaccine partnership, critical and emerging technologies and climate change.
India is also building partnerships but avoiding alliances. New Delhi is also showing nuanced awareness of a rapidly emerging multipolar world, where American power remains strong but in steep decline. India without involving Washington, is cementing ties with France and Australia as a trilateral group. Unsurprisingly, stressing upon the reality of a changing world, Jaishankar said during his intervention during the ongoing Raisina Dialogue that the world is moving towards “multipolarity, rebalancing & pluri-lateralism. Shared values and comforts are creating new combinations.”
The bedrock of India’s foreign since Independence in 1947 remains entrenched in the Indian Constitution under Article 51, which reads:
“The State shall endeavour to –
(a) Promote international peace and security
(b) Maintain just and honourable relations between nations
(c) Foster respect for international law and treaty obligations in the dealings of organised people with one another; and
(d) Encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.”
The provisions of Article 51 of the Constitution is a unique provision propounding a great Indian philosophy and creates an awareness and acts as a beacon for international peace and security.
India under the stewardship if its first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru derived the essence of the constitutional spirit and postulated the policy of Panchsheel (Five principles).
The five principles are:
• Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty
• Mutual non-aggression against anyone
• Mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affair
• Equality and mutual benefit
• Peaceful co-existence
Founded on the principles of pragmatism and pursuit of national interest, the five principles of peaceful coexistence laid down by Jawaharlal Nehru has been the guiding principles of successive governments in India.
These five principles were believed to serve the need of the newly decolonised state which had more pressing needs to address rather than getting engaged in hostility with the neighbors. The underlying assumption for the five principles was the development of new and more principled approach to the International relations by the newly independent decolonised states.
With the formation of several new countries after World War II the world was face by a new standoff between USA and USSR, eager to shore allies, the two power blocs were scouting for allies to trade and establish strategic ties. It was in the backdrop of this bipolar standoff that in 1961 Nehru along with heads of 28 nations gathered in Belgrade to launch the Non-Alignment Movement. Sixty years on, NAM has grown to more than 120 nations and represents a majority voice in the United Nations.
But in today’s world, NAM has got a great task of questioning monopoly in world politics. Also, NAM has made significant discussions on several issues of world importance. The extent of its need, importance and fame of this movement can be approximated from the increase in its membership. It’s most important achievement include postponing of wars, reducing their intensity and in some cases disputes were completely solved. NAM can be said to have played a vital role in maintaining world peace in this nuclear age. This brought cold war to ceasefire. It beefed up the role of UN in which all countries have equal representation. Non-aligned countries have been successful in establishing a foundation of economic cooperation amongst underdeveloped countries. South—South dialogue has been summoned from the non-aligned countries’ front.
Internationalism post-Soviet Russia’s collapse
The post-Cold War era spawned a dichotomy within the international system. The global system had to reckon with unimpeded power and authority centered around one superpower of which there was no comparison in terms of pure military might. Besides this there was also the emergence of multiple economic power centers that were beginning to and still assert themselves internationally with different perceptions and different goals.
Globalization and the rapid emergence of market economies all over the world, from Southeast Asia to Latin America, resulted in the spectacular emergence of regional cooperation and integration. Closely connected with globalization was the widespread emergence of market economies. It was no longer possible for nations or national markets to operate as self-sufficient units.
The four most important variables that guided the framing of India’s foreign policy after the cold war were:
• India’ search for its due place in the international order which is largely dominated by the US
• An accommodation with the global nuclear order as the international system comes to terms with ‘nuclear’ India
• India’s balancing act of tackling the challenge of global terrorism without alienating its Islamic minority
• And India’s search for energy security to ensure its current rate of economic growth
Although a late-comer to liberalisation there was a growing integration of India’s economy with the rest of the world. Indo-US relations saw a new high with the latter acknowledging India as one of the emerging powers and boldly declaring to forge trade ties and engaging in mutual integration and co-operation owing to the shared interests in the global arena.
It was in the midst of this tumult that India again came out with the Gujaral Doctrine. The five principles to guide the conduct of foreign relations with India’s immediate neighbours was spelt out by I.K. Gujral, first as India’s External Affairs Minister and later as the Prime Minister.
These Principles are:
1. With neighbours like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, India does not ask for reciprocity, but gives and accommodates what it can in good faith and trust.
2. No South Asian country should allow its territory to be used against the interest of another country of the region. (Second Principle of Panchsheel- Mutual non-aggression)
3. No country should interfere in the internal affairs of another. (Third Principle of Panchsheel- Mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs)
4. All South Asian countries must respect each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. (First Principle of Panchsheel- Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty)
5. They should settle all their disputes through peaceful bilateral negotiations. (Fourth and Fifth Principles of Panchsheel- Equality and mutual benefit & Peaceful co-existence)
On the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for the country’s transformation to newer heights, new levels of prosperity, reports Asian Lite News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for the country’s transformation to newer heights, new levels of prosperity, world-class modern infrastructure, and access to quality facilities for all Indians irrespective of the region and class they belong in the next 25 years.
