Happy 69th Independence Day 2015

Gagan · Post by **Gagan** » 15 Aug 2015 01:22

Wishing everyone a very Happy Independence Day 2015 !!!

Jai Hind !!!

Gagan · Post by **Gagan** » 15 Aug 2015 01:24

Text of President Pranab Mukherjee's Independence eve speech:

New Delhi: Fellow citizens:

On the eve of 68th anniversary of our Independence I extend warm greetings to you and to all Indians around the world. I convey my special greetings to members of our armed forces, paramilitary forces and internal security forces. I also congratulate all our sportspersons who have participated and won laurels in various tournaments in India and abroad. My congratulations to Shri Kailash Satyarthi, Nobel Peace Prize winner for 2014, who has done the country proud.

On 15th August 1947, we won political freedom. The birth of modern India was a moment of historic exhilaration; but it was also tinged with the blood of unimaginable suffering along the length and breadth of our country. The ideals and convictions, that had held through the travails of an epic struggle against British rule, were under strain.

A great generation of supreme heroes faced this formidable challenge. The sagacity and maturity of that generation saved our ideals from deviation or degeneration under the pressure of emotion, including rage. India's pride, self-esteem and self-respect, born from a civilizational wisdom which inspired the renaissance that won us freedom, was distilled into the principles of our constitution by these extraordinary men and women. We have been blessed by a constitution that launched India's march towards greatness.

The most precious gift of this document was democracy, which reshaped our ancient values into a modern context and institutionalized multiple freedoms. It turned liberty into a living opportunity for the oppressed and impoverished, offered equality and positive discrimination to the many millions, who had suffered social injustice, and instituted a gender revolution that has made our country an example of progress. We abolished archaic customs and laws, and ensured change for women through education and jobs. Our institutions are the infrastructure of this idealism.

The finest inheritance needs constant care for preservation. Our institutions of democracy are under stress. The Parliament has been converted into an arena of combat rather than debate. It is time to recall what Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution, said while making his closing speech in the Constituent Assembly in November 1949 and I quote:

"The working of a constitution does not depend wholly upon the nature of the constitution. The constitution can provide only the organs of state, such as the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. The factors on which the working of those organs of the state depends are the people and the political parties they will set up as their instruments to carry out their wishes and their politics. Who can say how the people of India and their parties will behave?" (unquote)

If the institutions of democracy are under pressure, it is time for serious thinking by the people and their parties. The correctives must come from within.

Our country's rise will be measured by the strength of our values, but it will equally be determined by economic growth and equitable distribution of the nation's resources. Our economy promises much hope for the future. The new chapters of the 'India Story' are waiting to be written. 'Economic reforms' is a work-in-progress. Our performance over the last decade has been commendable; and it is most heartening that after a dip, we have recovered to 7.3% growth in 2014-15. But the benefits of growth must reach the poorest of the poor much before they land in the bank accounts of the richest of the rich. We are an inclusive democracy, and an inclusive economy; there is place for everyone in the hierarchy of wealth. But the first call goes to those who suffer on the brink of deprivation. Our policies must be geared to meet the 'Zero Hunger' challenge in a foreseeable future.

The symbiotic relationship between man and nature has to be preserved. A generous nature when violated can turn into a destructive force leading to calamities resulting in huge loss of life and property. Even as I speak, large parts of the nation are barely recovering from floods. We need immediate relief for the afflicted as well as long-term solutions for the management of both, water deficiency and excess.

A nation which forgets the idealism of its past loses something vital from its future. Our educational institutions multiply as the aspirations of generations continue to exceed supply. But what has happened to quality, from base to apex? We recall the guru-shishya parampara with legitimate pride; why then have we abandoned the care, devotion and commitment that is at the heart of this relationship? A guru much like the soft and skilful hands of a potter, moulds the destiny of shishya. The student with devotion and humility acknowledges the debt of the teacher. Society respects and recognizes the merit and scholarship of the teacher. Is that happening in our education system today? Students, teachers and authorities must pause and introspect.

