Renew pledge to protect Constitution, Rahul urges people

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday called on the people to renew the pledge to defend the country's Constitution, and values like justice, liberty and equality, more than ever before in the history of the "young nation".

In a message issued on the eve of the 69th Republic Day, the Congress President said: "On this Republic Day, let us renew our lifelong pledge to protect our Constitution, the keystone of our cherished republic, and to defend it as one people, whenever it is endangered."

He said as people celebrated their "beloved nation", they should "remember the Indian Constitution and the commitment we made to all our citizens: Justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity".

"More than ever before in the history of our young nation, we must defend these treasured commitments -- Justice for all. Together, we must strive to ensure that the constitutional right of justice is sacrosanct and India's laws protect the underprivileged, the voiceless and the poorest of the poor," he said.

"Liberty to express ourselves freely, without fear of verbal or physical intimidation and violence. We are citizens of a democratic republic and our strength is built upon a diversity of religion, cultures, ideas and opinions."

"Equality of opportunity, regardless of our economic status, caste, religion or gender. Where each citizen is treated equally not just in the letter of the law but in our actions and in the way we treat each other."

He said Indians are proud to share a common bond -- "our belonging to this beautiful nation".