INDIA - Prospects in Central Europe

INDIA - Prospects in Central Europe

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  • Michael Rajiv Shah
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    26.01.2009 REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATIONS
    The Constitution of India came into force, anD constitution declared itself as a "Republic" on January 26, 1950, a date thereafter celebrated annually as Republic Day in India. The Constitution had been drafted by the Constituent Assembly which was set up when India gained its independence from the British in 1947. This, in fact, was a deliberate act: the 26th of January was initially India's "Independence Day", one of Mahatma Gandhi's many symbolic acts during India's struggle for freedom against British colonial rule, and the adoption of the Constitution on this date was felt able to strengthen its initial meaning, one calling for Indians of all ages to declare their freedom from the British Raj. It is one of three national holidays in India, the other two being the nation's Independence Day on August 15 (since 1947) and the birthday of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on October 2. And so, after the disposal of the Empire of India, King George VI was the last and only "Emperor" of modern India.

    To mark this occasion, a grand parade is held in New Delhi, the Capital of India, beginning from Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace), along the Rajpath, past India Gate and on to the historic Red Fort in the old quarter of the city. Different infantry, cavalry and mechanized regiments of the Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force march in formation, decked in all their finery and official decorations. The President of India, who is also the Commander in Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute. The Chief Guest of the parade is a Head of State of another nation. The parade also includes many traditional dance troupes, to symbolize the cultural heritage of India. It traditionally ends with a colourful flypast by Air Force jets in a tiranga formation. Similar parades are held in the capitals of all the states of India, where the Governors of the respective states take the salute.

    SOURCE:
    Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_Day#January_26th_in_In...
    more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_Day_(India)

    ======================================================================================

    Der Tag der Republik (Republic Day) ist ein Nationalfeiertag in Indien am 26. Januar. Obwohl Indien bereits am 15. August 1947 unabhängig wurde, ist die Verfassung des Staates (Constitution of India) erst am 26. Januar 1950 inkraft getreten. Bis zu diesem Tag war der britische Monarch als Kaiser von Indien Staatsoberhaupt. Die in dieser Verfassung verankerte Staatsform Republik gab dem Feiertag seinen Namen.

    Um der Bedeutung dieses Tages gebührend Ausdruck zu verleihen, findet am diesem Tag jährlich eine Militärparade in der Hauptstadt Neu-Delhi statt. Sie führt von einem Hügel (Raisina Hill) in der Nähe des Präsidentenpalasts (Rashtrapati Bhavan) die breite Allee (Rajpath) entlang zum India Gate und von da aus zum Roten Fort nach Alt-Delhi. Die verschiedenen Regimenter der Land-, See- und Luftstreitkräfte marschieren in Paradeuniform, der indische Präsident, seines Amtes Oberbefehlshaber der Streitkräfte, empfängt den Salut. Die Parade umfasst auch eine Kampffahrzeugsschau, Schiffsparade und endet traditionell mit dem Vorbeiflug der Jets der indischen Luftstreitkräfte (Indian Air Force).

    Quelle: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tag_der_Republik_(Indien)

    =====================================================================================
    Xing.cerely yours
    Michael Rajiv Shah
    • 19 Jan 2009, 4:09 pm
  • Michael Rajiv Shah
    Michael Rajiv Shah    Premium Member   Group moderator
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    26.01.2009 REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATIONS ► Wien/Vienna
    Venue
    ======

    INDIA HOUSE
    Spitzergasse 2
    A-1180 Vienna

    PROGRAMME
    ============

    * 0945 hrs - Assembley at the Embassy Residence (India House)
    * 1000 hrs - Flag Hoisting by Ambassador Saurabh Kumar
    * Reading of President's Message by the Ambassdor
    * Refreshments

    All Indian nationals, persons of Indian origin and friends of India are welcome

    RESPONSE SHEET
    ==============

    by Post: Embassy of India (Culture and Information Section), Kärtnerring 2, A-1010 Vienna
    by Phone: 01-505 8666 33, 01-505 8666 34
    by Fax: 01-505 9219
    by E-Mail: information.eoivien (at) chello.at or interpreter.eoivien (at) chello.at

    Hope to see you
    Michael Rajiv Shah
    XING Ambassador for Gujarat
    • 19 Jan 2009, 4:18 pm
  • Michael Rajiv Shah
    Michael Rajiv Shah    Premium Member   Group moderator
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    26.01.2009 India Republic Day 2009 - हिन्दू जगॆगा विश्व जगॆगा ► YouTube
    India Republic Day 2009 - हिन्दू जगॆगा विश्व जगॆगा
    http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=nLOEruUaWls

