President Ram Nath Kovind's maiden Independence Day speech: 10 points

Newly elected President of India, Ramnath Kovind on the eve of India's Independence day addressed the nation. It was his first ever address after becoming India's President. During his address, the President congratulated the people of India for Independence day. He thanked those who laid their lives for the freedom of India.

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Here are the top 10 quotes:

# As citizens of India – whether we live at home or abroad – we must ask ourselves how we can add to our country’s pride.

# There are some obvious parameters like a house for every family, better roads & telecom, a modern railway network.

# New India must include that integral humanist component that is in our DNA & which has defined our country & civilisation.

# Your wholehearted support in the battle against corruption and black money reflected a responsible and enlightened society.

# Government is building toilets or helping build toilets – but it is for each of us to make India open-defecation free.

# Government can frame laws and strengthen law enforcement – but it is for each of us to be a law-abiding citizen.

# We should work with unity and purpose to ensure that the benefits of government policies reach all sections of society.

# Contribution of Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru and Bhimrao Ambedkar cannot be forgotten: Nehruji emphasised India’s age-old heritage & traditions could coexist with technology & quest to modernise our society while Babasaheb Ambedkar urged the virtues of constitutional governance, of rule of law – and of the vital need for education.

#  Mahatma Gandhi emphasised the moral character of India and of Indian society. The principles that Gandhiji spoke about are relevant even today.

# It is crucial to understand that the dream for a free India was in the all-round development of our country.