President Ram Nath Kovind Addresses Nation On Eve Of 73rd Republic Day: Highlights

President Ram Nath Kovind is addressing the nation on the eve of the 73rd Republic Day. Conveying his heartfelt wishes, President Kovind calls it "an occasion to celebrate what is common to us all, our Indianness". He also paid tribute to India's freedom fighters "who showed incomparable courage in their pursuit of the dream of Swaraj and fired up the people to fight for it" in his speech.

Here are the highlights of President Kovind's address:

On the eve of the seventy-third Republic Day, my warm greetings to all of you people of India living at home and abroad! It is an occasion to celebrate what is common to us all, our Indianness: President Kovind

On this occasion, let us also remember the great freedom fighters who showed incomparable courage in their pursuit of the dream of Swaraj and fired up the people to fight for it: President Kovind

Two days ago, on 23rd January, all of us observed the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who had adopted the energising salutation of 'Jai-Hind'. His quest for independence and his ambition to make India proud inspire all of us: President Kovind

We are immensely fortunate that the Constituent Assembly which prepared the document included some of the best minds of their generation. They were the leading lights of our great Freedom Struggle: President Kovind

By fulfilling the fundamental duty of rendering national service when called upon to do so, crores of our people have transformed the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the COVID vaccination drive into mass movements: President Kovind

I am sure that our people will continue to strengthen the campaigns of national interest with their active participation and will demonstrate the same dedication: President Kovind

Writing in 1930, Mahatma Gandhi had advised fellow citizens how 'Purna Swaraj Day' was to be celebrated. Gandhiji's advice is timeless. He would have liked us to celebrate Republic Day in the same manner. Gandhi ji wanted us to look within, introspect and try to be better human beings, and then look outside, collaborate with people and contribute towards building a better India and a better world: President Kovind

I feel proud to say that we have displayed exceptional determination and efficiency against coronavirus. Countless families have gone through terrible calamities. I have no words to express our collective pain. But the only consolation is that many lives have been saved. The impact of the Covid epidemic is still widespread, so we should be alert and not be lax in our defense. The precautions we have taken so far will have to be continued: President Kovind

It has become the national religion of every countryman today to follow the precautions given by scientists and experts in the fight against the Covid epidemic. We have to follow this nation-dharma till this crisis is not resolved. Doctors, nurses, and paramedics have served humanity by working long hours in difficult conditions, even risking their lives to care for patients. Small and medium enterprises have played an important role in providing employment to people and providing impetus to the economy. Our innovative young entrepreneurs have set new benchmarks of success by making effective use of the start-up ecosystem: President Kovind

There was a wave of happiness among the people due to the stellar performance of our players in the Olympic Games last year. The confidence of those young winners is inspiring millions of countrymen today: President Kovind

In recent months, I have come across many remarkable examples of our countrymen strengthening the nation and society through their commitment and hard work in various fields. Dedicated teams from the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard Limited have built the indigenous and ultra-modern aircraft carrier 'IAC - Vikrant' to be inducted into the Navy. On the strength of such modern military capabilities, India is now counted among the world's major naval-powered nations. In Haryana's Sui village, some enlightened citizens have transformed their village under the 'Self-inspired Adarsh Gram Yojana', showing sensitivity and diligence. This is an exemplary example of attachment and gratitude towards our village i.e. our motherland: President Kovind

As the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, I am happy to mention that this year has been a significant one from the point of view of women's empowerment in the Armed Forces: President Kovind

The twenty-first century is being seen as the era of climate change and India has taken a leadership position on the world stage with its bold and ambitious goals for renewable energy: President Kovind