The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee received the first copy of a commemorative publication of National Herald published to mark 70 years of India’s Independence today (July 1, 2017) at a function held in New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that it was indeed a privilege for him to receive the first copy of the re-launched National Herald. Today, a soldier and a witness of the Indian freedom struggle has risen again. He stated that National Herald began its journey during the dark days of colonial years. That was an era where subjects of the crown refused to accept subjugation as their fate. They aspired to be free citizens of a free land. To be masters of their own fate. National Herald gave voice to the freedom movement, but more than that, it gave a voice to the hopes and aspirations of every Indian. It represented a cause, the cause of freedom. Commercial considerations were always secondary and almost non-existent.

The President said that our achievements in the last 70 years are not just about building dams or power plants etc. It is not just about economic independence or regional prosperity but our unity, which is our greatest strength. Our national unity and nationalism is exhibited when more than 1.3 billion people, speaking more than 200 languages in their daily lives, practicing seven major religions and belonging to three different ethnic groups – Caucasians, Mongoloids and Dravidians, come together to constitute One India, under One Flag and One Constitution. However, when we see media reports about instances such as those when mob frenzy becomes highly irrational, we are to pause and reflect as to whether we are vigilant enough to protect the basic tenets of our country.

The President said that these 70 years have been eventful years for India. He stated that the job of the media can never come to an end. It is because of them that democratic rights and human dignity survives. Vigilance on the part of citizens, intellectuals and newspapers can act as the biggest deterrent to forces of darkness.

This release issued at 2020 hrs.