நம் சுதந்திரத்திற்கு எத்திசையிலிருந்தும் ஆபத்து நேர்ந்து விடாமல் காப்பாற்ற வேண்டிய கடமை ஒவ்வொரு குடிமகனுக்கும் இருக்கும் உணர்வுமிக்க உரிமை.

DMK working president M.K. Stalin extended warm Independence Day greetings to citizens on August 15, 2017, underscoring the collective responsibility to protect hard-won democratic freedoms. Stalin affirmed that safeguarding national liberty and constitutional sovereignty against external threats and internal authoritarian tendencies constitutes both a fundamental duty and an emotional right of every Indian. True independence transcends ceremonial celebrations; it demands vigilant defense of secular values, free expression, federal diversity, regional autonomy, and social justice across every state of our union.

Stalin recalled that generations of courageous freedom fighters and social reformers sacrificed their lives to establish a democratic republic rooted in pluralism and equality. When centralized authoritarian policies threaten democratic institutions, citizens must stand united to preserve civil liberties. He noted that regional autonomy, cultural respect, and harmonious federal relations form the indispensable pillars that keep India strong, peaceful, progressive, and united.

The DMK leader urged the youth to actively participate in public affairs and resist communal intolerance, economic marginalization, and institutional overreach. Stalin reaffirmed the party's unwavering dedication to upholding constitutional democracy, inclusive welfare, and the sovereign dignity of all citizens across Tamil Nadu.