President Murmu Addresses Nation on Republic Day Eve
NEW DELHI, JANUARY 25 (NEPS): President of India Droupadi Murmu on Saturday addressed the nation on the eve of the 77th Republic Day, calling upon citizens to strengthen India’s democracy, unity, and development with the spirit of “Nation First.”
Extending warm greetings to Indians at home and abroad, the President said Republic Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s journey from Independence to becoming a vibrant constitutional republic. She recalled that with the enforcement of the Constitution on January 26, 1950, India emerged as the world’s largest democratic republic, guided by the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Paying tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th birth anniversary, the President said his role in unifying the nation remains a cornerstone of India’s unity. She also referred to the celebrations marking 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram and highlighted its role in nurturing patriotism across generations and languages.
The President remembered Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary, observed as Parakram Diwas, stating that his slogan “Jai Hind” continues to inspire national pride and courage, especially among the youth.
Tribute to the Nation Builders
President Murmu lauded the contributions of soldiers, farmers, women, doctors, teachers, scientists, sanitation workers, entrepreneurs, and youth for strengthening the Republic. She expressed special appreciation for the Indian diaspora for enhancing India’s global image.
Highlighting National Voters’ Day, she praised the increasing participation of women voters and reiterated Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s belief that voting is a key instrument of political education and democracy.
Women-Led Development
The President underlined the growing role of women in India’s development, noting that over 57 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened, nearly 56 percent of which belong to women. More than 10 crore women linked to self-help groups are contributing actively to economic and social change.
She hailed the achievements of Indian women in sports, including victories in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, the Blind Women’s T20 World Cup, and the all-Indian final in the Chess World Cup. She also highlighted the nearly 46 percent representation of women in Panchayati Raj institutions and said the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam will further strengthen women-led governance.
Focus on Tribal Welfare and Farmers
The President spoke about initiatives for tribal communities, including the Adi Karmayogi campaign, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, and the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission. She also mentioned PM-JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Janajatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan as key steps for tribal empowerment.
Referring to farmers as the backbone of the nation, she said schemes like PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and access to credit, insurance, irrigation, and modern farming practices are strengthening India’s food security and rural economy.
Economic Growth and Youth Power
Calling India the world’s fastest-growing major economy, the President said the country is moving towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy. She highlighted infrastructure development, GST reforms, labour codes, and the push for Atmanirbhar Bharat as pillars of economic growth.
She praised India’s youth, start-ups, and innovation ecosystem, stating that MY Bharat is connecting young citizens with opportunities and leadership. The youth, she said, will play a decisive role in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Security, Technology and Governance
Referring to Operation Sindoor, President Murmu said India had successfully carried out precision strikes against terror infrastructure, demonstrating the country’s growing defence self-reliance. She expressed confidence in the preparedness of the armed forces.
She also highlighted good governance reforms, the use of technology for direct benefit transfers, and the rise of digital payments, noting that more than half of the world’s digital transactions now take place in India.
Culture, Environment and Global Peace
The President stressed the importance of Indian knowledge traditions, Indian languages, and the Gyan Bharatam Mission in preserving the country’s civilizational heritage. She welcomed the availability of the Constitution in all Eighth Schedule languages as a step towards deeper constitutional awareness.
Calling for environmental responsibility, she urged citizens to follow the philosophy of Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) to protect the planet for future generations. She also reiterated India’s commitment to world peace amid global conflicts.
Concluding her address, President Murmu urged citizens to work together to make the Republic stronger and more inclusive, guided by patriotism and democratic values.
“Let us all work together with the spirit of ‘Nation First’ and make our Republic even more glorious,” she said, extending her Republic Day greetings to the nation.
