President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of 77th Independence Day on Monday. “Every Indian holds multiple identities, apart from caste, creed, language and region, profession but the identity as an Indian citizen supersedes them all,” the President said.
“Each of us is an equal citizen, each of us has an equal opportunity, equal rights and equal duties in this land,” President Murmu said.
The President noted that since ancient times, India had democratic institutions functioning at the grassroots. “But long years of colonial rule wiped them out,” she said. “On 15th August 1947, the nation woke up to a new dawn,” she added.
“On the eve of Independence Day, I unite with my fellow citizens in expressing heartfelt gratitude to the acknowledged and unsung freedom fighters whose sacrifices have paved the way for India to reclaim its rightful standing among nations,” President Murmu said.
“People have been celebrating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ with great enthusiasm,” the President observed, adding that Independence Day celebrations remind her of her childhood days when she eagerly participated in celebrations at her village school.
“Great women freedom fighters such as Matangini Hazra and Kanaklata Baruah sacrificed their lives for Bharat Mata. Maa Kasturba stood side by side with the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, every step of the challenging journey on the path of Satyagraha,” she added.
Women are contributing extensively in every field of development, service to country and enhancing nation’s pride, the President said.
She also highlighted the importance of education and said, “Being a teacher, I have understood that education is the most effective means of social empowerment.”
Referring to ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission, the President stated, “The mission to the Moon is merely a stepping stone for our future space programs. We still have a long way to go.”
She also announced, “To foster research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the Anusandhaan National Research Foundation is being established by the government with an allocation of Rs 50,000 crore over the next five years. This Foundation will support, cultivate, and advance Research and Development in our colleges, universities, and research centers.”
President Murmu expressed, “India has not only reclaimed its rightful position on the world stage but has also elevated its status within the international order.”
She also attributed farmers for their significant contribution to India’s economic growth. “The world economy is passing through a delicate stage, as the pandemic has been followed by international events that have added to the air of uncertainty. Yet, the Government has been able to navigate the stormy waters very well. India has converted challenges into opportunities and has recorded high GDP growth. Our Annadata farmers have contributed significantly to our economic growth. The nation feels indebted to them,” she said.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway ahead of the grand Independence Day celebration. Security arrangements across the national capital and the country have also been tightened.
Around 1,800 special guests are set to attend the Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort on Tuesday.
LATEST UPDATES
– Stage Set for 77th I-Day, Celebrations to be Led by PM Modi
The stage for the celebrations of the 77th Independence Day is set. The prime minister will hoist the Tricolour and go on to deliver the traditional address to the nation.
This I-Day will conclude the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations which was launched by PM Modi in Ahmedabad in 2021 and will take the country into ‘Amrit Kaal’.
– 10k Cops, CCTV and Anti-Drone Systems for Independence Day
Over 10,000 police personnel are set to be deployed across the national capital on the occasion of Independence Day.
According to a Hindustan Times Report, Deputy Commissioner of Police (public relations officer) Suman Nalwa said, “Delhi Police is proud to be in charge of security of the Independence Day function. Adequate arrangements have been put in place to ensure seamless celebrations across the city”.
Another senior officer said that artificial Intelligence (AI)-based facial recognition system has also been put in place to keep a check on terror factors.
Another officer said that CCTV arrangements have been installed strategically and anti-drone systems including those by National Security Guards (NSG) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have been installed.
– No Internet Ban in Kashmir, Three-Tier Security in Place
There will be no internet ban in Kashmir for Independence Day but, a three-tier security cover and drone system have been placed at key venues and across the valley to prevent any untoward situation.
Between 2005 and 2021, internet ban has been imposed in the valley on all the key celebrations days, but for the last two years there hasn’t been such a ban.
According to a Hindustan Times report, divisional commissioner Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said, “There won’t be any restrictions in any part of Kashmir on Independence day. Also there won’t be restrictions on the internet on Independence Day… We are expecting huge participation of people in parade.”
– 50 School Teachers Invited as ‘Special Guests’ for I-Day Celebrations
A select group of 50 teachers for their dedication and outstanding contribution in the field of education have been invited as ‘special guests’ for the Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort.
According to information from the Ministry of Education (MoE), these selected teachers are from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KV) schools from across the nation.
– President Droupadi Murmu Address to the Nation on I-Day Eve
President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of Independence Day. The President’s address was set to be broadcasted from 7 pm on Akashvani and all the Doordarshan channels in Hindi, followed by in English, a statement from the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.
– 4 Goan Fisherfolk to Attend I-Day Celebrations
In honour and respect of the fisherfolk community who have traditionally helped maintain the coastal heritage of the country, four fisherfolk couples from Goa have been invited to attend the Independence Day ceremony in Delhi.
The special invitation to the couples have been extended by the Centre. The four couples invited are Vasant Pednekar and Lakshmi Pednekar, Francisco Fernandes and Renuka Fernandes, Sabi Fernandes and Filomena Veronica Lourenco, and Jacinto Guraio and Caseel Guraio.
– Weather: Met Predicts Predicts Lights Rains in Delhi on Tuesday
The Met Office, for Tuesday, has predicted very light rain or Thundershowers towards the evening with the minimum temperature expected to be 25-27 degrees Celsius and the maximum temperature to be 34 degrees Celsius.
– Delhi Metro Advisory for Independence Day
The Delhi Metro has decided to run its services from 5 am on August 15 to facilitate those who will be travelling to Red Fort for the Independence Day ceremony.
Normal operations will run per usual from 6 am, prior to which the metro trains will run at a frequency of 30 minutes on all the corridors.
Parking facilities will not available at any of the Delhi Metro Station from 6 am Monday to 4 pm on Tuesday.
– Srinagar: CRPF Organises Bike Rally Ahead of Independence Day
The CRPF organised a bike rally from Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk to Nishat garden on the banks of Dal Lake as part of the Independence Day celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir.
The rally of more than 100 bikers carrying the national flag was flagged off by the Additional Director General of CRPF Nalin Prabhat.
– Ganjam Women Self-Help Groups to Make 4 Lakh Tricolours for I-Day
In the second edition of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ movement, about 1,700 members of 73 women self-help groups (WSHGs) and producers’ group in all 22 blocks of the district and Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) are engaged in making 4 lakh national flags that will flutter on government buildings in the district on Independence Day.
The WSHGs have almost completed their task, a government officer said. “The initiative is not only extra earnings for them, but also awakens the patriotic spirit among people,” said Meeta Swain, secretary of a tailoring unit in Sheragada.
(With inputs from PTI)
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