History is not the past but it is consciousness of the past used for present purposes. It is a historic triumph for all of us to celebrate Independence Day. Truly, our past shapes our present condition and future. As we celebrate 38 years of Independence, we reflect on the experiences of the protracted liberation struggle and the path towards political independence. But for the first time, we reflect Independence in an era of new opportunities and global re-engagement.

We salute and pay our homage to all patriots who have made the supreme sacrifice to safeguard the freedom and sovereignty of this nation. The task before us today is to ensure that the hard won freedom retains its meaning and significance. It is task that calls all of us to be united irrespective of our religious, ethnic and political affiliations.

On this day, let us strive to understand the challenges before us as a nation and determine to give ourselves wholeheartedly to a noble vision of taking the country forward.

Happy 38th Anniversary