Sonia Gandhi greets country on Independence Day, says India at 73 has no place for bigotry, sectarianism

On the 73th anniversary of Independence, Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi has extended greetings to all fellow Indians. On the occasion, she paid tributes to the martyrs, army Jawans who sacrificed their lives protecting this country and invoked the spirit of compassion, tolerance and coexistence of the country.

She said that India has surged ahead exponentially in all arenas but at our core are the founding principles of ‘Truth, Non – Violence, Compassion and unwavering Patriotism.’

Sonia Gandhi said a democratic and resilient India at 73 has no place for bigotry, superstition, sectarianism, fanaticism, racialism, intolerance or injustice, yet millions of fellow citizens encounter discrimination every day. We must rise as a Nation to stand against every act of injustice, intolerance & discrimination to truly cherish our freedom, she said.

Reminding the nation that our Independence was a result of immeasurable sacrifices of those who made India what it is today, Sonia Gandhi called upon every citizen to observe the solemn duty of protecting and preserving the values of freedom, brotherhood, peace and equality.

While wishing all Indians at home and across the world, she added that we must not forget the supreme sacrifice of our armed forces in protecting the integrity of India. She also paid tribute to our farmers, labourers, artisans, scientists, tradesmen, teachers, artists, writers & thinkers, who play an important role in Nation building.

Wishing India’s youth in particular, she said that baton of nation building as also building a modern, equal, just and egalitarian society founded upon scientific temper, is in their hands.

Sonia Gandhi appealed to all to reinvigorate the principles of compassion, coexistence and inclusive development as the indelible features of our polity, society and economy.