    *** Song from GeetGanga.org ***
    हिन्दू जगॆगा विश्व जगॆगा Hindu jagega Vishwa Jagega...

    Lyrics
    ------
    हिन्दु जगे तो विश्व जगेगा मानव का विश्वास जगेगा
    भेद भावना तमस ह्टेगा समरसता अमर्त बरसेगा
    हिन्दु जगेगा विश्व जगेगा

    हिन्दु सदा से विश्व बन्धु है जड चेतन अपना माना है
    मानव पशु तरु गीरी सरीता में एक ब्रम्ह को पहचाना है
    जो चाहे जिस पथ से आये साधक केन्द्र बिंदु पहुचेगा ॥१॥

    इसी सत्य को विविध पक्ष से वेदों में हमने गाया था
    निकट बिठा कर इसी तत्व को उपनिषदो में समझाया था
    मन्दिर मथ गुरुद्वारे जाकर यही ज्ञान सत्संग मिलेगा ॥२॥

    हिन्दु धर्म वह सिंधु अटल है जिसमें सब धारा मिलती है
    धर्म अर्थ ओर काम मोक्ष की किरणे लहर लहर खिलती है
    इसी पुर्ण में पुर्ण जगत का जीवन मधु संपुर्ण फलेगा

    इस पावन हिन्दुत्व सुधा की रक्षा प्राणों से करनी है
    जग को आर्यशील की शिक्षा निज जीवन से सिखलानी है
    द्वेष त्वेष भय सभी हटाने पान्चजन्य फिर से गूंजेगा ॥३॥
    • 19 Jan 2009, 11:26 pm
  • Michael Rajiv Shah
    Michael Rajiv Shah    Premium Member   Group moderator
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    26.01.2009 India Republic Day 2009 ► Kuwait
    On the occasion of the Republic Day of India, the Flag Hoisting Ceremony will take place at the Embassy of India premises on Arabian Gulf Street on Monday, January 26, 2009 at 9 A.M.

    The flag hoisting will be followed by the reading of the message of Her Excellency the President of India by Charge d’Affaires of India followed by rendition of patriotic songs by Indian school children.
    There will be an Open House Reception after the Programme.

    All Indian nationals in Kuwait are cordially invited to attend the flag hoisting ceremony.

    Kuwait
    January 12, 2009

    Source: http://www.kuwaitsamachar.com/index.php?option=com_content&a...
    • 19 Jan 2009, 11:29 pm
  • Michael Rajiv Shah
    Michael Rajiv Shah    Premium Member   Group moderator
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    26.01.2009 India Republic Day 2009 ► INDIA
    Our Republic Day

    The 26th of January honours the anniversary of the formation of the Republic of India. It marks the adoption of the Constitution of India and the transition of India from a British Dominion to a separate State. It is a day of patriotic parades, nationalistic fervour and a reason to hoist the National Flag. The guest of the parade is the President of India and head of state of another nation.

    The establishment of the Republic in 1950 was the first step towards fulfilling the dreams of citizens. The Constitution laid the foundation of the structure of governance and pledged to secure justice, liberty, equality and dignity for everyone. Over the years, the country was inspired by the values of freedom, tolerance and plurality. The inherent strength of our citizens hailing from diverse language, religious and cultural backgrounds contributed immensely towards the growth of the nation. During these years, India has travelled far, overcoming various obstacles and hurdles to rejoice in moments of triumph and glory.

    A Celebration of Heroism

    On Republic Day, flag hoisting ceremonies and parades by armed forces and school children are held in different parts of the country. The grandest and most important of these parades is held at Rajpath in New Delhi, which showcases a multi-hued image of the country's rich cultural heritage and military prowess. This parade is presided over by the President of India. One of the main functions of the Republic Day Parade is to pay tribute to the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the country and to confer bravery awards on military persons, citizenry and children for showing courage in the face of adversity.

    The Prime Minister of India first lays a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate, in memory of all members of the armed forces who gave up their life for the country. After that there is the 21 gun salute, unfurling of the National Flag and singing of the National Anthem. Next, awards such as the Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra and Vir Chakra are presented to gallantry award winners.

    The parade begins with winners of gallantry awards saluting the President in open military jeeps. Next, comes a display of various tanks, missiles and other equipment added to the arsenal of the military. After this, is the march-past of different regiments of the armed forces, police, Home Guards and National Cadet Corps. The President of India, being the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute. This is followed by a vibrant parade comprising tableaux from different States and cultural dances by patriotic school children.

