Then fourth wave arrived with the British and other European powers, lasting 227 years from across the seas. The first freedom movement led by Chandragupta Maurya lasted 246 years; the second freedom movement led by Chandragupta II lasted 681 years. The third freedom movement started only 60 years ago led by Mahatma Gandhi. What is important for us is to note that the Independence we are now celebrating is the result of third freedom movement. So let us resolve today that we shall work with great unity, and singular determination, with a vision to make our nation, and all its states, not only rich and prosperous, but above all, a safe nation, invulnerable forever to invasion across its borders: on land, sea and air and further into history, to aggression from space. Always country has to guard itself, the another way of soft aggression against the technology and market forces.

Our nation has sown the seeds of tolerance and friendship among all the peoples of the World for centuries. Over the age, it has contributed to the world both in material and spiritual progress, emphasizing the fundamental need of man-to understand himself, before he attempts to understand others...

...Let me recall few verses in gratitude of service given by soldiers during my visit to Kargil last year.

‘My dear soldiers’

Oh! Defenders of borders, You are great sons and daughters of my land, Defending the deserts or guarding the marshes, surveillance in seas and by securing the air, Prime of your youth given to the nation, We pray for you brave men...

... contd.