President Pranab Mukherjee addressed the nation on Wednesday on the eve of the Republic Day.
The country would be celebrating its 68th Republic Day on Thursday. The preparations for the same are going on a war footing.
The crown prince of Abu Dhabi, Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan will grace the main Republic Day event at Rajpath in Delhi as the chief guest.
Here are the highlights from President's speech:
# We must ensure well-being of our soldiers and security personnel who protect us from internal and external threats: President Pranab
# We have to work harder because our pluralistic culture and tolerance are still being put to test by vested interests: President
# We have to work harder to keep at bay dark forces of terrorism; these forces have to be dealt with firmly and decisively: President
# Our economy is yet to grow at over 10% for an extended period of time to make a significant dent on poverty: Pranab
# Gandhiji’s mission to wipe every tear from every eye still remains unfulfilled: Pranab
# The time is also ripe for a constructive debate on electoral reforms: President Pranab
# A healthy democracy calls for conformity to the values of tolerance, patience and respect for others: President Pranab
# Multiple views, thoughts and philosophies have competed with each other peacefully for centuries in our country: President Pranab
# We must make happiness and well-being of our people as the touchstones of public policy: President
# Happiness is equally the outcome of economic and non-economic parameters: President
# Democracy has conferred rights on each one of us; but along with these rights, come responsibilities: Pranab
# As more and more transactions become cashless, it will improve the transparency of the economy: Pranab
# Demonetisation, while immobilizing black money may have led to temporary slowdown of economic activity: Pranab
# Our education system will have to join hands with innovation to prepare our youth for life-long learning: Pranab
# The velocity of technology adoption will call for a workforce that is willing to learn and adapt: Pranab
# In the race between man and machine, the winner will have to be job generation: Pranab
# Innovation, more so inclusive innovation, will have to become a way of life: Pranab
# Indian democracy has been an oasis of stability in the region troubled by unrest: President Pranab
# We promised to promote fraternity, dignity of the individual, and unity and integrity of the nation: President Pranab