PM Modi remembers 'bravery, sacrifice' of Guru Gobind Singh on his 350th birth anniversary

New Delhi, Aug. 15 (ANI): On the occasion of 70th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday remembered the bravery and sacrifice of Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh on his 350th birth anniversary. "How can we forget the bravery and sacrifice of the Sikh Gurus. We are celebrating the 350th anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh. He used to say that the hands that have never served, the hands that have not been used for hard work, cannot be considered sacred," Prime Minister Modi said while addressing the nation on the occasion of 70th Independence Day. Prime Minister Modi also said the government is giving importance to integrated development against isolated development and empowerment against entitlement. "When a new government is elected, many-a-times, good initiatives taken by the previous government are forgotten. But we did not let this happen, we have taken forward the good initiatives taken by the previous government. Our government is giving importance to 'last man delivery' by taking decisions decisively as our policies and intentions are clear. We are trying to revive 'post-offices' in the country which is becoming irrelevant increasingly due to advent of technology," he added. The Prime Minister asserted that reform, perform and transform is the government's mantra, adding that it has made efforts in every sector. "We have connected Aadhar card to government schemes to curb corruption. We all know about coal scam. However, we auctioned coal online, without any corruption charges levelled against us due to transparency. For us, image of the nation is more important than the image of the government," he added. Prime Minister Modi further asserted that amidst global economic slow-down, Indian economy is growing. "Financial independence of women and her participation is important to fight poverty. GST will give strength to our economy and all parties are to be thanked for its passage. GST is one such tax reform which will help us bring in financial stability. We have worked to achieve "One nation, one grid and one price"," he added. Remembering Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar on social unity, Prime Minister Modi said India has to rise above and fight anti-social elements. "Only then we'll be able to progress in real sense. Only financial growth is not imp, social unity is also important. 125 crore people of India are part of one family," he added. Prime Minister Modi said the present government has fulfilled the promise of 'One Rank One Pension'. "More than 35000 jawans have lost their lives fighting at border so that we can stay peacefully here, how can we forget them? Therefore my government tried to resolve the long standing issue of OROP," he added. Prime Minister Modi hoisted the national flag at the ramparts of Red Fort for the third time as India celebrates its 70th Independence Day today. Heavy security arrangements have been put in place for the grand celebrations. (ANI)