Our democracy is creative because it is plural, but diversity must be nourished with tolerance and patience. Vested interests chip away at social harmony, in an attempt to erode many centuries of secularism. In an age of instant communication through ever-improving technology, we must remain vigilant to ensure that the devious designs of a few never overcome the essential oneness of our people. For both government and people the rule of law is sacrosanct, but society is also protected by something greater than law: humanity. Mahatma Gandhi said and I quote: "You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty" (unquote).

Friends:

Peace, friendship and cooperation bind nations and peoples together. Recognizing the shared destiny of the Indian sub-continent, we must strengthen connectivity, expand institutional capacity and enhance mutual trust to further regional cooperation. As we make progress in advancing our interests globally, India is also engaged in pro-actively promoting goodwill and prosperity in our immediate neighbourhood. It is heartening that the long pending land boundary issue with Bangladesh has been finally resolved.

While we offer our hand willingly in friendship, we cannot stay blind to deliberate acts of provocation and a deteriorating security environment. India is a target of vicious terrorist groups operating from across the borders. Except the language of violence and the cult of evil, these terrorists have no religion and adhere to no ideology. Our neighbours must ensure that their territory is not used by forces inimical to India. Our policy will remain one of zero tolerance for terrorism. We reject any attempt to use terrorism as an instrument of state policy. Infiltration into our territory and attempts to create mayhem will be dealt with a strong hand.

I pay homage to the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice of their lives defending India. I salute the courage and heroism of our security forces who are maintaining an eternal vigil to safeguard the territorial integrity of our country and the safety of our people. I also specially commend the brave civilians who boldly detained a hardened terrorist ignoring the risk to their own lives.

India is a complex country of 1.3 billion people, 122 languages, 1600 dialects and 7 religions. Its strength lies in its unique capacity to blend apparent contradictions into positive affirmations. In the words of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, it is a country held together and I quote: "by strong but invisible threads..... About her there is the elusive quality of a legend of long ago; some enchantment seems to have held her mind. She is a myth and an idea, a dream and a vision, and yet very real and present and pervasive" (unquote).

On the fertile ground laid by our Constitution, India has blossomed into a vibrant democracy. The roots are deep but the leaves are beginning to wilt. It is time for renewal.

If we do not act now, will our successors seven decades hence remember us with the respect and admiration we have for those who shaped the Indian dream in 1947? The answer may not be comfortable, but the question has to be asked.

Thank you.
Jai Hind!

Gagan · Post by **Gagan** » 15 Aug 2015 01:27

John Kerry saab wishing India thus:
India has stood as beacon for the world: Kerry

Commemorating the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ahead of India’s 69th Independence Day, US Secretary of State John Kerry has said India has stood as a beacon for the world.

“Since 1947, India has stood as a beacon for the world, as an economic power that prides innovation, as a resilient democracy in the face of terror and as a strategic power that upholds international norms,”

“As the world’s largest democracies, the US and India stand side by side in defending and promoting the freedoms and values we hold,” “Today we commemorate the legacy of India’s freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel, whose message of nonviolence established a united, inclusive republic and served to inspire leaders from around the globe.”

Muppalla · Post by **Muppalla** » 15 Aug 2015 01:32

Many happy returns of the day.

krisna · Post by **krisna** » 15 Aug 2015 02:10

Happy Independence day.
Day when we kicked the white masters.
Only nation which is home to over 5000 year old continously living civilisation
Kudos.

Mort Walker · Post by **Mort Walker** » 15 Aug 2015 02:12

Happy Independence Day!!!

Mukesh.Kumar · Post by **Mukesh.Kumar** » 15 Aug 2015 02:50

Happy Independence Day. Jai Hind!

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 15 Aug 2015 03:25

Happy Independence Day.

I was saying 68th to everyone.

RamaY · Post by **RamaY** » 15 Aug 2015 03:40

Happy Independence Day to all Bharatiyas!

