As we celebrate the 63rd Independence Day of India, I extend my warm wishes to Indian nationals, Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and friends of India residing in the Western Province of Saudi Arabia. On this day we pay homage to our great national leaders and freedom fighters, who made many sacrifices to liberate India from the clutches of colonial rule.
India completed the largest democratic exercise on earth this past May. This mammoth task was executed exceedingly well. India has a unique place in the consciousness of the world as the largest functioning democracy. India had set a vision of an inclusive society and an inclusive economy and is working diligently toward translating this vision into policies and programs. India is determined to work harder and better to realize these goals.
The building of modern India requires a focus on strengthening our academic institutions and research facilities. However, India which is a civilization in continuum, seeks in addition to material progress, enrichment of human life through cultural advancement, a constant search for knowledge and understanding, and above all, social justice. Social empowerment must occupy center stage in our national consciousness.
I am confident that our nation will move forward to become an exemplary democracy, an economic power and a progressive society. However, what will be the value system upon which we will judge our performance? Harmony and peaceful coexistence have been at the core of our civilization. Therefore, even as we progress it will be these values which would help to provide us strength. India should build its destiny on a culture of peace and harmony. There should be harmony between good traditions and progress.
India has shown a remarkable capacity to assimilate change as well as the influences that have been brought to its land over centuries by the many groups who came here. This has made us a composite society consisting of many different strands but yet united. This unity has been brought about by the philosophy of harmony which demands a sense of responsibility toward fellow human beings. It seeks to resolve differences rather than widen them. It seeks to bring people together rather than divide them. It looks at change not as a threat but as a reality of the march of time. Peaceful coexistence is inherent in our culture. Terrorism is the very antithesis of peaceful coexistence. It is condemnable because it is against the tenets of every religion and faith.
We won because our freedom struggle was based on noble principles. We have adhered to secularism, equality and respect for all religions. I call upon my brothers and sisters of every religion — whether they be Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, Parsees and all others, to live together in harmony. Jai Hind!
B.S. Mubarak
Acting Consul General