Sansad TV Perspective: President's Address to the Nation

Participants: 

1. Mr. Mukesh Kaushik, Sr Journalist
2. Mr. Prakash Jawedakar, MP
3. Mr. Amar Patnaik, MP
4. H Masudi, MP

Context: The President’s address to the nation on the 74th Republic Day Republic day. 

Detail:

Republic day:

• Republic Day marks the day on which the Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950. 
• Another reason for choosing January 26 as the Republic day, because in 1929  the Indian National Congress issued the Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj), opposing the British Regime’s Dominion status.
• This was the 74th edition of the Republic day. 
• Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi,has been invited as the chief guest for Republic Day. 

Details of the president speech:

• The President emphasized the issue of women empowerment. SDG 5 which is to be achieved by the year 2030 lays much stress upon the idea of gender equality. The president appealed to the whole nation to make an effort in this direction. She advocated that India won’t be able to reach the position where it aspires for unless half of our population is empowered and educated. 
• President speech also made a mention of India’s presidency of the G-20 summit. She advocated that India’s presidency is a matter of great privilege for the whole nation and for the entire democracy across the world. The G20 presidency is an opportunity to promote democracy and multilateralism & the right forum for shaping a better world & a better future. Under India’s leadership, G20 will be able to further enhance its efforts to build a more equitable and sustainable world order. 
• She also reflected upon India’s space programme and space ambition. She reiterated that Gaganyaan will be India’s maiden human space flight. 
  • The Gaganyaan mission is expected to take place in 2024. Once completed it will place India at par with many of the advanced nations in the world. 
  • Gaganyaan project envisages demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching crew of 3 members to an orbit of 400 km for a 3 days mission and bringing them back safely to earth, by landing in Indian sea waters.
• The President also emphasized upon the idea of ‘Swadeshi’ and Atmanirbharta (Self reliance). The President said that India has been among the fastest-growing major economies. This has been made possible by timely and proactive interventions from the Government. ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative has evoked great response among people and it is capable of projecting India as a manufacturing destination. 
• This year’s Republic day celebrations are themed around ‘Jan-Bhagidari’. to showcase heritage, tradition of India. This year’s celebrations include the traditional march past at Kartavya Path, comprising a grand parade by the contingents of the Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces, tableaux display by the states and Central ministries and departments, cultural performances by children, acrobatic motorcycle rides and a fly-past. 
  • The event saw performances from Vande Bharatam group of dancers from across India, recital of bravery tales by Veer Gatha 2.0 participants, music performances by School Bands at the National War Memorial, a drone show and 3D anamorphic projection, among other things.
• She also emphasized upon the success of India’s democracy. In her speech she paid her gratitude to Dr. Ambedkar, for giving us this robust constitution. She said that the Founders of the Constitution gave us a map and moral framework, the task of “walking that path remains our responsibility”.
• The President also applauded the role of the scientists and the farmers in making our country self reliant and independent. 
  • She reiterated on the idea of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan’  
• Additionally, she advocated that linguistic diversity is not a matter of division but reinforces the concept of unity in diversity. 
• The year 2023 is celebrated as ‘the international year of millets’ . She appealed to the people to adopt millets in their folding habit. Adoption of millets would help in improving the health condition of the people and enable us to fight against climate change , which is the biggest challenge humanity faces under the current scenario. 
• She drew the attention towards India’s green energy ambition and thereby fighting against the menace for climate change. India is encouraging solar energy and electric vehicles. She advocated that developed nations need to help developing nations obtain technology to create a balance between development and environment.

India is a land of multiple opportunities and capable of providing leadership roles in the current time when the whole world is passing through challenging times.