|
JAI JAWAN, JAI KISAN, JAI VIGYAN - HARBINGER OF
PROGRESS
August 15, 1998
My
dear Sisters, Brothers and Children,
I greet all of you on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of our
country's Independence. Half a century has passed still it appears
as if it happened yesterday. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had unfurled
our beloved tricolour in the blue sky from this very spot for the
first time. Since then it has been a tradition to unfurl the
National flag from the historic Red Fort.
I had
never imagined that I shall have this good fortune one day. It is
a symbol of strength and potential of the Indian democracy that the
son of a school teacher hailing from the dusty and smoky environs of
a village has the privilege of unfurling the national tricolour from
the ramparts of Red Fort on this auspicious Independence Day.
We
all know that independence did not come to us easily. On one hand,
tens of thousands of our countrymen and women suffered in jails
during the non-violent freedom struggle under the leadership of
Mahatma Gandhi, on the other hand, thousands of revolutionaries
sacrificed their lives on the gallows. We owe our independence to
these known and unknown martyrs and freedom fighters. Let all of us
together pay homage to them and take a pledge that we shall defend
our freedom, even if we have to sacrifice everything for this.
Our
country has been subjected to foreign aggression. In this short
period of 50 years, we had to face four aggressions. But we have
safeguarded our independence and integrity. The highest credit for
this undoubtedly goes to our soldiers. Away from their homes and
dear ones, braving dangers all the time, they guard our frontiers
day and night. This is why we are always reassured about our
security.
Be it
the snowy expanse of Siachen with minus 32 degree Celsius
temperature or the thick forests of the North-East, the deserts of
Kutch or Jaisalmer or the deep waters of the Indian Ocean - our
troops are vigilant everywhere. On our behalf I greet all these
troops of the Army, the Air Force and the Navy and other security
personnel. While congratulating them we must say - "O! Brave
Soldiers, we are proud of you!"
The
Forces need our support. Our farmers and labour force have
strengthened the second line of defence in the farms, the barns and
the factories. We can never forget this. Lal Bahadur Shastri had
said: 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan' - One is incomplete without the other,
unfulfilled without the other. I have added a new aspect to this -
Jai Vigyan!
We
can neither develop nor defend the country in the 21st century with
the resources of the past century. We have to modernise our forces
to enable them to face and danger and safeguard our independence and
integrity. With only this aim, we conducted the nuclear tests on the
11th and 13th of May this year.
The
tests of Pokhran were not the efforts of just one night. They were
the results of years of hard work on the part of our scientists,
engineers, technicians and the defence forces. I have only tried to
further the work the foundation of which was laid by Smt. Indira
Gandhi. I was only a means. The credit for this great achievement
goes to our talented scientists and the hard work of our defence
forces. I wish to heartily congratulate all of them on this
auspicious occasion of this Independence Day.
I am
grateful to all of you for extending your full support in this
trying hour. With a few exceptions every Indian, wherever he may be
living, has welcomed this step. Holding our head high that day we
proudly proclaimed ' we are Indians'. For that day in Pokhran, the
might of the nation manifested itself with nuclear energy.
I
wish to make it clear right now that India has always been an ardent
advocate of peace and will always remain so. We know and want to use
weapons for self-defence only. We would never use atomic weapons for
attacking anyone. Hence, we have put a self-moratorium on any
new nuclear tests. We have proclaimed to the world that we shall
never be the first user of atomic weapons. We have done this neither
under pressure nor fear of any one. We have done it because of our
firm belief in world peace and disarmament.
Our
dream is to see the world free from nuclear weapons and we want to
see this dream come true. Initially, some countries did not
appreciate our national security policy needs and doubted our
intention. Some of them imposed economic sanctions against us. But
now the situation is changing. The world is gradually appreciating
the Indian viewpoint. We have been able to make them understand our
position. As a result, some of the sanctions have begun to ease. We
welcome this changing global attitude.
However, we also want to make one point clear. India is a great
country and its people are powerful. The brave people of our country
are always ready to face any danger to defend their honour. Our
history bears testimony to this.
No
force on earth can deflect us from our chosen path. I am saying this
not out of arrogance but with humility and self-confidence. We are
willing to make any sacrifice to uphold the unity, integrity and
sovereignty of our country.
We
wish to improve relations with our neighbours. We know that the
easiest way to win a war is not to let it happen. We are ready
to hold talks with Pakistan on any subject, at any level and at
anytime.
You
all know that I have taken the initiative during the SAARC
Conference in Colombo. I am somewhat unhappy that we did not get the
desired response. Still I have not given up. I will make another
effort at reviving the dialogue during the Conference of the
Non-Aligned countries in South Africa at the end of this month.
I
believe that all problems of the world can be solved through talks.