However, he reminded the citizens that a resolve means nothing without the efforts to back it. “A resolve will remain incomplete till it is not matched with valour and hard work. Therefore we have to achieve all our resolves through ultimate valour and hard work,” Modi said from the ramparts of the the Red Fort.
Addressing his eighth Independence Day address, Modi virtually prophesized next 25 years till the centenary year of Independence as ‘Amrut Kal’, during which India will transform itself to newer heights. “25 years of Amrut Kaal. We should not wait for that long to meet our goals. We must set out for this immediately. This is the time, the right time. We should change ourselves according to the changing world. We will work with the motto of Sabka saath, sabka vikaas, sabka vishwas aur sabka prayaas,” Prime Minister said adding that country should aim to achieve new levels of prosperity and ensure that the quality of access to facilities are not different in urban and rural areas; and government should not be an impediment for public and country should have modern infrastructure which is no less than world standard.
In this context, he appealed to governments at every level to bring down compliance burdens for citizens in a mission mode.
At a time when his government has come under fire for the alleged snooping using the Pegasus spyware, the Prime Minister intensely pitched for reduced role of the government in citizens’ life. “We want such an India where the governments do not interfere in the lives of the citizens,” he said.
He also assured that his government is working for freeing people and system of the archaic laws. “Earlier, the govt was sitting in the driver’s seat. Maybe it was needed at that time. But the time has changed now. Efforts have increased in the last seven years to free the people from the web of unnecessary laws and procedures. Several unnecessary laws have been scrapped so far. Our priority will be to ensure that the services reach the last person seamlessly. For the all-round development of the nation, it is essential to end the unnecessary interference of govt and government procedures in the lives of people,” he said.
While “Atma-Nirbhar” (self-reliant) economy was one of the main themes of his Independence Day speech last year, it was not as much this time. In its place, Prime Minister speech today sought to appeal to the economic agents in the country to aim for “world class” and “next generation” targets for the global economy as it reshapes after the pandemic.
The major highlight of the Prime Minister’s address was his pledges for the new India. “We have to work together for Next Generation Infrastructure. We have to work together for World Class Manufacturing. We have to work together for Cutting Edge Innovation. We have to work together for New Age Technology,” he said.
For this purpose, Prime Minister emphasised the need for world-class infrastructure to achieve these aspirations and open new economic opportunities. For this purpose, he announced to launch Prime Minister Gati Shakti national master plan. He suggested that the plan will be Rs 100 lakh crore worth of infrastructure schemes that will generate employment opportunities. Though he did not dwell much on the contours, it appeared a version of National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) announced by the government earlier. The Prime Minister suggested that this new master plan will keep the foundation of a holistic infrastructure plan that will not work in silos.
Against this backdrop, he urged Indian manufacturers to produce world-class goods in the new economy and assured government support in their endeavors to break new grounds in the global economy. “Every product is a brand ambassador. It should give them (users abroad) pride. You should dream to capture global market. Government is with you in every way,” Prime Minister said.
He also reiterated the slogan he had introduced during his first tenure as the Prime Minister. “A time comes in the development journey of every country when that nation defines itself from a new end, when it takes itself forward with new resolutions. Today, that time has come in India’s development journey. ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas‘. Now, ‘Sabka Prayas’ (everyone’s effort) is important for the achievement of all our goals,” Modi said. He further added: “Development should be inclusive. Whether it is our eastern India, North East, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh including the entire Himalayan region, be it our coastal belt or tribal region, it will become a big base for India’s development in future.”
If this was the major economic outline announced by the Prime Minister today, for the welfare sector, he outlined “saturation” philosophy for eligible beneficiaries of different welfare scheme. “We have to move towards saturation: 100 per cent villages should be connected through roads; 100 per cent families should have a bank account; 100 per cent beneficiaries should have Ayushmaan Bharat card; 100 per cent eligible persons should have Ujjwala Gas connection,” the Prime Minister gave some of the examples suggesting that the government will now target saturation level coverage of eligible beneficiaries of different welfare programmes launched by the government.
PM Modi reasoned that the saturation level target will cut down corruption of during the implementation of these schemes. While some of the scheme, say like bank account, may mean universalisation of bank accounts, it does not mean universalisation of every welfare scheme but only saturation of those eligible under the criteria for each welfare scheme.
As India celebrates its 75th Independence Day on August 15, we take a look at what Indian and world leaders said.
