Republic Day 2024 Speech
His Excellency the Minister of Defence & Internal Administration, Mr. Jorge Amado, Distinguished Ministers, Governor of the Central Bank, Ambassadors, Representatives and Coordinators from the multilateral organizations, fellow diplomatic colleagues, senior officials from the Government of Democratic Republic of Sao Tome & Principe, members of the media and dear members of the Indian community in Sao Tome,
Boa noite, Namaskar, Good evening and a very warm welcome to today’s event when we all have gathered to celebrate the Republic Day of India.
Excellencies and dear friends, it is indeed an honour to celebrate the 75th Republic Day of India today in the presence of such a distinguished gathering and among friends and fellow countrymen.
Although India became an independent country on 15 August 1947, which is celebrated as the Independence Day, today was the day when India gave effect to its Constitution in 1950. Since then, on every Republic Day, India celebrates the empowerment of its citizens to select their own government, cherishes the rights and duties of its citizens, upholds the ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity and celebrates its immense cultural diversity. The governing principle of the Indian Constitution is “Of the People, For the People and By the People” which signifies that the power is vested in the hands of the citizens of India.
The distinguishing character of our Republic brings together more than 1.4 billion of Indians to live as one family. For this largest family in the world, co-existence is not an imposition of geography but a source of happiness.
Our national festivals are momentous occasion when we together look back and look ahead. If we look at the year since the last Republic Day, there is much to be pleased about. Under its Presidency, India successfully organized the G20 Summit in New Delhi, which was an unprecedented achievement. The G20 Summit boosted India’s emergence as the Voice of the Global South. The Voice of Global South Summit is the most unique platform of the changing world order of the 21st Century. Last year, India successfully organized two Global South Summits in both of which the Government of Sao Tome & Principe participated. In the last such Summit meeting, Her Excellency Ms. Euridice Semedo, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports participated and presented the views of the Government of Sao Tome & Principe.
One of the most satisfying outcome of India’s G20 Presidency was the inclusion of the African Union as its permanent member. Entry of African Union in G20 during Indian Presidency has been a significant achieved milestone in the journey of South South cooperation.
As the President of G20, India also led the global efforts on climate change, renewable energy and inclusive economic growth, an example of the same is the Initiative for Resilient Island States (IRIS). Island nations like Sao Tome & Principe can benefit from the enhanced maritime surveillance capabilities provided by IRIS of India.
Last year was also the year when India went to the moon, becoming the first country in the world to land on the lunar south pole region. The Indian Space Research Organization rolled out a solar mission as well and the preparations for India’s first human spaceflight programme are also proceeding smoothly. India has always been proud of its scientists and technology experts but now they are aiming far higher than before and delivering too.
India is moving ahead with confidence, which comes from and is reflected by the robust health of its economy. India’s GDP growth rate has remained the highest among major economies in recent years and we have all reasons to believe that this extraordinary performance will continue in the year 2024 and beyond. On a PPP GDP basis, India has already become the 3rd largest economy in the world.
As the pharmacy of the world, India produces more than 25 % of the global demand for all kinds of medicines at low cost. India is already the largest vaccine producer in the world and its unique selling point on vaccine production has been high volume and effectiveness, combined with low cost.
Just like other countries, India too was impacted by the COVID crisis. But it emerged stronger from the pandemic after it indigenously produced three COVID vaccines. As of today, India has vaccinated more than a billion of its citizens and provided its COVID vaccines to 74 countries of the world, including Sao Tome & Principe.
In recent times, many conflicts have emerged around the world and several parts of it have been suffering from violence. When each of the two conflicting sides believes that it is right and the other is wrong, the way out should be found in the light of reason. In such times, we shall recall Lord Buddha’s words – “Not at any time are enmities appeased through enmity but they are appeased through non- enmity. This is the eternal law”.
India’s ancient wisdom can also help the world find a way out of the global environmental crisis. India is at the forefront of promoting renewable sources of energy and taking a leadership position in global climate action. India has launched the LiFE Movement for adoption of environment conscious lifestyle. People everywhere can and must contribute by bringing their lifestyle in tune with Mother Nature. That will not only help save our planet for the generations to come but will also enhance the quality of life.
India and Sao Tome & Principe have always been cordial partners. Our bilateral ties have been growing since the establishment of a resident India embassy in this country. Both our countries share strong democratic traditions and a broad based developmental agenda. We look forward to strengthening our existing bilateral linkages with Sao Tome & Principe, especially in the fields of agriculture, health, capacity building and infrastructure in the time ahead.
I thank the Honourable Minister for gracing the occasion as our honoured guest. I am deeply thankful to all the distinguished Ministers and senior officials, my diplomatic colleagues and all our friends for their presence today.
Dear Excellencies and friends, it is said that in today’s world, the best gift is the time spent together with friends. I am sincerely grateful to all of you for sparing your valuable time and gracing the occasion.
Muito obrigado
