My dear fellow citizens,
On this momentous occasion of the 78th Independence Day, I extend my warmest greetings to all of you. As we celebrate today, let us remember the immense sacrifices made by our freedom fighters who endured great struggles for our liberty. Great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, whose non-violent resistance inspired millions, Subhas Chandra Bose, who ignited the flame of freedom through his leadership of the Azad Hind Fauj, Sarojini Naidu, the Nightingale of India who championed civil rights and Bhagat Singh, whose undying spirit of rebellion still moves us and tribal leaders like Rani Gaidinliu and Birsa Munda played pivotal roles in galvanizing indigenous communities to participate in the freedom struggle. All of them contributed immensely to our journey towards freedom.
Today is not just a day of celebration but also a solemn occasion to remember the founding fathers of our great nation. These brave souls toiled with sweat and blood and even gave their lives so that we could breathe freely in a sovereign nation. We must honor their legacy and remember their contributions always, as their sacrifices have paved the way for a brighter future for all of us. On this solemn occasion, let us also pay homage and respect to the countless hardworking and great personalities from all walks of life and professions who have zealously worked to make our country great.
My dear sisters and brothers of Nagaland, Nagaland also significantly contributed towards the freedom struggle of our country. The Battle of Khonoma stands as a testament to our ancestors’ valiant efforts against foreign oppression. Nagaland played a remarkable role in the Azad Hind Fauj, with a portion of our land becoming the first base of the Azad Hind Fauj on Indian soil. Many Naga villages also bravely revolted against British rule, marking our indomitable spirit and unwavering quest for freedom. I urge all of you to draw inspiration from the fierce resistance against foreign oppression demonstrated by our freedom fighters. Let us inculcate their spirit of boldness and patriotism, as without love for our country and our land, we cannot achieve our goal of a just society and a developed nation. It is this patriotic fervor that must drive us towards a common vision for a brighter future.
India has made remarkable progress over the years, shining on the global stage with achievements across various fields. As we march towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, let us place our motherland before self. With boldness, selflessness, and unyielding dedication, we can collectively contribute to and achieve our dream of a developed nation.
My dear sisters and brothers, on this special occasion of our Independence Day, I once again share my joy with all of you and also convey my Independence Day greetings to all my brothers and sisters of Nagaland and beyond. May we remain steadfast in our vision to make India a strong, prosperous, peaceful, secular and democratic country.
Thankyou, Jai Hind!