VandeMataram!

harishkri · Post by **harishkri** » 15 Aug 2015 03:42

Long time lurker...this also happens to be my very first post here.... Happy Independence Day to everyone...

disha · Post by **disha** » 15 Aug 2015 03:52

We came a long way., still long ways to go - lot of things to be done and so little time.

Happy Independence day.

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 15 Aug 2015 04:08

Happy independence day. Am going to red fort with family. For the PM speach.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 15 Aug 2015 04:09

Happy Independence Day.

Moving out of GDF

KLNMurthy · Post by **KLNMurthy** » 15 Aug 2015 05:20

Happy Independence Day, swatantra dinotsava subhaakaamkshalu.

Jai Hind.

KLNMurthy · Post by **KLNMurthy** » 15 Aug 2015 05:21

Pratyush wrote:Happy independence day. Am going to red fort with family. For the PM speach.

Looking forward to your report.

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 15 Aug 2015 05:22

Happy 69th Independence Day.
Jai Hind.

Satya_anveshi · Post by **Satya_anveshi** » 15 Aug 2015 05:35

Happy Independence Day to all Indians and to all freedom loving people of the planet.

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 15 Aug 2015 06:43

now
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hQLb8VVFbg

krisna · Post by **krisna** » 15 Aug 2015 06:53

Please post excerpts from PM speech for those with weak Hindi language skills.

Gagan · Post by **Gagan** » 15 Aug 2015 07:10

live youtube feed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hQLb8VVFbg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guCAbV4sgl8

RoyG · Post by **RoyG** » 15 Aug 2015 07:15

Haha, Gadkari doesn't give a flying f*ck about that dingbat queen he is sitting next to.

Happy Independence Day!

Ramesh · Post by **Ramesh** » 15 Aug 2015 07:23

Happy Independence Day 2015

SwamyG · Post by **SwamyG** » 15 Aug 2015 07:24

Remembering the countless nameless sacrificing their lives and family for the sake of us. No happiness, just sad and mad at what the British did to us.

Dharmo rakshati rakshitah.

Rupesh · Post by **Rupesh** » 15 Aug 2015 07:51

Happy Independence Day. Jai Hind!!!

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 15 Aug 2015 07:51

krisna wrote:Please post excerpts from PM speech for those with weak Hindi language skills.

hit @PMOIndia on twitter.

Surya · Post by **Surya** » 15 Aug 2015 07:58

touching video fromt he aRmy

http://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/this-video- ... ry-1207397

Raja Bose · Post by **Raja Bose** » 15 Aug 2015 08:20

Manipuri Lt Col from 21 Para SF wins Kirti Chakra for leading Myanmar raid.

Sanju · Post by **Sanju** » 15 Aug 2015 08:21

Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind!

67 to get Gallantry medals

Commandant Chandra Shekhar Joshi, commander of Coast Guard ship Rajratan, was awarded the Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry).

Apart from Commandant Joshi, Commander Mohan Milind Mokashi, Commanding Officer, INS Sumitra, and Captain Rajesh Dhankhar, Commanding Officer, INS Mumbai, which spearheaded the rescue operation of stranded Indians in Yemen this year, would also get gallantry awards.

Besides two Kirti Chakras, there were 10 Shaurya Chakras, one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 49 Sena Medals (Gallantry), two Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and three Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).

Shaurya Chakra awardee Lt Col Nectar Sanjenbam of the 21 Parachute Regiment, which had also undertaken a daring operation along the Indo-Myanmar border following the Manipur ambush in June, got the Kirti Chakra along with Naib Subedhar Rajesh Kumar (posthumous), killed in an operation against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir in October last year.

10 soldiers, including Havildar Tanka Kumar Limbu of the 21 Para, got the Shaurya Chakra.

Other awardees include Col M N Rai, Havaldar Man Bahadur Chhetri, Head Constable of J and K police Mohammad Shafi Sheikh, constable Reyaz Ahmad Lone and CRPF Second-in-Command Hira Kumar (all posthumous).