    Children who have won National Bravery Awards ride past the spectators on colourfully decorated elephants. These children are honoured and awarded by the Indian Council for Child Welfare for performing outstanding deeds of bravery and selfless sacrifice.

    The Republic Day Parade is concluded by dare devil motor cycle riding and a flypast by Indian Air Force fighter jets over Rajpath, as spectators look on with their hearts filled with pride.

    To view the live webcast of the 60th Republic Day Celebrations and the President's Address to the Nation, click here.

    We as Indians must once again take a pledge to re-dedicate ourselves to our beloved motherland.

    Let us also take an oath to make our country excel in every field from education to development, science and technology and wipe out all obstacles that forbid our nation's progress

    "Be the change you want to see in this world"
    - Mahatma Gandhi

    SOURCE: http://india.gov.in/spotlight/spotlight.php

    I love this sentence of Mahatma Gandhi
    We discussed it at one of our last roundtables in Vienna
    https://www.xing.com/app/forum?op=showarticles;id=7818958;ar...
    XING.cerely yours ... miSha - Michael Rajiv Shah ... official XING Trainer
    • 19 Jan 2009, 11:40 pm
  • Michael Rajiv Shah
    Michael Rajiv Shah    Premium Member   Group moderator
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    26.01.2009 Festakt zum Republic Day ► München
    Event: Republic Day mit General Konsul Mudgal

    Dr. Wolfgang Stein, München:
    „Meisterwerke indischer Kunst im Staatlichen
    Museum für Völkerkunde München“

    Der Vortrag wird die Sammler und ihre
    wichtigsten Objekte zeigen und damit
    das Museum für Völkerkunde München
    als ein international renomiertes Museum
    für Indische Kunst präsentieren.
    Das Staatliche Museum für Völkerkunde
    München besitzt eine umfangreiche Südasien-
    Sammlung, deren Anfänge bis in
    die Zeit König Ludwigs I. zurückreichen,
    der 1841 die Sammlung des französischen
    Weltreisenden Lamarepicquot ankaufte.
    Es folgte 1864 eine Sammlung indischer
    Kleinkunst der Oberin Xaveria Berger von
    den Englischen Fräulein in Nymphenburg,
    die sie 1857/58 in Indien zusammen getragen
    hatte. Um die Jahrhundertwende
    folgen Objekte aus bedeutenden Sammlungen
    wie Edgar Gutmann, M. Bing, Stella
    Kramrisch, A. K. Coomaraswamy und
    Lucian Scherman, der von seiner Sammelreise
    1910/11 bedeutende Objekte nach
    München brachte. 1969 erwarb der Freistaat
    Bayern zuerst die Sammlung des
    Staatsministers Otto Bezold, dann ab 1977
    in mehreren Tranchen die Sammlung von
    Robert Gedon.

    Quelle: http://www.indien-institut.de/pdf/Republic%20Day%20Einladung...
    • 19 Jan 2009, 11:45 pm
  • Michael Rajiv Shah
    Michael Rajiv Shah    Premium Member   Group moderator
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    27.01.2009 Indischer Abend im Völkerkundemuseum ► Wien
    Die Indische Botschaft Wien und die Österreichisch-Indische Gesellschaft präsentieren ein interkulturelles Programm anlässlich des 59. Republic Day of India. Die klassischen indischen Tanzstile Bharatanatyam und Odissi werden von Radha Anjali

    und der Natya Mandir Dance Company sowie von Vera-Viktoria Szirmay und Odissi Samskara dargeboten. Weiteres gibt es ein klassisches Klavierkonzert mit Marialena Fernandes.

    Zeit: Dienstag, 27. Jänner, 18.30 Uhr
    Veranstaltungsort: Marmorsaal, Museum für Völkerkunde
    Eintritt: frei

    Informationen: http://www.khm.at/de/museum-fuer-voelkerkunde
    • 19 Jan 2009, 11:51 pm
  • Michael Rajiv Shah
    Michael Rajiv Shah    Premium Member   Group moderator
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    26.01.2009 TAG DER REPUBLIK ► Berlin
    26. Januar 2009, 09:30 Uhr:

    Festveranstaltung:

    TAG DER REPUBLIK INDIEN

    Aus Anlass des 59. Jahrestages der Gründung der Republik Indien lädt die Indische Botschaft zu einem festlichen Programm mit Flaggenzeremonie, Musik, Tanz, Festreden und einem Empfang. Ab 11 Uhr wird der Film ‚A Wednesday’ gezeigt.

