August 15, 2020: Noting that the central government anticipated the tremendous challenge posed by COVID-19, President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that it "responded effectively and well in time" and the country has succeeded in containing the magnitude of pandemic and saving a large number of lives due to committed efforts of people. In his address to the nation on the eve of 74th Independence Day, the President said that for a country so vast and diverse with high population density, meeting the challenge posed by COVID-19 requires "super-human efforts". He also lauded the role of state governments in taking measures in accordance with local circumstances.
"It is very reassuring to note that, the central government, while anticipating the tremendous challenge, responded effectively and well in time. For a country so vast and diverse with high population density, meeting this challenge requires super-human efforts. All state governments took measures in accordance with local circumstances. People also supported whole-heartedly. With our committed efforts, we have succeeded in containing the magnitude of the pandemic and saving a large number of lives," the President said.
In a veiled dig at China, President Kovind said that "some in our neighbourhood tried to carry out their misadventure of expansion" even as the world is fighting COVID-19 and asserted that bravery of Indian soldiers in combat during the clash in Eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley in June demonstrated that while India believes in peace, it is also capable of giving a befitting response to any attempt of aggression. The President said that the entire nation "salutes the martyrs of Galwan Valley and every Indian feels grateful to their family members".
President Kovind expressed confidence that the implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 will transform the future challenges into opportunities, and pave the way for a new India. The President said, “I am confident that with the implementation of this policy, a new quality education system will be developed and this will transform the future challenges into opportunities, paving the way for a New India. Our youth will be able to freely choose their subjects according to their interests and talents. They would have an opportunity to realise their potential. Our future generations will not only be able to get employment on the strength of such abilities but will also create employment opportunities for others," he said.
The President said that ethos of freedom struggle forms the foundation of modern India and visionary leaders of the country brought together a diversity of world views to forge a common national spirit. The President said that Mahatma Gandhi's quest for equality and justice is the mantra for the Republic. Gandhi, he said, was as much a saint as a political leader and he was a phenomenon that could have happened only in India. The President said the country gratefully remembers freedom fighters and martyrs whose sacrifices have enabled us to live in an independent nation.
The Ram Temple also got mention in his speech. “The beginning of construction of temple at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya is a moment of pride for all”, said the President President said the issue of Ram Janmabhoomi was resolved through judicial process. "Only ten days ago, construction of the temple at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi began, in Ayodhya. It was indeed a moment of pride for all. People of the country maintained restraint and patience for a long time and reposed unflinching trust in the judicial system. The issue of Ram Janmabhoomi was resolved through the judicial process," he said.
