Uniform Civil Code reflects Constitution's equality principle: President
Panaji, July 7: President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday praised the practice of the Uniform Civil Code in Goa, saying that implementation of the socio-legal system was truly reflective of the values of equality in the Indian Constitution.
In his address during a civic reception here, je also said that the seaward region's constant brush with people from different countries across the world, over ages, had earned the natives of Goa the tag of "global citizens".
"I am happy to know that the government in Goa is laying special stress on empowering women... Goa has a common civil code, as a result of which all residents, men and women, have been given equal rights. This Code reflects the principle of equality in our Constitution and presents a good example to the country," said Kovind, who is on a two-day visit to the coastal state.
Implementation of the Uniform Civil Code has been a key poll campaign promise of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Goa is the only state in the country, where the Code has been in existence since the pre-Liberation era.
Kovind said that the state's exposure over time to global influences had a positive impact on the mindset of the local population, making them global in outlook.
"Because of the natural beauty, environment, its coastline, for ages Goa has been attracting people across the world. It has been important centre for international trade in the past. From Japan in the East to Africa and Western Europe, people from various countries have been visiting Goa. The extensive contact with the rest of the world has resulted in an evolved mentality, making Goans global citizens in the truest sense," he said.
Inviting Goans to visit the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Kovind said that his official residence belonged to each citizen of the country.
"The Rashtrapati Bhavan is a symbol of our democracy and our national heritage. The Rashtrapati Bhavan does not belong to the President alone, but to every citizens of the country. I invite you to visit the Rashtrapati Bhavan. When you are in Delhi, you are welcome to the President's House," he said.
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US President Biden assures peaceful transfer of power in January
Washington, Nov 7: Outgoing US President Joe Biden on Thursday vowed to ensure a peaceful and orderly transfer of power to President-elect Donald Trump in January and appealed to the people to accept the election results for the White House.
Biden made the comments during an address to the nation a day after Trump, 78, was re-elected as the 47th president of the US after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party's nominee.
Biden said he spoke with Trump and also with Vice President Harris, who he said ran an inspiring campaign.
Trump, who had lost the 2020 elections to President Biden, won this time both in terms of popular votes and electoral college votes.
“Yesterday, I spoke with President-elect Trump to congratulate him on his victory. I assured him that I would direct my entire administration to work with his team to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition," Biden said in his address from the Rose Garden of the White House.
"That's what the American people deserve,” he added.
"For over 200 years, America has carried on the greatest experiment in self-government in the history of the world," he said, adding that the people vote and choose their leaders and do it peacefully.
"In a democracy, the will of the people always prevails," said Biden in his address attended by members of his Cabinet and senior administration officials.
Biden said he hoped the election could also lay to rest the question about the integrity of the American electoral system.
“It is honest, it is fair, and it is transparent. It can be trusted, win or lose. I also hope we can restore the respect for all our election workers who busted their necks and took risks at the outset,” he said.
“As they did their duty as citizens, I will do my duty as president. I'll fulfill my oath and I will honour the Constitution. On January 20th, we'll have a peaceful transfer of power here in America,” Biden said.
Rebutting criticism of his economic policy, Biden said his administration is leaving behind the strongest economy in the world.
Biden said he also spoke with Vice President Harris.
"She's been a partner and a public servant. She ran an inspiring campaign, and everyone got to see something that I learned early on to respect so much: her character... She has great character, true character,” he said.
Biden added that Harris -- who took after Biden withdrew in July-- gave her "whole heart and effort" to her presidential campaign.
"I know for some people, it's a time for victory, to state the obvious. For others, it's a time of loss," he said.
Adding that campaigns are contests of competing visions and the country chooses one or the other, Biden said, "We accept the choice the country made."
"You can't love your country only when you win. You can't love your neighbour only when you agree,” Biden said.
His remarks are seen as an attempt to heal a country that appeared divided into two groups after the results of the bitterly contested presidential election were out.
"I know people are still hurting, but things are changing rapidly. Together, we've changed America for the better. Now we have 74 days to finish our term. Let's make every day count. That's the responsibility we have to the American people,” he said.
Noting that setbacks are unavoidable, he said that giving up is "unforgivable".
"We all get knocked down. But the measure of our character, as my dad would say, is how quickly we get back up. Remember, a defeat does not mean we are defeated. We lost this battle. The America of your dreams is calling for you to get back up,” he said.
“That's the story of America for over 240 years and counting. It's a story for all of us, not just some of us," he said, adding that the American experiment endures.
"We're going to be okay, but we need to stay engaged. We need to keep going. Above all, we need to keep the faith,” Biden said.