Therefore whether it is Pakistan or China, we will endeavor to solve
our mutual problems through friendly talks. In the last few days
terrorist activities have increased in Jammu and Kashmir. The
massacre in Himachal Pradesh appears to be part of a bigger
conspiracy. Such terrorist activities everyday, from across the
border are like a proxy war. The Government has taken these
incidents very seriously. We are facing them with all our might and
we will not rest content until we have defeated these attempts.
Whether in personal or national life, the 51st anniversary is always
a golden opportunity to assess the past fifty years. For us, it is
also the time for retrospection and preparation for a leap into the
21st century. While making an assessment we most often commit
mistakes, tend to undermine our achievements and magnify our
shortcomings, which results in gloom.
Sometimes, I see a growing tendency of pessimism in the country.
There may have been aberrations here and there but things have not
gone that bad so as to defy solutions. Our scriptures say that
only fools indulge in self-praise. But unnecessary self-condemnation
is also like suicide. I want that a realistic assessment of the last
fifty years should be undertaken.
When
we attained independence, some Western experts had forecast that we
were unfit for being a democracy and did not deserve freedom. They
said we would soon disintegrate. But, today, we can say with pride
that we have not only safeguarded our integrity and independence but
have also shown to the world how the biggest democracy can be
governed. Almost all the countries which gained freedom along with
us have kept the democratic tradition alive. This is our 12th Lok
Sabha and I am the 11th Prime Minister of India. We have seen over
the years transformation taking place from the tiniest village
Panchayat to the Parliament. You all deserve credit for this. Your
political maturity in all these elections has baffled political
pundits. I congratulate you for this. Our democracy is safe as
long as you remain vigilant.
On
the occasion of the golden jubilee celebrations of our Independence,
the Nation has to address itself to the important fact that
independence, national integration, democracy and secularism are
complementary to each other.
We
have to remain independent under all circumstances. An essential
condition for this is national unity. Democracy is necessary for
national unity. Secularism and democracy are inseparable parts of
national unity. Me and my Government are committed to all these four
elements.
We
oppose communalism in any form. We will ensure full security of the
minorities and guarantee their participation in development. We
should never forget that we are the citizens of one country. The
boundaries of this country extend from Ladakh to Nicobar, from Garo
Hills to Gilgit. Ours is a country whose civilisation and culture is
more than five thousand years old. Such a big country replete
with varieties of language, faith, living and food habits has
resolved to achieve social and economic justice within the framework
of democracy.
Simultaneously, we cannot forget that we have to strive to rid this
democracy of aberrations. Our legislators behave in such a way in
legislatures that even a schoolteacher would not tolerate system of
Governance through free debate. The opposition has the right to
criticize and Government has the right to implement. The opposition
and the Government are complementary to each other and not
adversaries.
Fearless and impartial voting has to be further strengthened. The
electoral system has to be reformed to free it from casteism,
violence, money power and other ills so that in the next century our
system of governance is further refined.
Once
upon a time, this country was a land of prosperity. The situation
deteriorated and we began to be counted among the poor nations of
the world. In the past few years our farmers and agricultural
workers have worked very hard to make the country self-sufficient in
food grain production. An army with an empty stomach cannot fight
and a hungry nation cannot have a restful sleep. Our farmers have
made the country self-sufficient to justify their being called 'Food
Providers'. I can only pray to God that He should shower happiness
on the 'Food Providers'.
There
is a shadow of sorrow in this happiness. Today the condition of our
'Food Providers' has become difficult. I feel very pained that this
year in some states some farmers have had to commit suicide because
they could not bear the burden of their debts. I offer my
condolences to the bereaved families. As a tribute to these farmers
I have taken a decision. The Crop Insurance scheme will be
broadened, new crops will be brought within its purview and its
geographical reach will be increased.
A
high-powered Commission will be formed to look into the real
financial condition of farmers and to improve their economic
condition. I want to assure our farmer brothers who are the
backbones of the Nation that they will never suffer under this
Government.
In
Orissa, hunger still stalks the people in places like Balangir,
Kalahandi and Koraput. It is unimaginable that even 50 years after
independence some people are still stalked by hunger. I have told
the Planning Commission that the outlay on the Employment Assurance
Scheme in these areas should be doubled. My efforts will be to
ensure that no one dies of hunger.
The
country has made commendable progress in business, industry and
services. Some of our industries are making their mark on the
international scene. I congratulate all the workers, employees,
managers, industrialists and businessmen for this achievement.
But we know that this achievement is only a stepping stone. It is
not the attainment of the final goal which is to see the rise of
India as an economic superpower. I know that saying this is much
easier than doing it. For this, we need to follow the path of
hard work, establish high standards and depend on self-reliance. We
will have to produce goods of international standard, which can
compete in the global markets. Economic reforms will have to be
speeded up. But we will not allow others to take undue advantage of
our liberalization. We will implement infrastructure projects with
speed.
