President Ram Nath Kovind has called for making a New India by 2022 which must include a compassionate and egalitarian society that does not discriminate on gender or religious background.
Addressing the nation, on the eve of 71st Independence Day, Mr Kovind said, traditionally disadvantaged, SCs, STs or OBCs, Divyangs should be the part of national developmental process in a compassionate society.
In this society, populations in frontier areas and states, who may sometimes feel a sense of alienation, must be embraced as brothers and sisters.
Giving thrust on education, the President said, a compassionate society enriches human capital and equips young people by promoting accessible, affordable and world-class educational institutions.
Mr Kovind also said, the New India must have quality health-care and nutrition.
Saying, country will complete 75 years of Independence in 2022, the President said, it is our national resolve to attain certain desired milestones for a New India which includes- a house for every family, power on demand, better roads and telecom, modern railway network, rapid and sustained growth.
The President expressed confidence that strong partnership between citizens and the government will allow the country to meet the goals of New India. He said, the demonetization has boosted government’s efforts to build an honest society and appealed all to sustain this spirit and momentum.
He said, during this period peoples’ patience and whole hearted support in the battle against corruption and black money reflected a responsible and enlightened society.
Mr Ram Nath Kovind stressed on the need to adopt technology to empower people and achieve the goal of poverty elimination in a single generation adding that poverty and new India are not compatible.
The President said, the world is looking at India with admiration and India is seen as a growing economy and a solution provider to various international challenges including climate change, radicalism and terrorism. He appealed to the countrymen to think of society and extra degree of selflessness.
Lauding the sacrifices of soldiers, police and para military forces, Mr Kovind said, their brave death to combat terrorism and crime to keep all safe, are not just duty but an extra degree of selflessness.
In his speech, the President also appealed the countrymen to draw inspiration from those families who voluntarily gave up their LPG subsidies. Mr Kovind said, the single most critical factor for building the nation is to ensure that no child is left behind.
The President said, India is at the door of great achievements and aims at becoming a fully educated society.
The President said, all should work with unity and purpose to ensure that the benefits of government policies reach all sections of society and called for ensuring a Swachchh Bharat.
Mr Kovind said the government is promoting the idea of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao but it is for the people to ensure that daughters are not discriminated against and get the best education.
Talking about about Goods and Services Tax, Mr. Kovind said the new indirect tax regime has been implemented to eliminate multiple taxes and simplify transactions and people should make this an essential part of everyday transactions and business culture.
He said, it should be a matter of pride for the nation that the taxes people pay are used for nation building to help the poor and the marginalized, to build rural and urban infrastructure, and to strengthen our border defences.
He also urged people to draw inspiration from brave freedom fighters, many of whom sacrificed even their lives for the country. He said there is a need to invoke the same spirit today in the task of nation building.
At the end, the President quoting Gautam Buddha said, “अपदीपोभव- Be a lamp unto yourself … maintaining that if the country follows his teachings, acting together, with the passion of freedom movement, it can collectively be the 125 crore lamps that light up the path to a New India.
