Accra, Ghana-//-Indians living in Ghana on Wednesday 14, August 2024 converged at the Residence of the India High Commissioner in Accra to mark the 78th Independence Day of their home country.
In 1947 Britain’s Parliament passed the India Independence Act freeing the country to determine its future.
On the 15th of August, in all parts of the country and abroad, Indians participate in the flag-hoisting ceremonies, sing patriotic songs, and distribute sweets.
Addressing a large Indian community in Ghana, Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E Manish Gupta who read a speech on behalf of the President of India, H.E SMT Droupadi Murmu, said: “Young children participate in cultural events. When we hear them talking about our great nation and about the privilege of being a citizen of it, we find in their words echoes of what our great freedom fighters used to say.
Then we realise that we are part of a chain that binds the dreams of those who participated in the freedom struggle and the aspirations of those who will witness the nation regaining its full glory in the years to come”.
He said realising that they are links in this chain of history is humbling. It makes them recall the days when the nation was under foreign rule. Patriotic and brave souls took immense risks and made supreme sacrifices.
“We salute their memory. Thanks to their unceasing labour, the soul of India awoke from centuries of torpor. Different traditions and values that had continued to live on beneath the surface found new expressions in several generations of great leaders. Unifying the diversity of traditions and their expressions was Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation, and our lodestar”., Mr Murmu added.
“Alongside, there were great leaders like Sardar Patel, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Babasaheb Ambedkar as well as Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad and many others. It was a nationwide movement, in which all communities participated.
Among tribals, there were Tilka Manjhi, Birsa Munda, Laxman Naik and Phulo-Jhano, among many more whose sacrifices are now being appreciated. We have started celebrating the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. Celebrations of his 150th birth anniversary next year will be an opportunity to further honour his contribution to the national re-awakening”.
Today, on 14th August, the nation is observing Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas, a day to recall partition horrors. As the great nation was divided, millions had to suffer forced migration, and lakhs of people lost their lives. A day before we celebrate Independence Day, we recall that unparalleled human tragedy and stand with the families that were torn asunder, according to him.
Indians also are celebrating the 75th year of the Constitution. The journey of the newly independent nation was not without obstacles. Remaining firm on the Constitutional ideals of justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity, they are on a mission to enable India to reclaim its rightful position on the global stage.
Historic
“As general elections were held in our country this year, the number of eligible voters stood at nearly 97 crore. This was a historic record, making it the largest electoral exercise humankind has ever witnessed. The Election Commission of India should be congratulated for the smooth and flawless conduct of such a gigantic event.
I thank all officials and security personnel who braved the heat and helped electors. When such a large number of people exercise their franchise, it is a resounding vote for the idea of democracy. India’s successful conduct of elections strengthens democratic forces around the world”.
Growing economy
From 2021 to 2024, India has been among the fastest-growing major economies, with an average growth rate of 8 per cent annually. This has not only put more money in the hands of people, but it has also drastically reduced the number of people living below the poverty line.
As for those who continue to suffer from poverty, all efforts are being made not only to provide a helping hand to them but also to bring them out of it. For example, the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, launched in the initial phase of COVID-19, continues to provide free ration to about 80 crore people, which also ensures that those who have recently come out of poverty are not forced back into it.
It is a matter of pride for all that India has become the fifth-largest economy in the world, and it is also poised to become one of the top three economies soon. This has been made possible only by the tireless hard work of farmers and workers, by the farsightedness of planners and wealth-creators, and by visionary leadership.
Agricultural
“Farmers, our Annadata, have ensured that agricultural production continues to beat expectations. With this, they have contributed immensely to making India self-reliant in agriculture and feed our people. Infrastructure has received a boost in recent years. Strategic planning and effective institutions have helped expand the network of roads and highways, railways as well as ports.
Considering the great potential of futuristic technology, the Government has vigorously promoted a range of sectors, such as semiconductors and Artificial Intelligence, while also creating an ideal ecosystem for startups which will propel their growth.
It has made India an even more attractive investment destination. With greater transparency, the banking and financial sector has become much more efficient. All these factors have set the stage for the next generation of economic reforms and economic growth that will catapult India among the developed nations”, the President said.
This rapid but equitable progress has given India a higher stature in global affairs. After the successful completion of its G-20 Presidency, India has consolidated its role as the voice of the Global South. India intends to use its influential position to expand the scope of world peace and prosperity.
“We must remember the words of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of our Constitution. He had rightly said, and I quote, “We must make our political democracy a social democracy as well. Political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the base of it social democracy.” The steady progress of political democracy testifies to the progress made towards the consolidation of social democracy. The spirit of inclusion pervades every aspect of our social life. We move together as a cohesive nation with our diversity and plurality”.
Climate change
Climate change has become a reality. It is even more challenging for developing nations to change their economic paradigm. Yet, we have already made more progress in that direction than expected.
India is proud to be at the forefront of humankind’s battle to save the planet from the worst effects of global warming. I also urge you all to make small but effective changes in your lifestyle and contribute to the cause of dealing with the challenge of climate change, Mr Murmu noted.
The Amrit Kaal, the ongoing period of a quarter century leading to the centenary of our Independence, is going to be shaped by the youth of today. It is their energy and enthusiasm that will help the nation scale new heights.
Cultivating young minds and creating a new mindset that takes the best of the traditions and contemporary knowledge is our priority. To this end, the National Education Policy, launched in 2020, has already started showing results.
Initiatives
To harness their talent, the Government has come up with initiatives to facilitate skilling, employment and other opportunities for them. The Prime Minister’s package of five schemes for employment and skilling will benefit 4.1 crore youth over five years. Under a new initiative of the Government, one crore youth will be doing internships in leading companies over five years. All this will be a foundational contribution towards building Viksit Bharat.
In India, we view science and technology as part of the quest for knowledge as well as an instrument for humanitarian progress. Our achievements in the field of digital applications, for example, are being used as templates in other countries. In recent years, India has made unprecedented advances in space exploration. Along with you all, I also eagerly look forward to the launch of the Gaganyaan Mission next year, which will take a team of Indian astronauts into space aboard India’s first human spaceflight.