    Ort: Auditorium/Foyer, Indische Botschaft Berlin

    Tiergartenstr. 17, 10785 Berlin; Bus 200 Tiergartenstr., Eintritt frei. Info: 030-257954-03/-05

    26 January 2009, 09:30 hrs:

    Celebration:

    REPUBLIC Day OF INDIA

    On occasion of the 59th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of India, the Indian Embassy Berlin invites for a festive programme with flag hoisting ceremony, festive speeches, music, dance and a reception. At 11:00 hrs, movie ‚A Wednesday’ will be screened.

    Venue: Auditorium/Foyer, Embassy of India, Berlin

    Tiergartenstr. 17, 10785 Berlin; Bus 200 Tiergartenstr. Free admission. Info: 030-257954-03/-05
    This post was modified on 21 Jan 2009 at 09:42 am.
    • 21 Jan 2009, 09:40 am
  • Michael Rajiv Shah
    Michael Rajiv Shah    Premium Member   Group moderator
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    26.01.2009 60TH REPUBLIC DAY OF INDIA
    SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, TO THE NATION ON THE EVE OF 60TH REPUBLIC DAY OF INDIA

    Source: http://presidentofindia.nic.in/sp250109.html

    New Delhi, 25th January, 2009

    My Dear Fellow Citizens,

    Tomorrow, we will be celebrating our 60th Republic Day. I extend my good wishes to our citizens from all walks of life, living in the country and overseas. I convey my special greetings to the members of our Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces who guard our frontiers on land, sea and air. I also extend my greetings to the Central and State level police forces, including our internal security forces. Today is also an occasion to pay homage to those who laid down their lives for the safety and security of the nation. We owe a deep gratitude to them.

    For six decades we have been a democratic republic and have been guided by the principles of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. The 60th milestone is marked with the many successes that we have achieved in different fields, and a host of issues that need our attention. We can look at our achievements with justifiable pride and focus on our shortcomings with a spirit of resolve. It is the manner in which we address the challenges we face that will determine the destiny towards which our nation is steered.

    We have witnessed, in the last one year, major events in the financial and security scenario both at the global and the national level - terrorism and violence, natural disasters, volatility in oil and food prices, and a global economic slowdown. These tested the inherent structures and systems for dealing with emergent situations, throwing up challenges of addressing inadequacies and highlighting the need to reinforce monitoring and response mechanisms.

    In the terrorist attacks in our cities and in different States many innocent lives were lost. The concerted and well planned attacks in Mumbai stand out as an example of a ruthless operation undertaken to damage the confidence of India. The nation was outraged. However, contrary to what the terrorists had hoped, the event saw the emergence of a unified and strong voice from India. The elections that were held after the Mumbai attacks to the Legislative Assemblies of some of our States, including Jammu and Kashmir saw a large voter turnout, reaffirming the faith of the people of India in a democratic polity. Unity is our greatest strength. It is that unique amalgam which transforms the over one billion individuals of the country into an over one billion strong resolve of one nation. It is this unity which has seen us through difficult times and is what we must preserve as we seek to fulfill our national ambitions and goals.

    One of the priority tasks faced by us is to secure the nation against terrorist and fundamentalist elements. Government has put in place a new agency to deal with terrorist threats and has also brought in legislative changes. A determined, coordinated and concerted approach by all agencies to tackle this menace would be necessary. Our security personnel can be confident that every citizen of India is with them as they take action to safeguard our borders and secure our safety and security within the country. I call on fellow citizens and the media to be a part of this security network. This entails responsible behaviour in which we are aware of our surroundings, and do not inadvertently create an atmosphere of fear or insecurity.

    Our Constitution is our charter of democracy and of the rights of the people. Individual freedom and dignity is guaranteed under the fundamental rights included in the Constitution. Universal franchise has given to the citizens the right to determine their political choices. The development process itself is becoming an increasingly participatory activity. The Right to Information Act provides citizens a channel to seek accountability in governance. All this places the citizen at the centre, in terms of the recipient of the benefits of the growth of the nation and as also the key player in shaping the growth process. For success to be achieved each one has to play his or her part. Gandhiji used to emphasize that, "it is in this spirit that each one of us should act." I am confident that all citizens will perform their duties towards the nation in accordance with the wise words of the Father of our Nation. Hard work, grit, determination and perseverance of its population are the brick and mortar of nation building, which itself is a complex task. I mention this because at times, cynical views have been expressed, ignoring that it was the will and sacrifice of our people that defeated a mighty colonial power and there is no reason to doubt, that with determination and dedication we will become a mighty nation.

