Adhere to ahimsa: President to youth

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 25

President Ram Nath Kovind today urged the youth fighting for a cause not to forget the gift of non-violence that the Father of the Nation had given to humanity. “Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals remain relevant in our nation-building efforts. It should be part of our daily routine to introspect on Gandhiji’s message of truth and non-violence, which has become even more necessary in our times.

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“When fighting for a cause, people, particularly the youth, should not forget the gift of ahimsa Gandhiji gave to humanity. Gandhiji’s talisman for deciding whether an act was right or wrong also applies to the functioning of our democracy. Government and Opposition both have important roles to play,” the President said in his address to the nation on the eve of the 71st Republic Day.

The President said while giving expression to their political ideas, both those in the government and the Opposition must move forward in tandem “to ensure that development of the country and welfare of its people are promoted consistently”.

His observations come in the backdrop of large-scale protests in various parts of the country over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, some of which turned violent amid an aggressive push by the government defending it.

Reminding that Republic Day was a celebration of the Constitution, President Kovind quoted Babasaheb Ambedkar: “If we wish to maintain democracy not merely in form, but also in fact, what must we do? The first thing in my judgment we must do is to hold fast to constitutional methods of achieving our social and economic objectives.” The President said these words would continue to show us the way ahead to new glories.

The President praised the role of the armed forces, paramilitary and security forces for courage and dedication to duty and the country. He said the country was looking forward

to Gaganyaan, the launch of human spaceflight

programme, and the Tokyo Olympics.