Speech by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the Cavalry Memorial Lecture organized by the Cavalry Officers’ Association



Speech by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the Cavalry Memorial Lecture organized by the Cavalry Officers’ Association

1. I am pleased to be here this evening to deliver the Cavalry Memorial Lecture organized by the Cavalry Officers’ Association. This organization of serving and retired officers of the Indian Armoured Corps conducts this Lecture annually to pay tribute to a decorated soldier of the Corps. 


2. It is my privilege to deliver the Lecture this year in honour of Major D.S. Narag, the first recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra in the 1971 War for Bangladesh liberation. I take this opportunity to pay my homage to Major Narag and other Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the War. Major Narag made the supreme sacrifice for the nation in the battle of Garibpur. In this Memorial Lecture, I have been asked to share my perceptions about the formation of Bangladesh. Let me begin with an explanation. 

Ladies and Gentlemen: 

3. As you would appreciate, perceptions always tend to be subjective, more so in history. What happened in 1971 is recorded in contemporary history. 

4.In the long history of world diplomacy, relations between countries have seen many ups and downs. Europe was the arena for two World Wars and the major European powers fought battles with each other for centuries. However, in the second half of the previous century, they imbibed lessons from history and decided to work together. They created a common market and a common currency. They created a European Union and a European Parliament. One of the most important inventions which have changed the world is the Internet, which is a product of the peace dividend in Europe. 

5. Similarly, seven nations of South Asia came together at the initiative of Bangladesh on December 8, 1985 to establish the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in order to deepen regional cooperation and integration for peace and prosperity. In the last thirty years, we have created many mechanisms and institutions on the model of the European Union. It is however widely accepted that the full potential of SAARC is yet to be realized. As I have often said, we can change our friends but not our neighbours. It is for us to decide if we want to live in a state of perpetual tension or develop together in an atmosphere of peace and harmony. We must look at a shared future leaving behind the divisions of the past. 

Friends: 

6. India-Bangladesh relations is a good example of progress in looking at a shared future.Our relations today are the best ever since 1974. They are based on mutual benefit, equality and respect for sovereignty.India attaches the highest importance to bilateral relations with Bangladesh. We have always believed that strong, stable and prosperous neighbours are in our interest.India and Bangladesh are not just neighbours. We are two nations bound by the threads of history, religion, culture, language and kinship. Our growing cooperation is a picture of shared prosperity amongst neighbours. With Bangladesh, we now need to recapture the spirit of the Liberation War of 1971 to build a new future. 

7. Bangladesh has in recent times achieved tremendous success in every walk of life. Bangladesh is today a thriving democracy. From being 'basket case' in 1971, it is now self-sufficient in food grains. Its food grains output is around 34 million tonnes. Its growth rate has been over 6 percent in last 15 years. Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves are around USD 24 billion, which is the second largest in South Asia. Bangladesh has pioneered a social revolution with significant achievements in women's empowerment, child health care, women's health care and immunization. Like India, it is a young country with more than 50 percent of population below 24 years. Once again like us, Bangladesh is focused on developing the ICT and Services Sector. 

8. Issues of concern between the two countries have been mutually resolved. For instance, a bilateral treaty signed on 12 December 1996 established an arrangement for sharing of the Ganges’ water.Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a very successful visit to Bangladesh on June 6-7, 2015. A large number of agreements were signed on the occasion including the Land Boundary Agreement.This agreement on exchange of enclaves this year has finally put to rest the long-pending land boundary issue with Bangladesh.We also settled the maritime boundary last year. 

9. India has granted duty free and quota free access to Bangladesh on all but 25 items. Indo-Bangladesh trade at over 7 billion US Dollars makes Bangladesh our second largest trading partner in South Asia. Power supply from India to Bangladesh, which commenced in October 2013, is expected to grow from 500 MW to 1100 MW within two years. 

Friends: 

10. Connectivity is the catalyst for deeper engagement. We have launched three bus services that will connect our citizens more easily. I firmly believe that connectivity by road, rail, rivers, sea, transmission lines, petroleum pipelines and digital links must increase. Regional connectivity and cooperation between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal must also be deepened. We have worked out mutually beneficial arrangements allowing movement of goods from Bangladesh through India to Nepal and Bhutan and from mainland India through Bangladesh to India’s North-east. These are significant steps forward which have been enabled by the close cooperation and frequent interaction of senior leaders of the two countries. 

