Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday interacted with artists, who will be performing in the 75th Republic Day Parade on January 26 and lauded the country's socio-cultural heritage, while urging citizens to do whatever they can for the betterment of the country.
India will not become self-reliant just by somebody saying so, it will be achieved by actions of the youth, the Prime Minister said.
"We did not get the opportunity to sacrifice everything for the country's freedom, but we have definitely been given the opportunity to give our best. Whatever good we can do for the country, we should do to strengthen India," he said.
While addressing the participants of the parade, which included dancers, NCC cadets and several others, PM Modi also said, "When you march along Rajpath with passion and zeal, every countryman is filled with enthusiasm. Your glimpses of the country's rich art, culture, tradition and heritage, every Indian raises their head with pride."
"During the preparations for Republic Day, you must have realized how diverse our country is. Many languages, many dialects and different foods, but India is one. The Republic Day Parade salutes our country's great socio-cultural heritage strength and the Constitution on which the world's biggest democracy functions," he said.
'Vocal for Local' will gain more strength from the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' sentiment, Modi said.
Several artists and dancers performed for the Prime Minister in colourful attires and vibrant dances ahead of the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi.
(With inputs from agencies)
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