Governor, CM extends Independence Day greetings

Thiruvananthapuram: Governor P Sathasivam Sunday urged people to renew their commitment to uphold the highest standards of democratic tradition while celebrating the 70th Independence Day of the country.

Greeting people on the eve of Independence day, he also requested them to gratefully honour the sacrifice of many known and unsung patriots who laid down their lives in the historic struggle for the country's freedom.

"Today, it is not just freedom that we celebrate, but the rare inner strength and unity of people that enabled our country to emerge as one of the fastest developing nations in the world," the Governor said in his message.

While taking pride in the country's scientific, social, technological and economic advances, people also should lend active support to the inclusive welfare policies of the Centre and state governments, implemented with the noble aim of empowering the weaker sections, he said.

"Such empowerment and social justice bring the essence of true freedom to every citizen, thus strengthening our nation further," the governor added.

Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in his message, urged people to make the Independence Day celebration as an occasion to realise constitutional values like democracy, secularism and socialism.

He also cautioned against the "imperialist and communal" forces who try to destroy the unity of India and togetherness of people from and outside the country.

"This (independence day) is an occasion when we should be cautious against these efforts. Let us take pledge that not only Keralites but the whole Indians would work for our country," Vijayan said.