In I-Day speech, Prez pays tribute to Galwan heroes, sends stern message to ‘neighbour’

President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday (August 15) lauded the bravery of the soldiers who were martyred at Galwan Valley, while giving a veiled yet stern warning to China about India’s capability to give a fitting response to its “misadventures”, as he addressed the public on the eve of the 74th Independence Day.

Without naming China, Kovind, however, pointed to the neighbour’s “misadventure of expansion” at a time when the world is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The world now realises what our sages had said long ago: the global community is but one family; ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam’. However, even while the world community needs to fight together against the greatest challenge before humanity, some in our neighbourhood tried to carry out their misadventure of expansion,” he said.

Paying his tributes to the 20 Indian soldiers who died during a clash with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley on June 15, Kovind said, “Those worthy sons of ‘Bharat Mata’ lived and died for national pride. The entire nation salutes the martyrs of Galwan Valley. Every Indian feels grateful to their family members,” he said.

“Their bravery in combat has demonstrated that while we believe in peace, we are also capable of giving a befitting response to any attempt of aggression. We are proud of the members of our Armed Forces, paramilitary forces and police personnel who protect the borders, and ensure our internal security,” he added.

The president also conveyed his gratitude to frontline workers who are helping tackle the pandemic. Stating that the nation is indebted to all doctors, nurses and health workers who have been on the frontline of the war against COVID-19, Kovind said all these warriors have gone beyond their limits of duty and saved lives.

He also complimented the Modi government, noting it is very reassuring to note that the Centre 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.”

The president in his address also spoke about the ‘Aatmanirbhar’ initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and allayed fears of foreign investors saying India’s self-reliance means being self-sufficient without alienating or creating distance from the world, with which it would continue to engage.

He said the construction of the temple at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya “was indeed a moment of pride for all”. Prime Minister Modi performed the ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ for the Ram temple on August 5.

“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 judicial process,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)