Our youth is the ‘Can Do’ Generation, and they can achieve everything they set their mind to. Our actions today will determine our future. Our today will set the theme of our 100 years of India’s Independence. — Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
I wish all those celebrating today, in India, in the United States, and throughout the world, a safe and happy Indian Independence Day. — Joe Biden, US President
Biden
I take this occasion to convey our appreciation to the government and people of India, particularly the Embassy of India team here, for the support during these difficult times. — Lotay Tshering, Bhutan’s PM
Lotay Tshering, Bhutan’s PM
On this great festival, I bow to the great freedom fighters who sacrificed themselves for freedom and all the brave soldiers dedicated to the security of the country. Your sacrifice and dedication will always inspire us to serve the nation. — Amit Shah, Union Home Minister
Union Home Minister Amit Shah
While non-violence is our ultimate duty, protecting the integrity of the nation is also equally important. Therefore, we are ready to sacrifice anything for the unity and integrity of the nation. — Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister
We attained Independence after a long struggle, now we are working towards becoming a ‘New India’ as we celebrate ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ this year. — Om Birla, Lok Sabha Speaker
The fight against farm laws is not political. It does not matter who is in power where. We need to stand by what is right and to ensure that our rights under the Constitution are not crushed. — Captain Amarinder Singh, Punjab CM
On the 75th Independence Day, let us all come together to strengthen our voices against all forces that aim to stifle our freedom. We must never forget the sacrifice of those who fought a long and hard battle for this day. — Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal CM
For the independence of Mother India, there was resistance from the British in every corner of the country including villages, towns and forests. On the occasion of Independence Day, let us salute all the revolutionaries who have amazed the whole world with their indomitable valour and give meaning to the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. Jai Hind! — Yogi Adityanath, UP CM
Today, let’s take the pledge that we will liberate our country from the shackles of poverty, caste discrimination, gender inequality, communal ideologies, sectarianism & all social injustices to recapture the meaning of freedom in all its glory. Happy Independence Day. — Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala CM
Our curriculum teaches physics, chemistry but not patriotism. Our new ‘Deshbhakti Curriculum’ will instil patriotic values in our children. — Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi CM
He also said that at the beginning of this year, the largest vaccination exercise in the history of the world was launched, urging the people to get vaccinated….reports Asian Lite News
Addressing the nation on the eve of 75th Independence Day, President Ram Nath Kovind said that the coronavirus is still here and has not gone away and one must not let the guard down.
Noting that the vaccine is the best possible protection, he said, “We are yet to come out of the devastating effects of its recurrence this year. Last year, with exceptional efforts from all, we had succeeded in bringing the spread of infections under control. Our scientists had succeeded in developing vaccines in a very short time.”
He also said that at the beginning of this year, the largest vaccination exercise in the history of the world was launched, urging the people to get vaccinated.
Referring to the Covid second wave, the President said, efforts were made on war-footing to plug the gaps while the leadership rose to the challenge, and the government’s endeavours were supplemented by initiatives of the states, private sector healthcare facilities, the civil society and others. “In this extraordinary mission, foreign nations shared the essentials generously, just as India had reached out to many nations with medicine, equipment and vaccines. I am grateful to the global fraternity that came forward with a helping hand”, he said.
Talking about the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics, he made references to the stellar performances of Indian sportspersons. India has won the highest number of medals in the 121 years of its participation in the Olympics. He said, “Our daughters have achieved world class excellence in playgrounds overcoming many adversities. Along with sports, epoch-making changes are taking place in the participation and success of women in all walks of life. From higher educational institutions to armed forces, from laboratories to playgrounds, our daughters are making their mark. In this success of our daughters, I see a glimpse of a developed India of the future”, Kovind said.
“Independence Day is a festival of freedom for us. This was made possible by generations of freedom fighters; some known, many unknown. They made great sacrifices. Today, you and I breathe under free skies thanks to their heroic deeds. I bow in respect to the pious memory of those brave martyrs”, he further said.
He also said that our nationalist movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, was based on the principles of truth and non-violence. He and all other national heroes provided us with an invaluable blueprint to not only liberate the nation from colonial rule, but also to rebuild it and his struggle was for a return to Indian ethos and for human dignity, Kovind added.
We have adopted the system of parliamentary democracy. Therefore, our Parliament is the temple of our democracy which provides us with the 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. It will be a fitting statement of our outlook: It will honour our legacy while also walking in step with the contemporary world. It is more than symbolic that the new building will be inaugurated in the year of the 75th anniversary of Independence.
Referring to the Gaganyan Mission, he said that pilots of the Indian Air Force have been receiving training abroad. When they fly off into space, India will become only the fourth nation on the planet to carry out a manned space mission. “I congratulate all of you, on the eve of India’s 75th Independence Day. While celebrating this anniversary, I cannot stop my mind from imagining a powerful, prosperous and peaceful India of 2047 when we will celebrate 100 years of our independence”, Kovind concluded.
