Addressing India’s Republican Day Celebrations Prime Minister Modi said “The mantra of unity is a pledge as well as India’s strength. This is the only way India will achieve grandeur,”
President Droupadi Murmu said the government "firmly" believed that lasting peace is possible only when the country is strong politically and strategically and that it is the reason why constant emphasis is being put on the modernisation of the country's military strength.
India held weeklong celebrations with pomp and pageantry to mark the 74th Republic Day, beginning on January 23 with India’s President Droupadi Murmu taking the lead.
The Indian President was joined by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi as the chief guest at the parade held at the Kartavya Path.
The week-long celebrations coincided with the birth anniversary of iconic freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose, now celebrated as Parakram Diwas.
The 74th Republican Day celebrations culminated with Martyrs' Day, which was observed on the 30th of January. The week-long celebrations included various activities such as parades, cultural events, and speeches to honour the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and to commemorate India's Republic Day. This was a way to recognize and celebrate the progress India has made in the years since that historic day.
With a truly unique display of India's military prowess and cultural diversity, the exhibits resembled the inimitable style of the land of contrast –India.. On the other hand, it was also a display of India’s fast-developing indigenous capabilities. The emergence of a revivified India associated with Nari Shakti (women’s power) depicted the vibrant cultural heritage and economic empowerment of women, who are at the forefront of India’s advent as a world power in the making.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 28, 2023, at one of the events, cautioned against attempts to sow differences and create divisions in the country but asserted that such efforts would not succeed.
Addressing a rally of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) at the Cariappa Ground in Delhi Cantonment, Mr Modi said the mantra of unity was the only way for India to achieve grandeur.
The Prime Minister said that the entire world was looking towards India because of the youth of the country.
"This is the time of new opportunities for the youth of India." "Everywhere, it is evident that India’s time has arrived," Modi said.
At the same time, the prime minister sounded out caution against attempts to divide the country.
Several pretexts are being raised to break up the country. "Several issues are being brought up to create divisions among the children of Mother India," the Prime Minister said.
"Despite such efforts, there will never be differences among the people of India," he said.
"For this, the mantra of unity is the ultimate antidote." India's strength lies in the mantra of unity. "This is the only way India will achieve grandeur," the Prime Minister said.
According to the Indian media, Modi’s remarks came against the backdrop of the raging controversy over a BBC documentary on the 2002 Gujarat riots. This documentary has been banned in India.
Prime Minister Modi lauded the NCC cadets who participated in the Republic Day celebrations. Despite difficulties, the NCC cadets showed their patriotism and commitment to their nation by taking part in the parade. He said the priority for the country would always be young people who are brimming with energy and enthusiasm.
He said youngsters had immense opportunities as his government was encouraging private participation in the space and defence sectors, where start-ups were making huge strides.
Mr Modi said his government had unleashed a digital revolution, a start-up revolution, and an innovation revolution.
He highlighted reforms in the defence sector, saying assault rifles that were imported earlier were now being manufactured within the country.
The Prime Minister said fast-paced border infrastructure work was taking place and it would open a brand-new world of opportunities and possibilities for the youth.
Mr Modi said it was also a time of heightened possibilities for the daughters of the country.
"Police and paramilitary forces have witnessed the number of women doubling in the last eight years. "The path has been paved for the deployment of women on the frontiers of all three armed forces," he said.
He said women have been recruited as sailors in the Navy and have also started entering combat roles in the armed forces.
"The first batch of women cadets has started training at the National Defense Academy in Pune, and 1500 girl students have been admitted to Sainik Schools, which were opened to female students for the first time," Mr Modi said.
The Prime Minister said the National Cadet Corps had seen a consistent rise in women's participation in the last decade.
President Droupadi Murmu said the government "firmly" believes that lasting peace is possible only when the country is strong politically and strategically, and that is the reason why constant emphasis is being put on the modernization of the country's military strength.
President Droupadi Murmu, addressing the Indian Parliament on the first day of the Budget Session, said the world at large is acknowledging New Delhi's "tough stand" on terrorism and described the current phase of India's global relations as the "most promising."
The president said the goodwill that India has generated has benefited it during the crises in Afghanistan and Ukraine, especially in the evacuation of Indian citizens from these countries.
"Today, the world is also acknowledging India's tough stand on terrorism." "Due to this, India's voice against terrorism is being heard seriously on every global platform," she said.
"In October last year, a special meeting of the UNSC Counter-Terrorism Committee was organized for the first time in India. "In this too, India made its position clear against terrorism," President Murmu added.
She said the government is also "sincerely" presenting its concerns relating to cyber security before the whole world.
The president also highlighted several challenges facing the world and how New Delhi is playing an influential role in connecting a "divided world."
"Today's world is witnessing many challenges. "The relevance and efficacy of international institutions created decades ago are also being questioned," she said.
"Under these circumstances, India has emerged as a country that is connecting today's divided world in some form or another."
India is one of the countries that is increasing trust in the global supply chain. "Therefore, today, the world is looking towards India with high hopes," she said.
In addition, she mentioned India's ongoing presidency of the global grouping G20, noting that the government does not want to confine its efforts to just one diplomatic programme.
With the mantra "One Earth, One Family, One Future," India is attempting to find collective solutions to the current global challenges in collaboration with the G20 member countries.
"My government does not want to limit it to just one diplomatic program." "Rather, it is an opportunity to showcase India's potential and culture through the efforts of the entire country," she said.
"Therefore, G20 meetings are being held in dozens of cities across the country throughout the year," she added.
The president said India has expanded its role, keeping its national interests paramount, and cited New Delhi's humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
"This is the most promising phase of India's global relations." We have strengthened our cooperation and friendship with various countries around the world.
"On the one hand, we are chairing the SCO this year, and on the other, as a member of the Quad, we are working for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," she said.
"We have expanded our role, keeping our national interests paramount." "Whether it was the earthquake in Afghanistan or the crisis in Sri Lanka, we were the first to provide humanitarian aid," President Murmu added.
