India’s president celebrates diversity for 75th Republic Day
IN HER address to the nation on the eve of India’s 75th Republic Day, which is observed each year on January 25, President Droupadi Murmu urged the nation to recall its foundational values and principles, pointing out that democracy implies diversity of culture, beliefs and practices.
“Celebrating diversity implies equality, which is upheld by justice. Freedom is what makes it all possible. The totality of these values and principles is what makes us Indian. The spirit of the constitution, imbued with these foundation values and principles, has led us invariably on the path of social justice to put an end to all kinds of discrimination,” she declared in Delhi, India’s capital city, on Thursday.
The speech was read in its entirety by High Commissioner of India to Jamaica Masakui Rungsung and circulated at Friday’s Republic Day observations at India House, 2 East Kings House Rd, Kingston 6, where a cultural programme included the unfurling of the Indian flag, as well as the release of 75 balloons in the colours of Indian saffron, white and Indian green.
Following a song by the Indian Cultural Society in Jamaica, a group of children from the Online Dance Zoomers put on an exciting dance performance. Cash presentations were made to participants in the World Hindi Day speech, song and poetry competitions.
World Hindi Day was celebrated on January 10.
Participants in an online painting contest were also recognised.
The Indian president reminded her country of the progress being made in gender equality with the passage of the historic Women’s Reservation Bill which she insisted would prove to be a revolutionary tool of women’s empowerment.
“It will go a long way in improving the processes of our governance. When more women will be involved in the matters of collective importance, our administrative priorities will be more in tune with the needs of the masses,” Murmu pointed out, adding that India’s ancient wisdom can also help the world find a way out of the global environmental crisis.
“The global community has appreciated our country’s emphasis on individual behaviour change. People everywhere can and must contribute by bringing their lifestyle in tune with Mother Nature. That will not only help save the planet for the generations to come but will also enhance the quality of life,” she stressed.
Declaring that there are numerous areas of concern in the foreseeable future, as well as exciting opportunities, especially for the youth, Murmu called for a removal of the hurdles to allow them to unleash their full potential.
“What they want is equality of opportunity. What they want is not the same old rhetoric of equality but the realisation of our cherished ideal of equality. It is, after all, their confidence that is building the India of tomorrow. Moreover, the mind of the youth is shaped by teachers who are the architects of the nation’s future. I would also like to make mention of our farmers and labourers who toil silently and make a mighty contribution to creating a better future for the nation.