'Swadeshi'
does not mean an inward looking policy. The world has become a
global village. Each one is dependent on the other. In this open
market system we can use our inner strength to stand up to global
competition and I have faith that we will.
This
51st Independence Day is being celebrated not only in India but also
round the world. Every person of Indian origin in every country is
celebrating this sacred occasion with joy and enthusiasm. I give my
good wishes to every person of Indian origin round the globe on this
occasion. In some countries our brothers and sisters are watching it
live on television.
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) have brought strength to the economies
of the nations where they have settled. Now they have an opportunity
to strengthen India's economy. We have floated the Resurgent India
Bond (RIB). Non-Resident Indians around the world are taking benefit
of this opportunity. So far, the scheme has brought in Rs. 5,000
crore. I am confident that Non-Resident Indians will take further
advantage of this scheme.
We
will have to solve these problems. I know that all of you,
especially our sisters, are feeling the pinch of the rising prices
of some commodities. I understand your problem. Nature is to be
blamed more for this than the Government. But I know that by saying
this, your burden will not be lightened. The Finance Ministry and
the State Governments will work together to combat the price rise. I
also ask for the cooperation of traders. They should not indulge in
hoarding or profit- making. We will not hesitate in taking strong
measures against such elements. I know that a number of festivals
are coming up in the next few days. My efforts will be able to see
that rising prices do not dampen your festive spirit.
The
country faces another problem that of corruption which is eating
into the vitals of the country like cancer. We have decided to fight
it. We have begun the fight from the top. I have not even left out
the Prime Minister from the ambit of the Lok Pal Bill, which was
recently introduced in the Lok Sabha. This has made clear our
intentions to fight corruption at the highest level.
Along
with this, we wish to fight corruption in the bureaucracy. Very
soon, I will initiate action to speed up work in the cell in the
Prime Minister's Office (PMO) which is looking into corruption cases
against officials. Removal of unemployment is an important pledge in
our National Agenda. It is affecting the lives of everyone.
Employment is the only way of fulfilling the basic needs of the
people. Creation of schemes for total employment is difficult, but
not impossible. But basic needs and services will have to be
produced by the masses. Science and technology will have to be
applied for this.
Government has decided that ten crore people should get employment
opportunities over the next ten years. This means that every year
one crore people should get employment opportunities. A task force
will be set up for this purpose and it will present its report soon.
The
status of women is a good indicator to judge the progress of a
modern society. We had promised to give women 33% reservation in
Parliament and the Assemblies. We are sorry that we have not been
able to fulfill this so far. We have already decided to provide free
education to girls up to graduation levels. Now we are going to take
another major initiative. All girls at the primary level will be
provided books in their curriculum free of cost. This will cost Rs.
550 crore to the Government.
A new
Insurance Scheme, 'Rajrajeshwari' will be started to provide women
the economic security. Another insurance scheme, 'Bhagyashree' will
be started for girls. Both schemes will begin on Diwali Day this
year. The premium for the scheme will be Re. 1 per month. And the
policyholder will be able to get Rs. 25,000 in case of emergency.
The full details will be announced soon.
Reservation in jobs has already been provided to the Scheduled
Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. However,
implementation of these provisions is very slow. My Government's
efforts will be to speed up the implementation process and to fill
the reservation quotas as quickly as possible. The administration
will be made more sensitive and accountable to these classes.
Youth
power is the strength of the nation. It is also the future of the
nation. Many years ago I had read the words of Baba Amte "Haath lage
nirman mey, nahin mangne, marne." (Use your hands to create, not to
ask or hit). This is also our wish. The young girls and boys of
India do not have to extend their hands before anyone, nor do they
have to use their hands against anyone. They should only dedicate
themselves to the task of national reconstruction.
For
this purpose, we have decided to form the National Reconstruction
Force (Rashtriya Punarnirman Vahini) which will involve youth from
18 to 35 years of age. This force will focus on basic services in
the rural and agricultural sectors, protection of environment, mass
movement for population, control, fight against drugs, spread of
education, uplift of dalit and tribal women and in the field of
sports, art and culture. These youth will also get honorarium for
their work. Initially this scheme will be implemented in some
districts and finally will be extended all over the country.
This
scheme will be launched on January 12, 1999 which is the Birth
Anniversary of Swami Vivekanand and which is celebrated as the Youth
Day. I call upon the young men and women of this country to donate
one year of their youth to rejuvenate the nation.
