Respected Judges, Parents and my dear friends

Namaste and a Warm Good Morning to you all.

In this era of globalization, where boundaries diminish among nations, I have seen some of my friends asking this very important question. Is it important to identify our self as an Indian? Is there any reason why we should declare to the world with our heads high that we are a proud Indian? My firm answer to this is’ Yes, Yes and Yes and I have a thousand reason to feel proud of my mother land. Now let me explain.

To start with, I haven’t heard of any civilization which lasted for more than 8000 years. We are the only civilization which adapted to the demands and expectations of several generations, survived waves of attacks and massacres from external forces, occupied by foreign powers for centuries, yet the essence of our great civilization not only survived but flourished as well.It’s in our mother land, one of the greatest philosophies of the world, probably the only answer to all the conflicts in this world was born .Today the world realize that  Baharat's core philosophy of mutual respect,harmony and inclusiveness  like Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu and Ekam Sat Vipra Bahuta vatanti ,perhaps hold the key to the very existence of  humanity. Our Yoga, a highly scientific discovery by our great saints, is accepted by the United Nations and celebrated across 180 nations, as the magic solution towards a healthier life and peace of mind. Ayurveda, another gift from our ancestors, is gaining huge popularity day by day. It’s here in this punya bumi that our ancestors made vital discoveries in Calculus,trigonometry, geometry, civil engineering,medicine, astronomy and metallurgy.

We as Indians carry the legacy of Charaka and Susrutha, who invented the art of Surgery. We belong to the same heritage which produced Srinivasa Ramanujan, JC Bose and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam ,who mesmerized the west with their genius.  Our Blood is the same as that of Swami Vivekakda, Maharishi Aravinda and Swamy Chinmayananda, who through their devoted work inspired the world to think differently. We carry the same attitude and will power of Shivaji, Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh and Sardar Patel.

Today ,We are the largest democracy in the world with 1.2 Billion people, we are one of  the fastest growing economy in the world, 5th largest military power and one among the five super powers with advanced Space and Missile technology.When Global Indians are extending our soft power across continents, when Indian Software and Automotive companies acquire western companies and when our art and cinema conquers the world,  I am fully convinced that the next decade belong to my India and I have a 1000 reason to say that’ I am a proud Indian.

Vande matharan