“Independence Day reminds us of sacrifice; new generation must take up the responsibility of nation-building” — Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh
Lucknow: On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, a sacred festival of national pride and resolve, Sandeep Singh, Minister of State for Basic Education (Independent Charge), hoisted the national flag at the Kalyan Singh Habitat Centre in Aligarh district and paid tribute to the flag. He also reverently remembered the sacrifice and dedication of the immortal freedom fighters.
Addressing the gathering at the event, the Basic Education Minister extended his warm greetings to everyone on Independence Day. In his address, he said the occasion reminds citizens of the sacrifice, struggle and dedication of all the great figures because of whom India breathes today as a free nation. He said independence was not limited merely to freedom from British rule — it is the right to live and make decisions in one’s own country according to one’s own will and choice. There was a time, he said, when India was known as the “golden bird,” but discrimination and subjugation had plunged it into darkness. Our freedom fighters, disregarding their own lives, resolved to free the nation, and the country was liberated.
Minister Singh said the country has seen many ups and downs in its 80 years of independence, but over the past 12 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has moved rapidly on the path of progress and is advancing in every field today. He said the Yogi government is working by keeping the nation above caste and religious divides. He noted that the Prime Minister’s vision is for India to be established as a developed nation and a “Vishwaguru” (world leader) by 2047, when the country completes 100 years of independence. Praising the cultural performances presented by schoolchildren, he said the coming generation must know how much struggle went into winning this freedom, and should be familiar with the traditions that set India apart from the rest of the world. The generation that lived through independence is now fading, he said, and it is now up to the new generation to take up the country’s responsibility.
He concluded with a call that political ideologies may differ, but when it comes to India, every person must speak in one voice — “My India is great.” Any ideology that seeks to divide India, he said, must be given a fitting response, while those working to take the country forward must be supported. He urged everyone to resolve, with the mantra of education, values, cleanliness and unity, to make India the world’s leading nation by 2047.
