INDIA MARKS DAY (PAGE 47)

A flag-raising ceremony to mark the 63rd independence day anniversary of India was held in Accra on Saturday.
A number of Indian citizens in Ghana who patronised the ceremony sang the Indian national anthem before they heard the speech of President Smt Pratibha Devisingh Patil.
The President called on Indian communities worldwide to embrace peaceful co-existence in the interest of the collective goal of humankind.
President Patil reminded the Indian community of the freedom struggle of India, saying it was based on the noble principles of secularism, equality and respect for all religions.
Mrs Ruchi Ghanashyam, the High Commissioner of India to Ghana, who read a speech on behalf of the President of India, called on Indians of every religion, such as Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, Parsees and all others to live together in harmony.
The President said terrorism which targeted innocent people was the very anti-thesis of peaceful co-existence and it was condemnable because it was against the tenets of every religion and faith.
She said India had struggled since the first war of independence in 1857 against the forces largely created by a divide and rule policy which was aimed at defeating the unity of the country.
President Smt Patil said communal harmony was important for the progress of India and urged the nationals to fight against violence and extremism and become an important part of promoting peace in the world.
She noted that if Indians chose to be bound by the feelings of hatred, mistrust and apathy, the country would never move forward, saying that Indians ought to build a strong, united and progressive India for their future generations as well as a peaceful world.
She said the four essential pillars necessary to support the edifice of India had been democracy, inclusive economic development, social empowerment and a value system based on civilisation and the heritage of coexistence.
The President said the expectations of the people were rising as they were becoming more aware of their rights and seeking better opportunities.
She said facilities, amenities and services meant for them whether they were living in rural or urban areas could be delivered smoothly only if there was an effective governance system that was less cumbersome but more transparent and accountable.
She noted that there would be outrage when money meant for welfare schemes was pilfered out by corrupt practices.
She said the flagship programmes of the Indian Government were, therefore, comprehensive ranging from health to education, employment to expanding social and economic infrastructure.
President Patil said their implementation would have to be at optimal levels for an impact to be made on the lives of people, hence the emphasis on reform of governance for effective delivery of public services critical to changing the lives of the masses of people in India and the world in general.