11. India-Bangladesh security cooperation is growing with three agreements having been concluded recently on human trafficking, fake currency, maritime co-operation and co-operation between our Coast Guards. 

12. We are focusing on improving border management and coordination to prevent illegal activities, trafficking and movements. 

13. India remains fully committed to partner Bangladesh in its economic development. Regular exchanges and wide dialogue between our two peoples are important to enhance our mutual understanding and goodwill. 

14. We must move towards greater economic integration. South Asia should become an integrated market. A seamless assembly line as well as regional value chains for global markets should be created. Indian and Bangladesh businessmen are already collaborating in fields such as readymade garments, textiles, leather and pharmaceuticals. There exists huge potential for doing same in food processing, light engineering goods, ship building and auto components. 

15. Indian investments in Bangladesh will help to create jobs and upgrade technology. These will make Bangladesh economy more competitive and increase exports. It is for this reason that the two Governments have agreed to cooperate to set up an Indian Special Economic Zone in Bangladesh. This is another big step forward towards restoring historic connections between our business communities, which will serve both well. 

16. Bangladesh and India must come together as large consumers to develop and purchase cheap and clean energy. There is huge untapped potential to develop renewable energy like solar and wind. 

17.As our economies get more integrated and our people better connected, our nations will become more prosperous. It will also open new economic doors for India's Northeast. It will enable our two countries to integrate South Asia and connect it with the dynamic East. 

Friends: 

18. I am confident India-Bangladesh relations will always remain special and unique in the annals of South Asian history. I pay tribute once again to Major D.S. Narag and all other Indian soldiers who distinguished themselves through bravery and sacrifices in the 1971 War of Bangladesh Liberation. 

19. I pay tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, one of the most outstanding leaders that this world has seen. His leadership and sacrifices gave birth to Bangladesh. Today, his daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is leading Bangladesh to greater and greater heights of glory. 

20. The stage is now set for a quantum jump in our relations. I am confident the coming days will see a significant intensification of co-operation to eradicate poverty, enhance growth, promote trade and investment as well as fight the forces of terrorism, extremism and fundamentalism. 

21. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to deliver this Memorial Lecture and reflect on a topic close to my heart. I wish you Godspeed in your endeavours. 

Thank you. 

Jai Hind. 
********* 

“Look at shared future leaving behind the divisions of the past” president tells SAARC nations
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee delivered the Cavalry Memorial Lecture organized by the Cavalry Officers’ Association on (November 18, 2015) in New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said in the long history of world diplomacy, relations between countries have seen many ups and downs. Europe was the arena for two World Wars. Major European powers fought battles with each other for centuries. However, in the second half of the previous century, they imbibed lessons from history and decided to work together. They created a common market and common currency. They created a European Union and a European Parliament. One of the most important inventions which have changed the world is the Internet, which is a product of the peace dividend in Europe.

The President said the SAARC was established on December 8, 1985. In the last thirty years, we have created many mechanisms and institutions on the model of the European Union. It is however widely accepted that the full potential of SAARC is yet to be realized. We can change our friends but not our neighbours. It is for us to decide if we want to live in a state of perpetual tension or develop together in an atmosphere of peace and harmony. We must look at a shared future leaving behind the divisions of the past.

The President said India-Bangladesh relations is a good example of progress in looking at a shared future. India-Bangladesh relations today are the best ever since 1974. They are based on mutual benefit, equality and respect for sovereignty.

India and Bangladesh are not just neighbours. We are two nations bound by the threads of history, religion, culture, language and kinship. Our growing cooperation is a picture of shared prosperity amongst neighbours. India attaches the highest importance to bilateral relations with Bangladesh. We have always believed that strong, stable and prosperous neighbours are in our interest. With Bangladesh, we now need to recapture the spirit of the Liberation War of 1971 to build a new future.

The President said connectivity is the catalyst for deeper engagement. We have launched three bus services that will connect our citizens more easily. Connectivity by road, rail, rivers, sea, transmission lines, petroleum pipelines and digital links must increase. Regional connectivity and cooperation between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal must also be deepened. Mutually beneficial arrangements allowing movement of goods from Bangladesh through India to Nepal and Bhutan and from mainland India through Bangladesh to India’s North-east have been worked out. These are significant steps forward which have been enabled by the close cooperation and frequent interaction of senior leaders of the two countries.

