Sonia Gandhi urges nation to reinvigorate principles of compassion, coexistence

New Delhi, Aug 14 (ANI): Ahead of the 70th Independence Day, Congress president Sonia Gandhi today appealed for a national movement to reinvigorate the principles of compassion, coexistence and inclusive development as the indelible features of our polity, society and economy. "Young men and women of India should not simply commemorate the 70th Independence Day but recall the ideals behind it," said Gandhi. "I appeal for a national movement to reinvigorate the principles of compassion, coexistence and inclusive development as the indelible features of our polity, society and economy," she added. Observing that the struggle for India's independence laid the foundation of evolution of a diverse and ancient pluralistic society, the Congress president said, "The weapons of truth and non-violence adopted during the freedom movement shook the foundation of the British Empire and inspired many self rule movements across the world." "Independence was a result of immeasurable sacrifices of those who made India what it is today, It is for every citizen to follow the solemn duty of protecting and preserving the values of freedom and equality," she said. Gandhi particularly underlined the selfless service of the armed forces. "Their supreme sacrifice in protecting the integrity of India is extraordinary and worth bowing to," she said. Reiterating that Independence came with tremendous sacrifices made by our founding fathers, Gandhi said, "Each Indian citizen, as indeed the Congress worker was a freedom fighter and as inheritors of this great legacy today, we must rise to fulfill the responsibility of preserving and fighting for the values that this rich legacy bequeathed us with." (ANI)