President lauds India’s will to fight corruption

In his first address to the Nation on the eve of 71st Independence Day, President Ram Nath Kovind hailed the spirit of citizenship and collective will, especially underlining the popular response to the “fight against corruption” through demonetisation, and described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s New India vision as a national project that includes every Indian.

The President specifically cited people’s response not just to the Prime Minister’s demonetisation initiative but also the call for giving up LPG subsidy which he said was reflective of a collective will to “make India great again”.

The President also mentioned a “widespread acceptance of GST” as not just a tax reform but a step towards putting taxes more effectively towards nation-building.

“I am happy that the transition to the GST system has been smooth. It should be a matter of pride for all of us that the taxes we pay are used for nation building – to help the poor and the marginalised, to build rural and urban infrastructure and to strengthen our border defences.

He said demonetisation was a clear instance of India’s will to fight corruption.

“At the time of demonetisation, Indians showed immense patience and supported fight against black money. Your wholehearted support in battle against corruption and black money reflected a responsible and enlightened society. Demonetisation has boosted our efforts to build an honest society,” said the President.

He also hailed those who gave up LPG subsidy as a clear indicator of the citizens’ willingness to partner in the Prime Minister’s New India project.

“One crore people gave up their LPG subsidy on just one appeal of the PM. I salute those who gave up the subsidy. What their action reflects is a selfless concern for those who are inhaling poisonous fumes, who are not privileged. It was an unselfish act. If every citizen displays one such act, India will achieve the greatness it is meant to,” said the President.

Kovind was typically understated and non-controversial, and included all titans of the freedom struggle in his speech– from Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel and Subhash Chandra Bose to India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru who, he said, made a seamless connect of civilisational and cultural assets with technology and modernity.

Interestingly, the President stressed on India making a greater impression on the world stage in the field of sport, especially talking about the next Olympics in Tokyo and emphasising the need for international standards in training and facilities for athletes.

The Tokyo Olympics of 2020 offer another opportunity for us to raise our standing in the world’s eyes. Over the coming three years, we should absorb ourselves in this national mission.

Government agencies, sports bodies and business enterprises need to join hands to identify and support our talented sportspersons and provide them world-class training facilities – so that they can be even more successful in Tokyo, he said.

The bedrock of the President’s speech was the invocation of India’s collective spirit as displayed during the freedom struggle towards New India which he described as a vision not just for aspiring for basics – housing, healthcare and education – but a compassionate and enlightened society.

He said India is at the “cusp of greatness”, taking lead in climate change, fighting terrorism and ensuring a more egalitarian world order.

But, he said, to enhance India’s dignity and respect before the world, the spirit that was displayed immediately after demonetisation needs to grow further.