The President said we must move towards greater economic integration. South Asia should become an integrated market. A seamless assembly line as well as regional value chains for global markets should be created. Indian and Bangladesh businessmen are already collaborating in fields such as readymade garments, textiles, leather and pharmaceuticals. There exists huge potential for doing same in food processing, light engineering goods, ship building and auto components.

The President said Indian investments in Bangladesh will help to create jobs and upgrade technology. These will make Bangladesh economy more competitive and increase exports. Indian investments in Bangladesh will help to create jobs and upgrade technology. These will make Bangladesh economy more competitive and increase exports. It is for this reason that the two Governments have agreed to cooperate to set up an Indian Special Economic Zone in Bangladesh. This is another big step forward towards restoring historic connections between our business communities, which will serve both well.

The President said Bangladesh and India must come together as large consumers to develop and purchase cheap and clean energy. There is huge untapped potential to develop renewable energy like solar and wind. As our economies get more integrated and our people better connected, our nations will become more prosperous. It will also open new economic doors for India's Northeast. It will enable our two countries to integrate South Asia and connect it with the dynamic East.

The President said he was confident that India-Bangladesh relations will always remain special and unique in the annals of South Asian history. The stage is now set for a quantum jump in our relations. He expressed confidence that the coming days will see a significant intensification of co-operation to eradicate poverty, enhance growth, promote trade and investment as well as fight the forces of terrorism, extremism and fundamentalism. 

********* 

Adopt the message of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and recharge society, says president
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee attended the celebrations of the 500th year of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s advent in Vrindavan (November 18, 2015) organised by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Brij Vrindavan Arrival 500th Anniversary Mahotsav, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh.

The President said Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was one of the greatest saints of the Bhakti movement. He was responsible for the popularity of Vaishnavism in Bengal through his Kirtans, which were unparalleled in lyricism and beauty.

Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu preached and spread loving devotional service and congregational chanting through personal demonstration. He propagated the cult of devotion by personally practicing it.

The President said living with diversity and finding unity in diversity has been practised in India over centuries. Many people wonder how it is possible for India to accommodate so much diversity within one system of administration, one Constitution and one legal jurisprudence. The President said the answer lies in our civilisational values. India’s unity has been possible because of our cultural and civilisational values. We have inherited these over centuries and have nurtured it. It is now a part of our life.

The President said Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu preached love, equality, humanity and harmony. We must adopt this message of the great saint and recharge our society. We must retransform ourself with the message of love. Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s teachings continue to have great relevance in the contemporary world. 

************ 


President of India presents Indira Gandhi National Service Scheme Awards 
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented the Indira Gandhi National Service Scheme Awards (2014-2015) at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (November 19, 2015).
For immediate release.

http://pibphoto.nic.in/documents/rlink/2015/nov/p2015111901.pdf

President Pranab Mukherjee Confers Indira Gandhi NSS Awards 2014-15 
The President Shri Pranab Mukherjee conferred Indira Gandhi National Service Scheme Awards 2014-15 to 57 persons at a function at the Darbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhawan here today. The objective of the Awards is to the recognise and reward outstanding contributions towards voluntary community service made by the Universities/ Senior Secondary (+2) Councils, NSS Units/ Programme Officers and NSS Volunteers, with a view to further promote NSS. Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion. The following Awards were  conferred :

S.
No
Category
No. of Awards
Value of Award
1.
University/
+2 Council
02
First Award:  Rs.3,00,000/- (for NSS Programme Development) with a Trophy to the University/ +2 Council.
A Certificate and a Silver Medal to the Programme Coordinator.
Second Award:  Rs.2,00,000 lakh (for NSS Programme Development) with a Trophy to the University/ +2 Council.
A Certificate and a Silver Medal to the Programme Coordinator.
2.
NSS Units and their Programme Officers
10
+
10

Rs.1,00000/- to each NSS Unit (For NSS Programme Development), with a Trophy.
Rs. 70,000/- to each Programme Officer with a Certificate and a Silver Medal.
3.
NSS Volunteers
32
Rs. 50,000/- to each Volunteer, with a Certificate and a Silver Medal.
In addition to the above, Certificates of Appreciation were given to 3 persons under University category.

