Dear Friends

I have been overwhelmed by the confidence and trust you have placed in me by electing me as the President of the Indian National Congress. Together we will make the Congress party an even more effective instrument for serving the people of our country. The history of the Congress party is the history of modern resurgent India. It is a saga of struggle and sacrifice by people of all religions, castes, creeds and classes. It has no parallel anywhere in the world. The Congress Party has fought for the uplift of the people not only of India, but the entire third world. Its universal perspective and its multi-dimensional orientation contributed significantly, fundamentally to the liberation of millions of people all over the world from colonial yoke. Free India’s economic, foreign and domestic policies have become role models for the newly independent countries and even to developed nations. It was the Congress Party and its great leaders who placed India in this unique position.

To be the President of such an organisation imposes a tremendous responsibility. I am conscious of this and am totally committed to the cause of the people of India. I will strive every nerve to ameliorate their problems. With your guidance, support and understanding, I hope to meet the expectations and aspirations of every worker of the Congress party. Only through a vibrant Congress party, we can make India stronger. It is therefore of vital importance that every one of us ensures that our great party remains in the forefront of national political action and presents to the country programmes and policies relevant to Rajiv Gandhi's vision of the twenty-first century. You all constitute the grassroot bastion of the party and it is your will and determination that drives the party and the country forward. The party, as you all know, needs to be strengthened at all levels and galvanised into a fighting machine for the good of the masses. For this fresh and youngblood has to be inducted, trained and made to shoulder responsibilities as the future leaders. This is no easy task, nor can it be done in a day. I intend to initiate steps without delay in this direction in consultation with my colleagues at different levels from all states. I have already begun the process by holding discussions with state leaders. The process will go on and by the time the next AICC is held, I would like the party to be ready with a plan of action to restore the Congress the glorious position it always had. I am absolutely sure you would like to be active partners in this exciting patriotic endeavour. Unity within the party is an essential ingredient of any constructive and concrete action. I appeal to all of you to forget past differences and move in concert. I had myself welcomed the presidential contest. It proved beyond doubt to friends and foes that the Congress party does not just preach, it practices internal democracy. The contest has strengthened the party. It is now time to be one again and look forward to the goals that beckon us.

Once again I thank you for the confidence you have reposed in me.