India getting ready to make century its own: President Kovind in his farewell message to nation

‘Whenever I was in doubt, I turned to Gandhiji’s advice of recalling the face of the poorest man and asking myself if the step I am about to take will be of any use to him’

President Ram Nath Kovind. — @rashtrapatibhvn/Twitter

PTI

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 24

Outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday said he was confident that the country is getting equipped to make the 21st century the century of India.

In his last speech before demitting office at the end of term, he referred to the National Education Policy and the renewed focus on healthcare which along with economic reforms will let citizens find the best course for their lives.

At the same time, he drew on Bhimrao Ambedkar’s concluding remarks in the Constituent Assembly before the Constitution was adopted to sound a note of caution about the kind of democracy which the nation should pursue. India must not be content with mere political democracy as it cannot without social democracy.

Describing social democracy as a way of life which recognises the trinity of liberty, equality and fraternity as the principles of life, Kovind said neither should be treated as a separate item. “To divorce one from the other is to defeat the very purpose of democracy. The trinity of ideals must not be mistaken for abstractions. They are real; they can be realised,” he observed.

The President also invoked Mahatma Gandhi and urged everyone to contemplate his life and teachings for a few minutes every day.

Turning wistful, Kovind felt that a young boy like him, who lived in a mud house, became President of India testified the strength of India’s democracy that it creates pathways for everyone. “If that Ram Nath Kovind from village Paraunkh is addressing you today, it is solely thanks to the inherent power of our vibrant democratic institutions,” he said.

The connection with roots is the essence of India, he said while asking the younger generation to stay connected with their village or town, schools and teachers.

Kovind also pointed out that the climate crisis can endanger the very future of this planet. “In our daily lives and routine choices, we must be more careful to protect our trees, rivers, seas and mountains as well as all other living beings,” he advised in his farewell address.