Kovind says, Protect nature for future generations

By Our Special Correspondent

Mother Nature is in deep agony and the climate crisis can endanger the very future of this planet, outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind said in his farewell address to the nation on Sunday as he appealed to all to protect the environment for the coming generations.

Emphasizing that the country is getting equipped to make the 21st century “the century of India,” Kovind highlighted the importance of healthcare and education and said that these, along with economic reforms, would enable citizens to “pursue happiness by discovering their potential.” President-elect Droupadi Murmu will be sworn in as the country’s 15th president on Monday.

Once education and healthcare are in place, economic reforms will let citizens find the best course for their lives,” he said, adding that “I firmly believe that our country is getting equipped to make the 21st century the century of India.”

“In our daily lives and routine choices, we must be more careful to protect our trees, rivers, seas and mountains, as well as all other living beings. As the first citizen, if I have to give one advice to my fellow citizens, it has to be this,” he added. President Kovind also hailed the trinity of ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity, saying that they must not be mistaken as abstractions because they”are lofty, noble and uplifting.”

“This change has been made possible by the momentum of development and good governance, which knows no discrimination,” he said.

And what do such ideals mean for a common citizen today? Kovind asked. “I believe the chief goal is to help them discover the joy of living. For that, first of all, their basic necessities must be taken care of,” the president emphasized.

“Our social workers actively connecting every social segment with development, preachers and masters of all sects who maintain the flow of spirituality in Indian society you all have continuously helped me discharge my duties,” he said.

“All these reaffirm the belief that the nation is after all composed of its citizens, and with each of you striving to make India better and better, the nation’s great future is secure,” he said.

Asserting that he has discharged his responsibilities to the best of his ability and has been conscious of being a successor to great icons like Dr Rajendra Prasad, Dr S Radhakrishnan and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Kovind said, “Still, whenever I was in doubt, I turned to Gandhi and his famous talisman.”

“His advice of recalling the face of the poorest man and asking myself if the step I am about to take will be of any use to him. At the risk of repeating myself, I will urge you to contemplate Gandhiji’s life and teachings at least for a few minutes every day,” he said. (PTI)