Friends, an individual or a nation turning 75 invites anxiety. What next? That’s the query which often acquires the shape of a puzzle. But, for us, India turning 75 is a moment for joy and celebration, and indicates a fresh resolve towards nation building.
A New India — as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for in his address to the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort on August 15, 2017– should emerge on 75th anniversary of Independence in 2022 from the joint strength of all.
Next 75 weeks will lay a spread to celebrate “Azaadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav” to mark 75 years of independence.
The impressions of resistance against Britishers are still young and failed to age in our nation’s memory. March 12 is a major milestone in India’s freedom struggle against the British imperialism. The day captures Mahatma Gandhi’s another non-violent feat to achieve freedom through Dandi March from Sabarmati Ashram in 1930.
The country’s destiny is on the cusp of a change. The emerging New India is eager to come out of shackles of impediments that have held the nation hostage from realization of human potential and development which stalwarts like Gandhi had dreamt off.
The celebrations should hold the spirit of freedom movement, express gratitude to the martyrs, and reflect glory of Sanatan Bharat and Modern India which glows under the twin light of spirituality of mystics and contribution of our scientists; Prime Minister Modi had outlined his views on the 75-week long events.
Friends, now is the time for each one us to take a pledge again on our duties towards the nation – that’s what Gandhi and constitution-maker BR Ambedkar had told men and women to vow for post Independence. We all have the rights to life and I’m sure there is scope for more.
But, ponder over what Gandhi told us then which is so relevant even now. “The true source of rights is duty. If we all discharge our duties, right will not be far to seek. If leaving duties unperformed we run after rights, they will escape us like a will-o’-the-wisp. The more we pursue them, the farther they fly”.