26th January is a very significant date in our nation’s calendar, when we celebrate the establishment of free India as a Republic based on the ideology of justice and equality. It is a day when we recall with gratitude the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and the work of our founding fathers, for giving us a country where our dignity and individual freedoms are guaranteed by an enlightened Constitution.
It must also be an occasion when we rededicate ourselves to maintaining harmony, peace and brotherhood. Most of all, it is a time to introspect about how we have fared so far, and in which direction we are moving.
We are fortunate that we are the inheritors of the ideals and values of one of the world’s oldest civilizations, which has bequeathed to us a rich treasure of human experiences and thought. The concept of the human race being one, the importance of living in harmony with one another and with nature, the quest for knowledge and truth, find prominence in our age-old culture.
It is, however, a fact that there can be no society, which does not need to evolve to cope with the changing demands of time; and there can be no nation, which does not face challenges. India too has its share of problems and obstacles, constraints and difficulties.
Among our remarkable accomplishments has been an unwavering adherence to democracy. The country’s Parliament is the repository of the sovereign will of the people, and its successful functioning is a joint responsibility of both the government and the opposition.
As a nation, our aim is to grow and to create a just society. Our goal of poverty eradication and of inclusive growth that embraces the disadvantaged and marginalized sections of society can be achieved when our actions are guided by a social conscience and are not devoid of sensitivity. We are seeking good governance and a people-centric administration.
The media play an important role in bringing information, news and views to the public. This generates awareness, promotes discussion on issues and creates perceptions. A responsive and responsible media is an asset in maintaining the vitality of democracy and its institutions.
It is heartening that our economy is progressing at a stable pace and that even in the face of difficult circumstances, during the global financial downturn, its performance was appreciable. We are now returning to the pre-crisis growth pattern and are confident of growing at over 9 percent next year. All sectors of the economy will be contributors to our growth trajectory. However, rising inflation particularly food prices, are a cause of serious concern and draw attention to the urgent need to take suitable action, and also look at more innovative approaches toward food security, agricultural production and rural development. The Green Revolution, which made our nation self sufficient in food grains has run its course. We need a second green revolution that maximizes productivity, and yet generates income and employment opportunities for the rural population.
Development and progress require an environment of stability and security. The work of our police and internal security agencies is critical in this field, as also is our cooperation and dialogue with our neighbors for stability in our region, and with the international community to create a peaceful world. Terrorism poses the single most detrimental threat to the progress of humankind.
There is a crucial need for concerted action by all members of the international community to eradicate the threat of terrorism. India’s profile in global affairs is the focus of international attention today. As India assumes its seat as a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council, it will intensify efforts to effect concerted and collective global action against terrorism, and will also work with a deep sense of responsibility on all global issues.
Many developments in the last few years have brought to our attention the importance of united action to achieve our goals besides emphasizing the need to continue to adhere to the basic values of our country. Here, I am reminded of some lines of a well-known poem, which means: Compassion, non-violence, goodwill may always flow in unison. With these words, I once again greet all fellow citizens on the occasion of Republic Day.
Jai Hind!
Pratibha Devisingh Patil
President of India
