MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA
Today, on the birth
anniversary of Mahatma Gandhiji, the father of our nation, we
should rededicate ourselves to foster unity of minds in our motherland
and to spread messages of peace, tolerance, communal harmony and
the national development. Bapuji was the greatest and the noblest
soul, the world had seen in the last millennium. He was a Messiah
not only for this nation but also for the whole world. History
has shown that many countries drew inspirations from his life
and teachings in their own freedom movements.
I have no doubt that
as years roll by and as our country progresses towards higher
levels of development, the teachings of Mahatma would continue
to guide all of us. In a strife-torn world, where self-aggrandisement
and unbridled avarice subjugate every other emotion, the life
of Bapuji would stand as a solitary beacon of hope.
As it comes to my
mind again and again , I vividly remember even today, the picture
of Mahatma trundling barefoot in Bengal trying to ensure communal
harmony and spreading the message of peace and non-violence, when
the whole nation was rejoicing and celebrating the birth of Independent
India. That was Gandhiji, the Mahatma, the true selfless soul,
the ultimate symbol of humility, who found us freedom treading
with single minded devotion the path of truth, peace, love and
non-violence.
Like the first vision
of the nation to attain freedom generated unity of thoughts and
actions with a singular aim, we recognise our nation has to have
the second vision to transform India into a developed nation..
This needs focussed mission projects and actions from everyone
of us with unified thinking that the Nation is bigger than the
Individual. This vision armed with economic strength will eliminate
all small thoughts and actions and the evil designs of divisive
forces that challenge the peace and prosperity of the nation and
its security.
I recall Mahatma
Gandhiji wiriting in his autobiography quoting his mother’s advice,
"Son, in your entire lifetime if you can save or better someone’s
life – your birth as a human being and your life is a success.
You have in you, the Almighty God."
Oh Almighty, let
the unity of minds blossom and the second vision be born out of
sweat and sweat of my people, and bless our youth to live in a
developed India.
