1.In a few minutes from now, we will witness the launch of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), a unified tax system, in the country. This historic moment is the culmination of a fourteen-year long journey which began in December 2002, when the Kelkar Task Force on indirect taxation suggested a comprehensive Goods and Services Tax (GST) based on the Value Added Tax principle.
It is indeed a privilege for me to be present amidst you on this happy occasion and to receive the first copy of the re-launched National Herald. Today, a soldier and a witness of the Indian freedom struggle has risen again.
1.On the very happy occasion of Guru Purnima, it is my privilege today to launch major developments in higher education systems i.e. SWAYAM and other key digital initiatives for higher education. Let me congratulate the dynamic Minister of Human Resource Development for these initiatives.
Hon’ble Governors, during my Presidency, I have had the pleasure of working with you for five years. Many of you have been appointed during my Presidency.
1.I am happy to dedicate BML Munjal University to the nation. It is one of the new universities in the region which has the potential to turn itself into a leading institution in the times to come.
I am indeed very happy to welcome all of you to the Rashtrapati Bhawan. It is indeed my pleasure to receive the first copy of the book-The Future of Indian Universities: Comparative and International Perspectives edited by Professor Raj Kumar, founding Vice Chancellor of O. P. Jindal Global University and published by Oxford University Press, India.
1.Honourable Members, I would like to acknowledge my deep gratitude and appreciation to Honourable Speaker and the Honourable Chairman, Rajya Sabha and Honourable Members of Parliament for organizing this farewell ceremony on the eve of my demitting office as the 13th President of the Republic of India.
Dear Governors and Lt. Governors:
Fellow citizens:
1.