On the eve of the 77th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation, extending heartfelt greetings to citizens in India and abroad while reflecting on the country’s journey since Independence and the enforcement of the Constitution in 1950.
Describing the Constitution as the foundational document of the world’s largest republic, the President emphasised the enduring ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. She paid tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for unifying the nation, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary celebrated as Parakram Diwas, and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, whose 150th birth anniversary celebrations concluded last year.
President Murmu expressed profound appreciation for every section of society contributing to nation-building — from armed forces personnel guarding the borders to farmers, healthcare workers, sanitation staff, teachers, scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, and selflessly serving individuals and institutions.
A significant portion of the address focused on women’s empowerment. Highlighting schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana — where 56% of over 57 crore accounts belong to women — the President noted that over ten crore women in self-help groups are redefining development. She celebrated Indian women’s achievements in sports, including victories in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, Blind Women’s T20 World Cup, and the Chess World Cup final between two Indian players. The recently passed Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, she said, will provide unprecedented strength to women-led development.
The President also underscored initiatives for tribal communities, including the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, and PM-JANMAN Yojana for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Praising farmers as the backbone of the economy, she highlighted PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and efforts to ensure fair prices, better credit, and modern agricultural practices. On poverty alleviation, she pointed to PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana benefiting 81 crore people and over four crore pucca houses built for the poor.
Addressing the youth — India’s largest young population — President Murmu said they are the flag-bearers of the nation’s development journey, driving start-ups and self-employment. She expressed confidence that youth power will play a leading role in realising Viksit Bharat by 2047.
On the economic front, the President described India as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, moving towards becoming the third-largest. She highlighted GST as a landmark post-Independence decision, ongoing labour reforms, and the guiding principles of Atmanirbharata and Swadeshi.
The address also touched on cultural revival, preservation of Indian knowledge traditions through the Gyan Bharatam Mission, environmental protection via the global Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) movement, and India’s message of world peace amid global conflicts.
Referring to Operation Sindoor — precision strikes against terror infrastructure — and her personal experiences at Siachen, flying in Sukhoi and Rafale jets, and visiting INS Vikrant and submarine INS Vaghsheer, the President reaffirmed public trust in India’s defence preparedness.
Concluding with Rabindranath Tagore’s tribute to the motherland and the call for “Nation First,” President Murmu urged citizens to actively participate in national goals and make the Republic even more glorious.
“Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!” she said.
