NEW DELHI, Aug 14: President of India Droupadi Murmu, on Monday underscored the equality of the citizens of India which over-rides all other identities of caste, creed and language and said “Each Indian is an equal citizen, each one has equal opportunity, rights and duties in this land.”
Addressing the nation on Monday on the eve of 77th Independence Day, the President went on to urge the citizens to give priority to women empowerment, and said it was necessary to make efforts at the local, national and global levels for the environment and added that she wanted the daughters of India “to move forward” and be able to “face every challenge.”
President Murmu said women were now participating in every sphere for India’s development, taking on responsibilities that were not thought of a few decades ago. “Today, women are contributing extensively in every field of development and service to the country and are enhancing the nation’s pride. Today our women have made their special place in many such fields in which their participation was unimaginable a few decades ago,” she said.
“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,” the President added. “I want the daughters of the country to move forward,” she said, citing examples of leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Ammu Swaminathan, Rama Devi, Aruna Asaf-Ali and Sucheta Kriplani. “Maa Kasturba matched the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi every step of the way on the difficult path of Satyagraha,” she said.
President Murmu said India has not only regained its “rightful place” on the world stage but it has also enhanced its standing in the world order. This is evident from the new confidence in the India story exuded by the expat Indians which she has observed. “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.
“What is notable in India’s presidency of the G20 is the way this diplomatic activity has been taken to the grassroots. There has been a first-of-its-kind campaign to encourage people’s participation…all the citizens are enthusiastic about events related to the G20,” she said.
She said there were many global issues that concern all humanity and were not limited by geographical boundaries. “I am confident that with India’s proven leadership in dealing with global issues, member-nations will be able to advance effective action on these fronts,” the President added.
Murmu also hailed the country’s resilience during turbulent times, and added that it has also served as a beacon of hope for others. The President, in her speech, spoke of the several ways the country has moved forward. She said India has converted challenges into opportunities and has recorded high GDP growth. She also spoke of advancements in the fields of education and science pointing to the National Education Policy 2020, and the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3.
“Let us all take a pledge to fulfil our constitutional fundamental duty and make continuous efforts to move towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activities so that our country may achieve new heights of diligence and achievements while progressing continuously,” she said.
(Manas Dasgupta)
