In I-Day eve address, he calls for partnership between citizens and government

President Ram Nath Kovind, in his first address to the nation on the eve of the 71st Independence Day, called for a partnership between citizens and the government to create a new India “that does not discriminate on gender or religious background.”

Spelling out his vision, President Kovind said when India completes 75 years of Independence by 2022, it should have a compassionate society.

“New India must include that integral humanist component that is in our DNA, and which has defined our country and our civilisation,” he said.

Inclusive development

The President said the goal of creating a new India can be achieved only when disadvantaged sections like the Scheduled Castes and Tribes, Other Backward Classes are part of the national development process.

President Kovind said senior citizens, the differently-abled, the poor and underprivileged should always be part of a compassionate “society’s thought and not an after thought”.

The President recalled the contribution made by the freedom fighters including Jawahar Lal Nehru and urged citizens to draw inspiration from them and invoke the same spirit for the task of nation building.

“The stress on the moral basis of policy and action, belief in unity and discipline, faith in a synthesis of heritage and science, and promotion of the rule of law and of education — all of it was located in a partnership between citizen and government,” said the President.

Praise for programmes

Praising initiatives like the Swach Bharat Mission, demonetisation, introduction of the Goods and Services Tax, President Kovind pointed out that the success of many of the flagship programmes depend on the citizen’s participation.

“The government is promoting the idea of Beti Bachao–Beti Padhao — but it is for each of us to ensure that our daughters are not discriminated against and get the best education. The government can frame laws and strengthen law enforcement – but it is for each of us to be a law-abiding citizen. And to build a law-abiding society,” he said.

Calling demonetization as a boost towards creating an honest society, the President praised citizens for their support.

“Your immense patience and understanding in the days following demonetisation — and your whole-hearted support in the battle against corruption and black money— reflected a responsible and enlightened society,” Mr. Kovind said.

Asserting that India occupies an admirable place on the global stage, President Kovind said, “the country is seen as a responsible global citizen, a growing economy, and a solution provider to various international challenges — such as climate change, disasters, conflicts, humanitarian crises, radicalism and terrorism.”

Urging citizens to display an ‘extra degree of selflessness” like soldiers, farmers or people who handle natural disasters, President Kovind said every citizen should help, at least, one underprivileged child to acquire education as “equipping the future generation is the single most critical factor in national building.”