The next millennium is beckoning us. It will be century of
Information Technology. The greatest strength of India is its
intellect. India has the third largest trained manpower in
the field of Science and Technology. We will have to tap this
strength. My Government has taken several new initiatives in the
field of Information Technology. It is our ambition that the country
should become a super power in this field.
Keeping this in view I am announcing a new initiative. Space is a
new race an opportunity to look for innumerable possibilities in the
coming century. Space technology has many advantages, which India
can utilise to meet the aspirations of its younger generation.
On
the basis of the slogan 'Jai Vigyan', my Government wants to fulfil
the dreams of our youth. In this direction we will start
programmes on a new satellite named Swaran Jayanti Vidya Vikas
Antariksh Upagraha Yojana (Golden Jubilee Education Development
Space Satellite Scheme).
The
first satellite of this programme - INSAT 3-B - will be assembled
and launched before August 15, 1999 by the Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO) within a record time of less than twelve months.
Six transponders of this satellite will be available exclusively to
execute 'Operation Knowledge' which aims to provide computer,
internet and computer based education to all the students of the
country. All Universities, engineering and medical colleges,
research laboratories and other centres of higher learning
particularly will be linked to the Information Technology Network
before the next Independence Day. This programme will also fulfil
the development related information needs of the states.
The
125th birth anniversary celebrations of Maharishi Aurobindo are
coming to a close. He visualized the spiritual, moral and cultural
renaissance of the country. Today we should pledge to fulfil his
dreams.
Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Ambedkar once said that political freedom is
incomplete without economic and social freedom. Today, on our
political Independence Day we cannot forget this moot point. In
the half-century gone by, we have been able to keep intact our
political independence but could not win the battle of economic and
social independence. We have not been able to free the country from
the clutches of poverty and unemployment. The stigma of illiteracy
could not be erased. The monsters of casteism and communalism still
are raising their ugly head. Today on India's 51st Independence Day,
let us pledge to win economic and social independence.
In
the short tenure of my Prime Ministership, I have made an effort to
take everybody along and I have practised the politics of consensus.
Take the example of Cauvery. There was dispute for years on sharing
of Cauvery water among Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Pondicherry.
On some occasions, this dispute took a serious turn. Water is used
to extinguish fire but if water itself is on fire, what could be
done! There is a solution. The solution lies in maturity, harmony,
tolerance, patriotism and a willingness to keep others' interest in
mind. The recently concluded Cauvery Accord epitomises all this.
Is it
not surprising that a large amount of water of our rivers flows away
into the ocean, while we fight over our share of water? These
disputes have been going on for years. This situation has to be
changed. Our rivers, which link the states of the country, have to
link the hearts of the countrymen too. There is a need to formulate
a National Water Policy. We have promised to formulate such a
policy. However, it is possible only with everybody's cooperation
and patience.
My
Government has been seriously endeavoring to fulfill the promises
made in the National Agenda for Governance. Ours is a coalition and
such Governments have their own character which has to be faithfully
adhered to. We have prepared a common programme that is the national
agenda for our alliance. We have kept all contentious issues out of
this arrangement. We have always held national interest to be above
the party and personal interest.
The
country is passing through a transitional phase today. Our political
and administrative system is facing a serious challenge. In such a
situation every party and every leader has to conduct himself with a
sense of responsibility. History will not forgive us for any action
which hurts the nation.
The
common man should also ponder over the existing political and
administrative set up. We are faced with some basic issues. Are
frequent elections in the interest of the country? Is it the
nation's interest to incur heavy expenditures on frequent elections?
I
have been Prime Minister only for five months. We have a very thin
majority in the Lok Sabha. I am aware of the limitations of the
coalition Government. I am also aware that in today's system an
innocent sage can be hanged by the power hungry.
I can
assure you that I have never compromised on principles in pursuit of
power and I will never do it. Being in power or out of power is the
same for me. I had been in opposition for years and faithfully
performed my duties. My opponents have also commended it. Today, a
poem of Dr. Shiv Mangal Singh Suman comes to mind:
(I am
not afraid of victory or defeat; whatever comes my way on the path
of duty, I will accept it as it is and will not ask for any favours).
I
wish to assure you that till my last breath I will neither ask for
favours, nor give up the path of struggle. I only need your support.
I only need the blessings of one billion of my countrymen. There
comes a moment in life when one stands at crossroads and ponders
over the path to take:
(Modesty is being enraged openly and pawn has beaten the queen,
should I take one last gambit or leave it all, which path do I
take?).
Then
I feel that I cannot go into oblivion leaving the challenges behind.
I have to struggle. Once again, I reiterate my pledge in your
presence from the ramparts of Red Fort.
(I
will not accept defeat and will start the struggle afresh. I will
write and unwrite my own destiny and sing a new tune).
Thank
you very much. Join me in saying:
Jai Hind |
