New Delhi, 24 April (H.S.): On the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and several other senior leaders extended heartfelt wishes to the nation, describing Panchayati Raj Institutions as the strong foundation of democracy.

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan posted on X that he extends greetings to all citizens, especially the elected representatives and office-bearers of Panchayati Raj Institutions across the country. He stated that Panchayati Raj symbolizes grassroots-level democracy and participatory governance, empowering local communities, strengthening inclusive development, and ensuring that people's voices are heard in village-level decision-making.

He emphasized that Panchayats play a crucial role in advancing rural transformation and their contribution to building a self-reliant and strong 'Developed India' is immensely significant. He expressed hope that the day would inspire efforts to further strengthen democratic institutions and pursue sustainable development.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed the government's commitment to making Panchayati Raj Institutions more empowered and effective, thereby realizing the resolve of 'Gram Uday se Bharat Uday'.

Home Minister Amit Shah noted that the Panchayat system, one of India's oldest democratic traditions, forms a robust unit of our democracy. He highlighted its vital role in rural development, governance, social justice, disaster management, and cultural preservation, adding that under the Modi government, Panchayats are becoming more empowered and self-reliant, contributing to 'Developed India'.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar extended best wishes to all those working to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions nationwide and deepen governance at the grassroots level.

Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan described the Panchayati Raj system as a powerful stream of public participation that nurtures democracy, stating that true democracy lies in people's involvement from village chaupals to major development resolutions.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi called Panchayati Raj a strong foundation for realizing Mahatma Gandhi's dream of Gram Swaraj. Recalling former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, he said Rajiv empowered India's villages by integrating them into the mainstream and ensuring public participation through the Panchayati Raj system.

Gandhi underscored that Panchayati Raj has been a key medium for women's empowerment. He urged everyone to actively contribute to making their Panchayats clean, prosperous, educated, and self-reliant, so that villages prosper and India develops.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar