The speech discusses India's journey to independence from British rule and the importance of celebrating Independence Day. It notes the struggles and sacrifices of freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi and common citizens. While proud of India's progress as the largest democracy, it raises concerns about ongoing issues like violence and political instability. The speaker encourages students to study hard, eliminate illiteracy, and work towards a bright future for India.

1. SPEECH ON INDEPENDENCE DAY
Jai Sri Gurudev!!
My dear friends,
We were the privileged lot to have been born in free India. We were able to breathe the fresh
free air since our birth. If at all we want to know the pangs of agony of being slaves under a
foreign rule, we must ask our elders born before 1947. It was indeed a Himalayan task for
every Indian those days to fight against those powerful giants – the British rulers. We must
not allow those hard times and struggles fade away from our memories. Hence it is befitting
for us to celebrate such National festivals and recall those heroic deeds of our National
heroes. We remember them today. Right from Mahatma Gandhi to the local patriotic leaders
we owe our gratitude. When we regard those martyrs who laid their precious lives for our
sake, we must not ignore the common people who sacrificed their lot for the good cause.
There were farmers, land lords, businessmen, teachers, writers, poets and students who
helped the land achieve the long cherished freedom. Today we have come a long way in the
path of free India. We have proved ourselves worthy of freedom. We are considered as the
largest democracy in the world. How proud we were when Abhinav Bindra made ourNational
Flag flutter and ‘Jana Gana Mana’ played at the background in Beijing? We are proud of it and
feel very happy about all these positive aspects. But are we blind to the black clouds
surrounding us? Are we very successful in using our freedom in the right manner? If so, why
should there be so many bomb blasts, killings, attacks on government offices, cases against so
many politicians and so many unstable governments? Well my dear friends, what can a
student do at this juncture? Should we go and catch the terrorists? Should we fight against
the corrupted politicians? Or should we take over the country intoour hands by waging
another war for freedom? No, we are not expected to do all these things. We must keep
observing things around us. We will have our own day. Before that, let us do our duty of
preparing ourselves to be well-educated citizens of tomorrow. Let us do our duty sincerely
and study hard to achieve a goal. Today we require youngsters with lot of knowledge and
energy. Illiteracy is the first enemy for a democratic nation. Let us get rid of illiteracy and take
India to a bright future.
Jai Hind! Jai Karnataka!

2. Preamble of the Flag Code of India says that:
The significance of the colours and the Chakra in the National Flag was amply described
by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan in the Constituent Assembly which unanimously adopted the
National Flag. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan explained -
"The Ashoka Wheel in the center of the white is the wheel of the law of dharma. Truth or
satya, dharma or virtue ought to be the controlling principles of those who work under this
flag. Again, the wheel denotes motion. There is death in stagnation. There is life in
movement. India should no more resist change, it must move and go forward. The wheel
represents the dynamism of a peaceful change."

3. Facts About India
India is full of talent, intelligence and creativity. There have been many stars in the galaxy of
India, contributing a lot to this universe. Here is the glimpse of ancient India, which surely
make every Indian proud for his motherland. These set of facts inspires every Indian to work
hard with honesty and sincerity towards the goal and help the country to regain its shinning
position.
India never invaded any country in her last 1,000 years of history.
India invented the Number system. Zero was invented by Aryabhatta.
The world's first University was established in Takshila in 700BC. More than 10,500 students
from all over the world studied more than 60 subjects. The University of Nalanda built in the
4th century BC was one of the greatest achievements of ancient India in the field of
education.
According to the Forbes magazine, Sanskrit is the most suitable language for computer
software.
Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to humans.
Although western media portray modern images of India as poverty struck and
underdeveloped through political corruption, India was once the richest empire on earth.
The art of navigation was born in the river Sindh 5000 years ago. The very word 'Navigation'
is derived from the Sanskrit word Navgatih.
The value of pi was first calculated by Budhayana, and he explained the concept of what is
now known as the Pythagorean Theorem. British scholars have last year (1999) officially
published that Budhayan's works dates to the 6th Century which is long before the European
mathematicians.
Algebra, trigonometry and calculus came from India. Quadratic equations were by
Sridharacharya in the 11th Century; the largest numbers the Greeks and the Romans used
were 106 whereas Indians used numbers as big as 1053.
According to the Gemological Institute of America, up until 1896, India was the only source of
diamonds to the world.
USA based IEEE has proved what has been a century-old suspicion amongst academics that
the pioneer of wireless communication was Professor Jagdeesh Bose and not Marconi.
The earliest reservoir and dam for irrigation was built in Saurashtra.
Chess was invented in India.
Sushruta is the father of surgery. 2600 years ago he along with health scientists of his time
conducted surgeries like cesareans, cataract, fractures and urinary stones. Usage of
anesthesia was well known in ancient India.
When many cultures in the world were only nomadic forest dwellers over 5000 years ago,
Indians established Harappan Culture in Sindhu Valley (Indus Valley Civilisation).
The place value system, the decimal system was developed in India in 100 BC.
India was one of the richest countries till the time of British rule in the early 17th Century.
Christopher Columbus, attracted by India's wealth, had come looking for a sea route to India
when he discovered America by mistake.
India is the world's largest, oldest, continuous civilization.
India is the largest English speaking nation in the world.
The Vishnu Temple in the city of Tirupathi built in the 10th century, is the world's largest
religious pilgrimage destination. Larger than either Rome or Mecca, an average of 30,000
visitors donate $6 million (US) to the temple everyday.
Yoga was originated in India and has existed for over 5,000 years.