Build inclusive, prosperous India: Bedi on I-Day eve

Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi today asked the people to rededicate themselves to building an inclusive, prosperous and just India.

Greeting people on the eve of the 72nd Independence Day, she dwelt on the diverse Indian culture and the country's economic growth, but said still more could be done.

She said while India has grown into a self-sufficient and exporting nation which has progressed considerably in building infrastructure, there is still scope for improved education, better health, rural development, infrastructure and economic policies.

"For the nation to attain its glory every Indian has to contribute and be the change he or she wants to see. True to the call of the prime minister, if every Indian takes a step forward, the nation will take 1.2 million steps forward," she said.

Puducherry also celebrates its De Jure Transfer Day on August 16, the day the small French colony was liberated in 1962 and officially merged with the Indian Union.

In his message, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said it was the duty of every citizen to remember the sacrifices of the freedom fighters.

He said his government had overcome several obstacles and successfully implemented welfare measures, in an apparent reference to his running feud with Bedi.

Narayanasamy said the union territory's revenue and per capita income had grown substantially under the Congress- DMK coalition government. It happened owing to sustained cooperation of the people, he said.