Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday chaired the first meet of the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”, a national committee held to commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence.
The Prime Minister addressed the panel through video conference. Various members of the National Committee attended the meeting including Governors, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, political leaders, scientists, officials, media personalities, spiritual leaders, artists and film personalities, sports personalities, and eminent persons from other walks of life.
These include former President Pratibha Patil, former PM H.D. Deve Gowda, Naveen Patnaik, Mallikarjun Kharge Meira Kumar, Sumitra Mahajan, J.P. Nadda and Maulana Wahiduddin Khan.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was also part of the meeting, said that there will be more such gatherings in the future and the suggestions and inputs received on Monday from the members will be considered.
Addressing the event, PM Modi said the country will celebrate the occasion with grandeur and enthusiasm befitting the historic nature, glory and importance of the occasion. He added that the festival should be one in which the spirit of freedom struggle, tribute to the martyrs and their pledge to create India, could be experienced.
The PM further said that the festival should embody the glory of Sanatan Bharat and modern India. He said the festival should reflect the light of the spirituality of the sages and also the talent, strength of our scientists. “This event will showcase our achievements of these 75 years to the world and also give a framework for resolution to us for the next 25 years,” said PM Modi.
The Prime Minister informed that five pillars have been decided for the celebration of the 75 years. These are Freedom Struggle, Ideas at 75, Achievements at 75, Actions at 75 and Resolve at 75. “All these should include the ideas and feelings of the 130 crore Indians,” said the leader.
He also emphasized the need to honour and take the stories of lesser-known freedom fighters to people. He said every nook and corner of the country is replete with the sacrifice of sons and daughters of the country and their stories will be an eternal source of inspiration for the nation. “We have to bring the contribution of every section to the fore. There are people who are performing some great work for the country for generations, their contribution, thinking and ideas need to be integrated with the national efforts,” he pointed out.
“This historic festival is about fulfilling the dreams of the freedom fighters, an attempt to elevate India to the height which they had wished. The country is achieving things which were unthinkable a few years ago so, the celebration of 75 years of India’s Independence will be in accordance with the historical glory of India,” said PM Modi concluding his speech.
On January 31, the PM, in 2021’s first “Mann ki Baat” had appealed to the countrymen to write about freedom fighters and stories of their struggle to mark the country’s 75th Independence Day this year. WITH AGENCY INPUTS