    I believe each one of us is a proud Indian, willing to work for the nation but the question is how do we bring about unison in our efforts? It cannot be through the following of a narrow agenda. We cannot give in to regional, sectarian or caste considerations. These concepts militate against the very principles we chose to follow when we began our journey as a free nation. All Indians, undoubtedly, have many identities but with an underlying common identity of being Indian. We may hail from one region but belong to a different caste or religion or speak a different language, but that cannot dilute our Indian identity. That identity in essence means a civilizational ethos of a shared experience of living together in harmony through generations, in a milieu of great diversity but in a spirit of tolerance and forbearance, that flows from our basic belief of unity. The incidents of violence by one community against another can have no place in a pluralistic society. I appeal to my fellow citizens to vow that they would fight divisive agendas and work for an India in which our first identity is Indian and, only thereafter, our other descriptions follow.

    My fellow citizens,

    The slowdown of the global economy, triggered by the actions of some credit and banking institutions has resulted in a crisis of confidence all around. The need for strengthening oversight mechanisms for financial institutions and for rules which are clear, transparent and uniformly applied is being acutely felt. Some companies that over-extended or functioned in an unethical manner have caused losses to shareholders. Such incidents profile the need for stronger corporate governance. There must be clear principles of accountability when such losses take place. The richness of a few cannot be at the cost of depriving others of their due. The traditional Indian ethics emphasized saving wisely, investing productively and not borrowing more than the capacity to repay. These hold valuable lessons for the business world. As Governments take necessary domestic measures to ensure that financial institutions and companies adhere strictly to high standards and conduct, it should be accompanied with greater international co-operation so that there is coordinated action in this regard. The need for having an inclusive international financial architecture cannot be over emphasized. India will bring to the global discussions considerable weightage and meaningful contribution for a more credible and viable financial structure. The instances of financial imprudence, which can put global welfare at jeopardy, cannot be allowed to happen again.

    India has been impacted by the global environment. However, our economy has the fundamental strength and resilience to remain on course for economic growth. The global financial crisis can be an opportunity to reinforce the structures of our domestic economy. Government has announced monetary and fiscal stimulus packages to increase liquidity in the market and encourage investments. We have a very large domestic market and by increasing the purchasing power capacity of all sections of society, our economic development can be stimulated. We could even be one of the nations who can act as an engine to help revive the global economy.

    Economic development serves a social purpose when it is for the welfare of the people. It is our effort to work towards providing education, health and better living conditions for the poorest of the poor and the weakest of the weak. We have made progress in the last 60 years but our task is not yet completed. We have to continue our efforts if we are to achieve the goal that we have set for ourselves to become a developed country.

    We are seeking to address inequities in the growth process through an inclusive approach that brings within its ambit all regions and all peoples. This assumes even greater importance in these difficult days of economic stress. Economic opportunities should also be accessible in the remotest areas. We should expedite development of our basic infrastructure in the country, including in the North Eastern region. The poor and the disadvantaged people need to be drawn into circles of growth, to avoid their alienation from the mainstream. Welfare and development schemes implemented in earnest can bring about tangible difference to the lives of the people. Development partners, working with the utmost commitment and without the taint of corruption, can be the agents of change. Improvement in the human development parameters is important to create a productive work force and an enriched society. It is Gross Domestic Product along with welfare of the people that are the twin pillars of a progressive nation.

    Rural development can be a very effective vehicle for spreading the benefits of balanced growth. The global spike in the price of food grains last year, and the resultant fears of shortages and hunger, carries the message that the nation must, at all times, be focused on its agriculture sector and food sufficiency. Improvement of agriculture through better and scientific agricultural techniques would contribute to the food security of the country. We have a rich heritage of agricultural practices like land use, cropping patterns and use of manure. We can also appropriately use this reservoir of traditional knowledge in our agriculture sector. Locating food processing industries close to our rural areas can, while avoiding tremendous losses in agricultural produce, be useful for generating employment options for our rural youth. By strengthening our agriculture economy, we can bring about the upgradation in this sector, and also create internal economic demand, through enhanced incomes of the farmers. Thus our agriculture sector can act as a catalyst for stronger and sustainable growth.

