Independence Day reminds us that we are part of a great community: President Murmu on eve of 77th I-Day

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

77th Independence Day on August 14. «Independence Day reminds us that we are not just individuals, but we are part of a great community, the largest and most vibrant of its kind. It is a community of citizens of the world’s largest democracy,» she said.

She said that the Independence Day celebrations remind her of her childhood days. «We could not contain our excitement of participating in the Independence Day celebrations in our village school. When the tricolour was hoisted, we felt an electrifying energy pass through us.

With our hearts full of patriotic pride, we saluted the national flag and sang the national anthem. Sweets were distributed and patriotic songs were sung, which kept playing in our minds for many days,» President Murmu said. She added that she was fortunate in having an opportunity to re-live these experiences when she became a school teacher.

The President added, «When we grow up, we may not remain as expressive of our joy as children are, but I am sure that the intensity of the patriotic feeling associated with the celebration of national festivals is not diminished at all.» Here are the updates from the President's speech:

It is a matter of delight as well as pride for us to see how everyone – children, youth and the elderly—in cities and villages, everywhere in India, are excited and preparing to celebrate this festival of our freedom. The people have been celebrating ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ with great enthusiasm. Apart from caste, creed, language, and region, we also have an identity associated with our family and work area.