********
INDIRA GANDHI NSS AWARDEES 2014-15

A. UNIVERSITY/+2 COUNCIL

1. DR.K. VIJAYA KUMAR
The Director
Directorate of Technical Education Kerala
Fort P.O Thiruvananthapuram-695023
Kerala

2. MR. ABDUL JABBAR AHAMED
Programme Coordinator, NSS
Directorate Of Technical Education,
Kerala

B. UPCOMING UNIVERSITY

1. PROF. U. UMESH KUMAR
The Vice Chancellor
Mahatma Gandhi University,
Nalgonda-508254
Telangana

2. DR. RAVI AKULA
Mahatma Gandhi University, Nalgonda-508254
Telangana

C. LETTER OF APPRECIATION (University/ +2 Council)

1. DR. KUNDAN BASAVARAJ
Kuvempu University, Jnanasahaydri, Shankaraghatta-577451
Shivamogga Distt.
Karnataka

2. DR. R.N. KARPE
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad-431004
Maharashtra

3. DR. ACHYUTANAND MALVIYA
Veer Narmad South Gujrat University, Surat-395007
Gujarat

D. NSS UNIT & PROGRAMME OFFICER

1. Ms. Annamma George, Principal
Govt.V.H.S.S
Chunakara, District Alappuzha, Kerala- 690534

2. Mr. JAFEESH. J
Government V.H.S.S.Chunakara
Distt. Alappuzha -690534, Kerala

3. Dr.M.G. Grasius, Principal
Holy Kings College of Engineering & Technology
Muvattupuzha
Ernakulam-686677, Kerala

4. Mr. SHAJAHAN C M
Holy Kings College Of Engineering &Technology, Muvattupuzha, Ernakulam-
686677, Kerala

5. DR. D. Kumar, Principal
Jamal Mohamed College
Race Course Road, Khajanagar,
Tiruchirappali-620020, Tamil Nadu

6. Dr. A. ABDUL HAKEEM
Jamal Mohamed College
Race Course Road, Khajanagar, Tiruchirappalli-620020, Tamil Nadu


7. Dr.P.P.V.D.Naga Trisula Pani, Principal
Sri Sai Baba National Degree College (Autonomous)
Govt. Hospital Road,
Anantapur-515001, Andhra Pradesh

8. Dr. UPPALURU VEKATA RAMANA
Sri Sai Baba National Degree College, (Autonomous),
Govt. Hospital Road, Anantapur-515001, Andhra Pradesh

9. Shri Prakash Chandra Nanda, Principal
Parimal College, Pandua,
Post.Kotagara, Via.Anlabereni
Distt.Dhenkanal, Odisha-759018

10. Mr. RASHMI RANJAN DASH
Parimal College, Pandua, PO-Kotagara, Via- Anlabereni, Dist.-Dhenkanal.
759018, Odisha

11. Dr. Sister Prema Kumari, Principal
St.Ann’s Degree College for Women, Malkapuram,
Vishakhapatnam-53001, Andhra Pradesh

12. Ms. E.P.S. BHAGYA LAKSHMI
St. Ann’s Degree College for Women, Malkapuram, Vishakhapatnam- 530011,
Andhra Pradesh

13. Dr.Vigna Oza,Principal
Ashvinbhai A Patel Commerce College, Kadi Campus
Sector 23, Gandhinagar
Gujarat-382023

14. Dr. RANCHHODBHAI GANESHBHAI RATHVI
Ashvinbhai A Patel Commerce College, Kadi Campus,Sec. 23 Gandhinagar ,
Gujarat

15. Dr.Akhilesh Mishra, Registrar
University of Lucknow
Lucknow-226007, Uttar Pradesh

16. Dr. ALKA MISRA
University of Lucknow
Lucknow-226007, Uttar Pradesh

17. Dr.Saroj Ahlawat, Principal
Tau Devi Lal Govt. College for Women
Murthal, Sonepat-131027, Haryana

18. Dr. JYOTI RAJ
Tau Devi Lal Government College For Women , Murthal (Sonepat) Haryana-
131027

19. Major Dr.M. Venkatramanan, Principal
D.G. Vaishnav College, Arumbakkam,
Chennai 600106, Tamil Nadu

20. Dr.T.UMAPATHY
D.G. Vaishnav CollegeArumbakkam,Chennai-106, Tamil Nadu

E. NSS VOLUNTEERS

1. Ms. SENKU INDRAJA
University Training Orientation Center,
Andhra University, Waltair, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

