The President congratulated Indians across the world in his address
President Ram Nath Kovind addressed the nation on the eve of the 71st Republic Day. The address was broadcast across the entire national network of All India Radio and was telecast over all channels of Doordarshan in Hindi which will be followed by the English version.
In his address last year, the President had said, "The values that shaped Indian independence and that continue to shape our Republic - the values inculcated in our democracy and our Constitution - are also the values that uphold the supremacy of the people of India."
Here are the highlights of the President's address to the nation:
President Kovind addresses nation
As India and Indians march forward, we remain committed to engaging the global community to build a secure and prosperous future for ourselves and for the entire humanity: President Kovind
President Kovind addresses nation
While giving expression to their political ideas, both Government and opposition must move forward in tandem to ensure that development of the country and welfare of its people are promoted consistently: President Kovind
President Kovind addresses nation
When fighting for a cause, people, particularly the youth, should not forget the gift of Ahimsa Gandhiji gave to humanity. Gandhiji's talisman for deciding whether an act is right or wrong also applies to the functioning of our democracy: President Kovind
President Kovind addresses nationAt Tokyo Olympics 2020, the Indian contingent will be backed by cheers and good wishes of millions of Indians. Another source of pride for our country has been our diaspora. During my visits abroad, I have observed that Induans have not only brought prosperity to their adopted lands, they have also enhanved India's image before the world community. Many of them have made great contributions in a wide variety of endeavours: President Kovind
President Kovind addresses nation
Starting with the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, and expanding to the Ayushman Bharat, which is the world's largest publicly funded universal healthcare programme, the Government has shown its care and concern for the well-being of the poor. The Jan Aushadhi Yojana has brought down the healthcare budget of common people in the country by providing quality generic medicines at affordable prices: President Kovind
President Kovind addresses nation
To effectively meet the challenge of the increasing water crisis, the Ministry of Jalshakti has been created. Water conservation and water management are being given top priority: President Kovind
President Kovind addresses nationKnowledge has always been considered more valuable than power, fame or money in India. Educational institutions are considered as the place to acquire knowledge in the Indian tradition, i.e. the temple of learning. The foundations of a sound education system were built in ancient times, with the setting up of great universities like Nalanda and Takshashila. Our many achievements in the field of education are notable. It is our endeavor that no child or youth of the country should be deprived of the facilities of education. When our land was pushed into backwardness after the long colonial rule, it was education that emerged as a path to empowerment: President Kovind
President Kovind addresses nation
Government has laid special emphasis on health sector through its ambitious programs: President Kovind
President Kovind addresses nation
Strong internal security is essential for the development of the country. Therefore, the government has taken several concrete steps to strengthen the internal security system: President Kovind
President Kovind addresses nation
There is a consistent effort by the government to ensure overall development of each and every part of the country - be it Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh, the states in the North-East or our Islands in the Indian Ocean: President Kovind
President Kovind addresses nation
Through GST, the implementation of the concept of "one country, one tax, one market" has been realized. Simultaneously, the process of creating "one market for one nation" is being strengthened by the "E-Naam" scheme, which will benefit the farmers: President Kovind
President Kovind addresses nation
Through the "Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi", more than 14 crore farmers, brothers and sisters are entitled to a minimum income of Rs 6 thousand per year. This has enabled the farmers who feed us to live a life of dignity: President Kovind
President Kovind addresses nation
The achievements of 'Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana' are something to be proud of. Meeting the target, 8 crore beneficiaries have been included in the scheme. Due to this, needy people are now getting clean fuel facilities: President Kovind
President Kovind addresses nation
The 'Swachchh Bharat Abhiyan' has achieved astounding success in such a short time. Be it giving up cooking fuel subsidy or pushing digital payments, the common man has made the government programmes his own, making them truly effective: President Kovind
President Kovind addresses nation
The Government has launched a number of welfare campaigns, and what is especially noteworthy about them is the fact that citizens have voluntarily turned them into popular movements: President Kovind
President Kovind addresses nationOur Constitution gave us rights as citizens of a free democratic nation, but also placed on us the responsibility to always adhere to the central tenets of our democracy - justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. It becomes easier for us to follow these constitutional ideals, if we keep in mind the life and values of the Father of our Nation. By doing so, we will be adding a meaningful dimension to our celebrations of 150th birth anniversary of Gandhiji: President Kovind
President Kovind addresses nation
I would like to congratulate all Indians in the country and across the world on the eve of 71st Republic Day: President Kovind