: Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana on Friday extended Independence Day greetings to the people of the state and called upon them to strengthen democratic values, national unity and social harmony.Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana (HT file Photo)In his Independence Day message, Mahana said the occasion was not merely a national festival but also an opportunity to pay tribute to the courage, sacrifice, dedication and martyrdom of the country’s freedom fighters.“Independence Day is not merely a national festival but an occasion to salute the unparalleled courage, sacrifice, dedication and martyrdom of those immortal freedom fighters whose struggles have enabled us to live with dignity and self-respect in an independent India,” he said.Mahana said India has the world’s largest democracy and that its greatest strength lies in its aware and responsible citizens. He said Independence Day inspires people to remain conscious of their duties along with their rights.The speaker urged people to resolve on the occasion to further strengthen the ideals enshrined in the Constitution, democratic values, national unity, social harmony and mutual goodwill. Referring to the country’s development, Mahana said India was reaching new milestones in self-reliance, innovation, good governance and development under the leadership of the Prime Minister.He also said that Uttar Pradesh was making significant progress in development, investment, infrastructure, education, health and public welfare under the leadership of the Chief Minister.“It is a matter of pride for all of us that our country is continuously establishing a strong identity on the global stage,” he said.Mahana also called upon the people of the state to pledge their commitment to environmental conservation, social harmony, respect for women, cleanliness, education and the strengthening of democratic values. He said that even a small contribution by every citizen plays an important role in the nation’s progress.