‘Chief Architect of Indian Constitution Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, while drafting the constitution has quoted and I say, “Constitution is not a mere lawyer’s document, it is a vehicle of life and its spirit is always the spirit of age”. It swells my chest with pride that despite so many diversities, we Indians are tied in the bond of togetherness. I stand here to salute the brave courageous and valiant personnel of our armed and para military forces who have risked their lives to safe guard the territorial integrity and honour of our mother land. We face the world with our heads held high and are proud to belong to a Nation which has taught us the concept of unity and diversity and universal acceptance. Our philosophy in life is driven by the ancestral thought in Maha-upanishad “Vasudhaiva Kutumbhakam” which means ‘the world is one family’ said Dr. E. Ramesh Kumar, IAS Chairman, MPT, while addressing an impressive gathering of Trustees of the Board, Dy. Chairman, Head of Departments, Officers, staff, employees, parents, invitees, students and teachers at the 70th Republic Day celebrations at the Deepvihar School grounds, at Headland Sada.
Speaking eloquently about the Indian Republic, Dr. E. Ramesh Kumar further highlighted the contribution of various segments of the society who strengthen the Republic. He said, “Citizens do not just make up and preserve the Republic, they are its ultimate stake holders and in fact pillars. Each one of us is a pillar – the soldier who defends our republic, the farmer who feeds our Republic, the forces that keep our Republic safe, the mother who nurtures our Republic, the Doctor who heals our Republic, the Nurse who tends to our Republic, the sanitation worker makes our Republic cleaner and hygienic, the teacher who educates our Republic, the scientist who innovates for our Republic, missile technologist who put our Republic on a new trajectory, the wise tribal who conserves the ecology of our Republic, the engineer who re-imagines our Republic, and the youth in whom lie the energy, hopes and future of our Republic, and our dear children who dream of our Republic”.
The Chairman also highlighted the flagship programs of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, such as Startup India, Standup India, Make in India, Ayushman Bharat, Swatcch Bharat Mission which have benefited the young and the old alike, helped the needy and down trodden giving impetus to the unemployed for obtaining gainful employment. He called upon the Officers and staff to work with more grit and strategy for a better future. He expressed confidence that the contribution of the staff would put the port back on its rails and give the Port its old grandeur and glory.
The Chairman earlier unfurled the National Flag, inspected the Ceremonial parade and took the salute at the Republic Day celebrations at the port. The March Past was held by the CISF Contingent of the Port, followed by the Port Fire Brigade, the students of Deepvihar Higher Secondary and Secondary schools. Patriotic songs and a pageantry of colourful cultural dances displaying India’s unity in diversity were presented on the occasion by the students of the educational institutions run by the Mormugao Port Trust Education Society as well as Asha Deep New Dawn School, to mark the Republic Day celebrations in Port. The CISF contingent of the Port displayed the skill of handling weapons.
The Chairman later along with the Dy. Chairman, HODs, and other dignitaries visited the MPT Hospital where they were received by Dr. Nimish Pillai, Chief Medical Officer MPT Hospital, and the senior Medical Officers and staff. The Chairman interacted with the inpatients at the port hospital inquiring about their health, well being and distributed fruits to all.
