Ram Nath Kovind's Independence Day address updates: Women should have freedom to chose their own path, says President

Kovind asserts need to improve standard of living of security forces

“Our police and paramilitary forces face many challenges. They fight terrorism and protect crime and law and order. At the same time they provide support to all of us during natural calamities. When we improve their work and personal life, then we make the India envisioned by of our freedom fighters.”

Kovind highlights needs for better security weapons, welfare facilities to soldiers

Praising the contribution of India’s troops, President Ram Nath Kovind said, “Our soldiers are dedicated to the protection of the country, on the border areas, on the snowy mountains, in the scorching sun, in the ocean and in the sky, with complete bravery and alertness. They protect our external threats and ensure our independence.”

He further said that we make the India envisioned by our freedom fights “when we provide better weapons to the soldiers, develop supply chain for defense equipment in the country itself, and provide welfare facilities to the soldiers.”

‘We are lucky to have inherited great patriots’

President Ram Nath Kovind said that the “great patriots” assigned us a “free India”. “They have also entrusted some of the tasks which we will all meet together. We all have to work to develop the country, and get rid of poverty and inequality,” he said.

Speaking about the country’s farmers, Kovind said, “Our farmers produce food for millions of crores of people, whom they never meet face to face. They provide strength to our independence by providing food security and nutritious food for the country. When we provide modern technology and other facilities to increase the yield of their fields and their income, then we make the India envisioned by our freedom fighters.”

‘Our Tricolour is symbol of India’s spirit’

“My dear countrymen, 71 years of our independence are being fulfilled tomorrow. Tomorrow we will celebrate our independence anniversary. I congratulate all the people on this occasion of national pride. 15 August is sacred to every Indian. Our Tricolor is a symbol of the spirit of our country.

“On this day, we celebrate the sovereignty of the country and remember the contribution of our ancestors with gratitude, through whose efforts we have achieved a lot,” President Ram Nath Kovind said during his address.

Watch: President addresses nation on eve of Independence Day

Ram Nath Kovind hails freedom fighters

Addressing the nation on the eve of Independence Day, President Ram Nath Kovind said, “Our independence was the result of sacrifice and heroism of the years of our ancestors and freedom fighters. All the heroes and warriors who were struggling in the freedom struggle, were exceptionally courageous and far-sighted.

“They were people from all areas, sections and communities of the country. They wanted to create such an independent and sovereign India, where there is equality and brotherhood in the society.”