GST, Swachch Bharat finds mention in President's speech
August 14, 2017 19:29
President Ram Nath Kovind addresses the nation as part of a decades old tradition.
This is his first Independence Day address after he was sworn in last month.
Here are the highlights from his speech:
>> I congratulate the nation on the eve of Independence Day
>> It was the culmination of a dream for our country - a dream seen by our forefathers and freedom fighters. We were free to imagine and build our nation anew.
>> We are indebted to those who laid down there lives for our independence
>> Freedom fighters like Sardar Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, Birsa Munda and thousands of others gave their lives for us. We can never forget them
>> Gandhiji was not alone in this nationwide struggle for freedom and reform. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose exhorted our people, saying: "Give me blood and I will give you freedom". At his word, millions of Indians joined the freedom movement under his leadership and gave their all
>> The government has started Swachch Bharat campaign but it is the duty of each one of us to keep the nation clean
>> The government can make, implement and strengthen laws but it is everyone's duty to abide by them
>> It is our national pledge to achieve important goals to make a 'New India'
>> Glad that people of the country have accepted GST happily
>> There is no place for poverty in 'New India'
>> We should pay special attention to our divyang brothers and sisters
>> It is responsibility of each one of us to promote sense of pride in paying taxes