It was on 26th January 1950 that we promulgated our Constitution based on the universal principles of liberty, equality and fraternity, ensuring social, economic and political justice for all citizens irrespective of their religion, caste or colour. Today, by the grace of Allah, we are a vibrant nation of 118 crore Hindus and Muslims, Christians and Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains and people of several other affiliations. This is the second largest concentration of servants of God on earth after that of China.
We in India have been busy in making a very unique experiment of managing a multi-religious, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural nation. We have 22 recognised national languages, more than 1,600 minor languages and dialects, six major religions, 6,400 castes, sub-castes and ethnic groups, 52 major tribes, and 28 States and seven Union Territories.
On the occasion of the 60th Republic Day we weigh our strengths and weaknesses, count our achievements and failures and rededicate ourselves to the stupendous task of taking the nation forward and working for the well being of all our people. We also renew our pledge to make India a truly welfare State in which every mind is free from fear and every head is held high in dignity and with confidence. We also thank God for His help and blessings for the journey we have completed and seek His guidance on the road ahead and rededicate ourselves to the continuing task of building a nation of God-obeying, people-loving, peaceful and prosperous citizens.
We are also conscious about the dangers of communalism, fascism, terrorism, naxalism, nepotism and corruption which raise their head from time to time and threaten the whole nation. We also feel concerned about moral degeneration and ethical degradation which is constantly on the rise. We know that material development in the absence of moral development leads to destruction.
We are conscious of the fact that large sections of society are still deprived of basic needs of life which are essential for a dignified human life. We find a sea of contrasts in the lives of the Ambanis, Tatas, Birlas and the rich on the one hand and 85 crore citizens (70% of population) who earn less than Rs. 20 a day on the other. This causes resentment which leads to hatred and violence. We also deplore the rise of communalism and anti-Muslim hatred promoted by certain political parties to gain political mileage. We regard it as the greatest danger for inter-religious amity, national cohesion and the overall well-being of the entire population.
Muslims have a special duty as Khair-e-Ummat – an ideal community which has been raised to guide and serve humanity. Let us not ask for a while, what our country has not done for us but think what we can do to our country and our fellow citizens. Islam presents a very high ideal of thought and action before the Muslims to work for uplifting humanity. Let this be the source of inspiration for us to rededicate ourselves for building a strong nation on the firm foundations of belief in God, universally accepted moral principles stressed by all religions and work ceaselessly to achieve this. Heart within, God overhead and hand in hand let us march forward.