2. Mr. ANIREDDY ABHIRAM REDDY
Anurag Group of Institutions (Formely CVSR College of Engineering)
Venkatapur (V), Ghatkesar (M), Hyderabad-500088, Telangana

3. Ms. TANYA
Bhagat Phool Singh Girls College, Khanpur Kalan (Sonepat), Haryana


4. Mr. RAJNEESH SINGH
Pt. J.L.N Govt. College, Faridabad, Haryana

5. Ms. PADMASHREE C R
Deptt. Of studies in Commerce, Devanagere University
Shivagangothri,Davanagere-577002, Karnataka

6. Mr. DURGA SHANKAR SURYVANSHI
Advance College, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

7. Mr. ATUL SINGH RAJAVAT
Barkatullha University, Bhopal-462026, Madhya Pradesh

8. Ms. SEEMA DILIP GAWADE
Sri Shahaji chhatrapati Mahavidhyalaya, Kolhapur, Maharashtra

9. Mr. MULAGA CHANTI
Deptt. Of Social Work, Andhra University, Waltair, Visakhapatnam,
Andhra Pradesh

10. Mr. MANTU KUMAR YADAV
Jagdam College, Chapra, Bihar

11. Ms. AISWARYALEKSHMI. R
Alphonsa Colleg, Pala, Arunapuram P.O. Pala, Kottayam-686574, Kerala

12. Mr. MANOJ GEORGE
Baselius College,Kottayam -686001, Kerala

13. Mr. CHUKKA SRINIVAS
SRR Govt. Arts & Science College, Karminagar-505001, Telangana

14. Mr. SOLANKI MAHENDRASINH DILIPSINH
Smt. Ramilaben Bachubhai Patel, Arts & Commerce College, Sanand,Distt.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat

15. Ms. GRISHMA TRIVEDI
Mata Jijabai Girls P.G. College, Motitabela, Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

16. Mr. VINAYAK BHASKAR RAJGURU
K.T.H.M. College, Gangapur road, Nashik – 422002, Maharashtra

17. Mr. MISTRI GAUTAM JETHABHAI
L.D. Arts College, Navrangpura, Ahmemedabad-09, Gujarat

18. Ms. TAPA DAS
S.D. Memorial govt. Music College, Lichubagan,
Agartala, Tripura

19. Mr. DEBABRATA DAS
Bir Bikram Memorial College, Agartala, Tripura

20. Mr. SOUMYADEEP BARDHAN
Open NSS Unit attached to State NSS Cell, Deptt. Of Education (YAS) Govt. of
Tripura, Agartala. P.O. A.D. Nagar-799003, Tripura

21. Ms. SUSHILA RAJA TELGIRI
Narayan Zantye College of commerce Bicholim, Goa

22. Mr. HARSHIT SINGH
Sri. Jai Narain P.G. College (KKC) Station Road, Charbagh,Lucknow-226001,
Uttar Pradesh

23. Mr. GAJULA BALIJA VIJAYA KUMAR
Sri Krishnadevaraya University College, S K University, Anantapuramu-515003,
Andhra Pradesh

24. Ms. SHILPA MAHAJAN
Post Graduate Govt. College for Girls, Sector-11, Chandigarh

25. Mr. IBIRAJ SHARMA
Seemanta Mahavidyalaya Jharpokharia,
Mayurbhanj-757086, Odisha


26. Mr. RAM NIRANJAN SHARMA
University Rajasthan College, JAIPUR-302 004, Rajasthan

27. Mr. S. KARTHIK
Jairam Arts & Commerce College,
Chinnathirupathy Post,Salen-636 008, Tamil Nadu

28. Mr. PRAKHAR SINGH PAL
Dev Sanskriti University, Gayatri Kunj, Shanti Kunj,
 Haridwar-249401, Uttarakhand

29. Ms. POONAM DAHIYA
College of Agriculture
CCS Haryana Agriculture University, HISAR-125004, Haryana

30. Mr. SURENDER MITTAL
College of Agriculture
CCS Haryana Agriculture University, HISAR-125004, Haryana

31. Ms. SUSHREE SHUBHAM NAYAK
I G Mahila Mahavidyalaya, UDALA, Baripada, Mayurbhanj, Odisha

32. Mr. ANSHUL GOUR
S.S. Jain Subodh P.G. College,
Rambagh Circle, Jaipur-302004 , Rajasthan

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