New Delhi, Aug 14 (IANS) President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday issued a veiled warning to China on the eve of India’s 74th Independence Day, while paying rich tributes to the Indian bravehearts who laid down their lives in the violent faceoff between the forces of the two countries in Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh.
“Their bravery has shown that if anyone tries to create disturbance, an appropriate answer will be given,” asserted President Kovind.
He added, “The entire nation pays tribute to the martyrs of Galwan Valley. Every Indian has a feeling of gratitude towards each of their family members.”
There were 20 Indian casualties and an unknown number of Chinese troops were also killed in the violent clash.
Of the various issues President Ram Nath Kovind touched upon on the eve of India’s 74th Independence Day, two were of special significance — The Galwan face off and Ram Mandir — two events that dominated headlines, recently.
Referring to the recent ‘Bhumi Pujan’ of the Ram Temple that took place in Ayodhya on August 5, the President expressed satisfaction that the decades-long dispute was resolved amicably through judicial process.
He said, “The issue of Ram Janmabhoomi was resolved through judicial process. All concerned parties and the people respectfully accepted the verdict of the Supreme Court and displayed before the world, Indian ethos of peace, non-violence, love and harmony.”
The President praised the role of the Corona warriors while saying that an “invisible virus has changed our lives”.
“The nation is indebted to the doctors, nurses and other health workers who have been continuously on the forefront of our fight against Covid-19. Unfortunately, many of them have lost their lives battling the pandemic. They are our national heroes,” said President Kovind.
He also praised the government’s role in providing free ration to crores of people during the pandemic, besides lauding the initiative to bring back scores of Indians stuck on foreign shores owing to the Covid-induced lockdown. He also praised the government’s role in helping thousands of migrants reach their respective hometowns.
“By introducing the ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana’, the government has enabled crores of people to earn their livelihood, and mitigate the impact of job-loss, dislocation and disruption caused by the pandemic,” said the President.
The President began his speech by remembering Mahatma Gandhi. “We are fortunate that Mahatma Gandhi became the guiding light of our freedom movement. His quest for equality and justice is the mantra for our Republic. I am glad to see the younger generations re-discover Gandhiji,” he said.
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