Squadron Leader S Selvakumar, Flight Lieutenant Gandikota Jagan Mohan and Sergent Mukesh Kumar Tiwari got the Vayu Sena Medal for Gallantry.

The President has also awarded 20 Mention-in-Despatches to Army and Para Military personnel for their significant contributions in different military operations which include three for 'Operation Meghdoot', 12 for 'Operation Rakshak', one for 'Operation Orchid', one for 'Operation Hifazat' and three for 'Operation Rhino'.

Vikas · Post by **Vikas** » 15 Aug 2015 08:43

Jai Bharat !!

Manish_P · Post by **Manish_P** » 15 Aug 2015 09:11

Wish all here a Happy and Proud Independence Day. Jai Hind!

prashanth · Post by **prashanth** » 15 Aug 2015 09:18

Happy Independence day. Jai Hind!

hanumadu · Post by **hanumadu** » 15 Aug 2015 09:31

Happy Independence Day India!!

member_29089 · Post by **member_29089** » 15 Aug 2015 09:36

Happy Independence Day to BRFites!

Wish for my first post:
"May in your life-time you also celebrate the Independence of Balochistan, Sindhustan, & Pashtunistan"

vineetmehta · Post by **vineetmehta** » 15 Aug 2015 09:48

Sawtantrata Diwas ki Shubh Kamnaye sabhi Desh wasio ko.

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 15 Aug 2015 09:52

Here comes the report.

The day started at 5 am for the whole family. We got ready, and drove to the parking lot at red fort. The security was visible but not stifling. We were seated by 6.30 in our enclosure. Assembled school kids were performing group songs. At about 6.50 am the presenter started the program. With a discription of the program. The atmosphere was quite relaxed. At 7 am the tri service men took position at the top of the red fort and played the bugles signaling time.

The PM arrived at approx 7.20 am after playing respects to MG. Was received by the DM and the was then handed over to the GOC, delhi area. After inspecting the guard of honour he climbed to the stage. Dad was with me and he had duty in that area in the past. A coding to him, a fit man would get tired climbing at Modi's pace. But the PM ran up the stairs, the energy was visible. Every one greeted him. But the MQ showed just how graceless, she truly is. By remaining seated. Was in turn ignored by the PM. I could see this as was 100 meters from where I was seated.

The speach began in earnest. The man is a tiger, the way he speaks.

The speach was from the heart. The prestitutes can tell you all about it with spin that they must put on.

After nearly 1 hrs and 45 minutes. He stopped speaking and the walked towards the kids, was received as a only he could be received. The same with people and then drove away.

member_29151 · Post by **member_29151** » 15 Aug 2015 09:57

sabko azadi mubarak

JTull · Post by **JTull** » 15 Aug 2015 10:02

Sabko, Aazadi ki shubkamanayen!

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 15 Aug 2015 10:16

FB:

General V.K. Singh added 3 new photos.
2 hrs ·

India is the most conspicuous example of the ruinous effect of colonial rule. The British drained the famous wealth of India and plunged it into the depths of misery and poverty. The economic, cultural and academic wealth of a great nation was systematically destroyed over centuries.
Imagine the life of an ordinary Indian under the British rule. Being ruled by a handful of aliens whose sole purpose was to exploit the people who they considered to be inferior by race.
Stripped of rights, unsure of tomorrow, looked down upon. In your own country.
The thought is surely upsetting. Now imagine raising your voice against this draconian rule with little hope that you will live to see a free India. This is what the freedom fighters of our country did. They fought for the country that India was before the looting. They fought for a tomorrow, they didn't expect to see. They fought for us when we were not there.
On this Independence Day, let us not forget our freedom fighters. And keep the flame alive which drove them. Let us keep fighting for the India which is worthy of the pride, respect and love of the whole world.
Happy Independence Day.

svenkat · Post by **svenkat** » 15 Aug 2015 10:22

Happy Independence Day to all BRFites!!!

Vayutuvan · Post by **Vayutuvan** » 15 Aug 2015 11:11

andariki swatantra dina shubhAkAnkshalu