    Many countries of the world have greatly benefited from their forests. Similarly, we must look at better management of our forests, which have a wide diversity of flora and fauna including medicinal plants. They can be important in generating social, economic and environmental benefits for the country. We have adopted legislation for recognizing habitation and occupation rights of forest dwellers. It is important to build their capacity for undertaking forest based enterprises in a manner that while they use forest resources they preserve forest health and conserve its wild-life and bio-diversity.

    My fellow citizens,

    On the social welfare agenda, I would like to highlight two groups that constitute a major part of our population -youth and women. India is a young nation from a demographic point of view. The youth represent the hope for the future and are an invaluable asset to the nation. Their hopes and aspirations for growth and prosperity are indeed the aspirations of the nation itself. Productive employment generation prospects can be created through skill development and vocational training. I call on our youth to take advantage of opportunities that are available to them. In addition to self- development, they must pledge to abjure violence and work for the welfare of humanity. I would be amiss if I did not mention the laurels that the youth have brought to the nation in the field of sports in the recent past. The Olympics in Beijing last year saw medals being won by Indians. This, alongwith the commendable performances at various sporting events around the world, is significant. They, perhaps, signal that we are at the beginning of a more fulfilling era in international sports. A focus on providing facilities and encouragement to our young sportspersons is necessary.

    As the first woman President of India, there is a natural empathy that I have for the women of our country. I am conscious about the constraints and difficulties that they face in realizing their full potential. Their empowerment is necessary and that can only come through education and economic development. A woman has a right to live with dignity and a right to be an equal citizen of the country. I have set up a Committee of Governors, to suggest steps to move forward rapidly on the agenda of gender equality. Government has introduced gender budgeting. It should be adopted by every Ministry, every Department and all State Governments for promoting gender equality. These initiatives alongwith other efforts to make women effective partners in our national life, should converge into a national mission for empowerment of women. Self Help Groups have proved to be effective vehicles for the economic transformation of women. It should be our endeavour to bring every eligible woman under the cover of a Self Help Group for her economic empowerment. We also need to address the gender bias prevalent in our society which has resulted in social malpractices like female foeticide, dowry, child marriage and other evils. With a view to make society sensitive towards the girl child, the "National Girl Child Day" will be celebrated on 24th January, from this year onwards. Civil society and the media can also play a very important role in changing mindsets and I call upon them to do so with drive and commitment.

    Malnutrition among women and high infant mortality are intrinsically linked to affordable medical facilities reaching the common man. Growth in the country should get reflected in reducing malnutrition. Programmes like the National Rural Health Mission require the medical fraternity to come forward in larger numbers to serve humanity in the highest traditions of that noble profession. Older people require medical care, which should be catered for alongwith their other welfare needs, including security.

    Fellow citizens,

    Technology plays a very important role in the progress of mankind. Its use in improving communication systems is evident. Scientists are exploring new frontiers in the medical field. The launch of Chandrayaan-I has made every Indian proud. Our efforts at collaborating with the international community to reap the benefits of technology for the welfare of the nation continue apace. The concluding of the nuclear civil cooperation agreement has made India a participant in the international regime for nuclear energy. Moreover, its finalization was an expression of confidence by the international community in India. We will make every effort to augment and diversify our energy options. Technology should be used to counter terrorist threats to the nation. We should be far ahead of the terrorists who are increasingly using sophisticated technology to carry out their violent agenda.

    As a responsible nation, the conduct of our foreign relations since independence has been to promote peace and development. We are, however, located in a region which harbors the epicenter of terrorism. We have been victims of terrorism over the last two decades. The international community must take decisive and united action against terrorism, which poses a grave threat to the stability of the world. No country can afford to take an ambivalent attitude in this fight. Arguments that terrorism is being perpetuated by independent actors are self-defeating and cannot be accepted. Countries must own up their responsibilities as must the international community in defeating terrorism.

    I conclude with an appeal to all citizens to bring forth their very best to serve the nation. India has the privilege of being a great civilization; today, it is the world's largest democracy and its people have the commitment to fulfill the promise of it being a great nation. I quote a line from a known Hindi poet, to describe our wish for the nation:

    http://presidentofindia.nic.in/images/rdayquote09-1.jpg

    As our tri-colour flutters high in the sky tomorrow, let each one of us take a pledge to bring glory to India and take our country to its destination of becoming a great nation that stands for human values.

    Jai Hind.

    Source: http://presidentofindia.nic.in/sp250109.html
    • 26 Jan 2009, 08:12 am
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