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We won freedom to re-write our destiny… President Droupadi Murmu
The President of India reminded the nation that they were not just individuals but part of a “great community of people” that happened to be the biggest and the greatest community” of its kind.
Maintaining that Independence Day is not only an occasion to reconnect with history but also an occasion to assess the present and reflect on the way forward, the President of India Droupadi Murmu stressed that in looking at the present, India has not only regained its rightful place on the world stage but also has enhanced its standing in the international order.
“During my visits and interactions with the members of the Indian diaspora, I have observed a new confidence in the India story. India is playing a crucial role in promoting developmental and humanitarian goals around the world. It has also assumed leadership of international forums, especially the presidency of G-20, the President said in a speech to the nation marking the country’s 77th Independence Day.
The President of India reminded the nation that they were not just individuals but part of a “great community of people” that happened to be the biggest and the greatest community” of its kind.
“ Each one of us is an equal citizen; each one of us has an equal opportunity, equal rights and equal duties, in this land. But it was not always so. India is the Mother of Democracy and since ancient times we had democratic institutions functioning at the grassroots. But long years of colonial rule wiped them out. On 15th August 1947, the nation woke up to a new dawn. We not only won freedom from foreign rule, but also the freedom to rewrite our destiny” the President said.
In an address that touched on several themes, President Murmu paid specific reference to women’s empowerment. “I am happy to note that the economic empowerment of women is being given special focus in our country. Economic empowerment strengthens the position of women in the family and society. I urge all fellow citizens to give priority to women empowerment. I would like our sisters and daughters to overcome challenges with courage and move ahead in life. Development of women was among the ideals of our freedom struggle”, she said.
Reflecting on her career as a teacher and stressing that education is the greatest tool of social empowerment, the President noted that the National Education Policy of 2020 has started making a difference in that the learning process has become more flexible. “The visionary policy, which aims to merge ancient values with modern skills, will bring in unprecedented changes in the education sector over the years, leading to a great transformation of the nation” she told the nation.
The President talked of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) that “keeps scaling new heights and setting higher benchmarks of excellence”; but that the mission to the moon is only a stepping stone for future space programmes. “We have to go far ahead. For their work in space and also on earth, our scientists and technologists are bringing laurels to the country. For us, science or knowledge are not ends-in-themselves but are a means for the betterment of all the people”, she remarked.
President Murmu reminded her fellow citizens that the world seemed to be suffering from a “deficit” of sympathy. “… the culture of greed takes the world away from nature. We now realise the dire need to return to our roots. I know that there are still many tribal communities who live very close to nature and in harmony with it. Their values and lifestyle offer invaluable lessons for climate action.
The secret of the survival of the tribal communities through ages can be summarised in one word. That single word is 'Empathy' … It is my experience that women have empathy in greater measure and they show the way when humanity goes astray”, the nation’s First Citizen remarked on the eve of Independence Day.
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