New Delhi: The Union Budget Session of the parliament has begun with President Ram Nath Kovind's addressing both House of the Parliament at the Central Hall on Monday. 

President Kovind paid tribute to freedom fighters who prioritised their duties and helped India get its rights. Also, he remembered the personalities who contributed to the development journey of India in the 75 years of independence.

He said, "Starting this year, the Government has begun the Republic Day celebrations from 23rd Jan - Netaji's birth anniversary. My Government  believes that remembering the past and learning from it is very important for the safe future of the country."

He thanked Covid Warriors and frontline workers for their dedication during the pandemic.  "Many lives were lost due to COVID. Even in such circumstances our Centre, States, doctors, nurses, scientists, our healthcare workers worked as a team...I am thankful for our health care and frontline workers."

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President Kovid applauded the Ayushman Bharat card and India's vaccination program for administering over 150 cr doses of vaccines. 

"Ayushman Bharat card benefitted the poor. Availability of medicines at low prices at Jan Aushadi Kendra was also a great move," he added. 

Dr BR Ambedkar had said that his ideal society would be the one based on independence, equality and harmony. Democracy is not just a form of government,  democracy's base is a sense of respect for people. My Government considers the ideals of Babasaheb its guiding principle.

To ensure that no one returns home hungry, my govt distributes free ration to the poor every month as part of PM Gareeb Kalyan Yojana. Today India is running the world's largest food distribution program; it has been extended till March 2022.