Thiruvananthapuram, 26 Jan (H.S.):Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Sunday called upon citizens to unite and firmly resist forces that seek to gain political advantage by dividing society, saying the spirit of India lies in unity, constitutional values, and inclusive nationalism.
In his Republic Day message shared on social media, Satheesan said India is a nation that progressed along the path illuminated by great patriots such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, who envisioned a country rooted in pluralism, tolerance, and democratic ideals. However, he warned that the present reality reflects a political climate where attempts are being made to polarise society by spreading hatred and intolerance for narrow political gains.
Republic Day, Satheesan said, is a powerful reminder of the day the Constitution came into force and India formally became a sovereign republic. It is also an occasion to remember the countless brave freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to secure the liberty, rights, and security that citizens enjoy today. These hard-won freedoms, he stressed, must be protected with vigilance and responsibility.
Highlighting the core idea of India, the Opposition Leader noted that the country’s greatest strength has always been its ability to see unity in diversity. “Training an entire nation to recognise harmony amid differences was the true beauty of India,” he said, adding that this inclusive vision shaped the Republic and guided its early leadership.
Satheesan cautioned that divisive politics pose a serious threat to this legacy. He urged people from all sections of society to stand together against attempts to fragment the nation along lines of religion, language, caste, or ideology. According to him, safeguarding constitutional values is not just the responsibility of institutions but also a collective duty of citizens.
Calling Republic Day a moment for introspection, Satheesan said the occasion should serve as a renewed pledge to uphold the Constitution, protect democratic freedoms, and resist all forms of hatred and discrimination. “Let this Republic Day be a day to reaffirm our commitment to the ideals on which India was founded,” he said.
Extending his greetings, Satheesan wished all citizens a happy Republic Day, expressing hope that the country would continue to move forward as a united, democratic, and just republic anchored in constitutional morality and mutual respect.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
