On 15th August 2010, the 64th Independence Day, I extend my warmest greetings our Honorable Director Sir, our

eminent faculties and all my dear friends.

Our independence was won after a long and arduous struggle. Countless men and women, Yearning for liberation from the colonial yoke, joined the ranks of freedom fighters. Energized by the inspiring leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and his call for an agitation based on the principles of Ahimsa and Satyagraha, they displayed undaunted courage. They willingly went through great hardships guided solely by the desire that the country be independent and its people free to determine their own destiny. This selfless spirit and sacrifices won us our freedom. I call on all of you to join me in paying homage and our deepest respect to our great national leaders, martyrs, freedom fighters and all those who took part in the freedom movement and gave us a sovereign nation.

Shahidon ki Chitaon par lagenge har barash mele, Vatan pe marnewaon ka yahi baaki nishan hoga...

After independence on 15th of August 1947, because of our hard work we have fortified uninterrupted democratic credentials and our steady economic progress. Even in the face of global slowdown, which demanded the management of economy to counter its effect, we worked hard to continue our upward trajectory and proved to the world that we are on the path of sustainable development.

Nowadays, everyone is talking about CWG (Commonwealth Games 2010). Everyone is expecting that it will be a flop show. Everyone is talking about lack of infrastructure and management. But, we the Indian have forgotten that we had successfully managed to host the Asian Games right after 4 years of Independence when India had no infrastructure. Instead of blaming the government and the management, have we ever introspected ourselves what we have done! How much we have contributed into the development of our nation! We need to do it first. Let's take an example of China, our biggest competitor. The whole world had expected that the Olympics would be a flop show there as the Chinese can't speak English. But, it was not the Chinese

government which had proved it wrong but it was the Citizens of China. They understood it at the right time that it is not only the infrastructure but the people who can make a difference. So, lets come together and take an oath to render our services whenever required, whenever our country, our mother demands it.

Mann Samarpit tan samarpit Aur yeh jeevan samparpit Chahata hun desh ki dharti tujhe kuch aur bhi dun.

Once Our President, Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil said in one of her speech:

Tai ki hain humne aisi kuch manzilein ki nahi rukenge hum, aage badhte rahenge hum, har kadam har kadam jab tak dum mein hai dum!

I end with the message contained in these lines:-

Common be our resolve, Our hearts be united, Our thoughts be in unison,

So that all may live harmoniously. Once again, my greetings to all of you on the occasion of Independence Day.

Jai Hind.