- President invokes Constitution, unity and democratic ideals as India prepares to celebrate the 77th Republic Day
- From women-led development and empowered youth to farmers, workers and soldiers, President salutes citizens shaping modern India
- Economic growth, self-reliance and infrastructure drive position India as the world’s fastest-growing major economy
- Social justice, tribal welfare and Antyodaya-based schemes highlighted as pillars of inclusive governance
- Message of peace, environmental responsibility and ‘Nation First’ spirit anchors India’s global outlook
NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, JAN 25
On the eve of the 77th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation with a message of unity, confidence and collective responsibility, urging citizens to place the spirit of “Nation First” at the heart of India’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Extending Republic Day greetings to Indians at home and abroad, the President said, “The auspicious occasion of Republic Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the status and direction of our country in the past, present, and future.” She recalled that with the enforcement of the Constitution on 26 January 1950, India emerged as a sovereign democratic republic rooted in the ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
Describing the Constitution as “the foundational document of the largest republic in world history,” President Murmu said it provided a strong bedrock for nationalism and unity. She paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, noting that celebrations marking his 150th birth anniversary have further strengthened the spirit of national integration across regions and cultures.
Highlighting the power of national symbols, the President referred to celebrations marking 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, calling it “our lyrical national prayer” that instils patriotism in every Indian. She also recalled Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, stating that his slogan “Jai Hind is the declaration of our national pride.”
Saluting citizens across professions, the President said, “All of you are strengthening our vibrant republic.” She acknowledged the vigilance of the armed forces, the dedication of police and CAPFs, the hard work of farmers, healthcare workers, sanitation staff, teachers, scientists, engineers, workers, entrepreneurs and artists, adding that “our promising youth and children strengthen our faith in the great future of our country.”
Marking National Voters’ Day, President Murmu underscored the importance of democratic participation, recalling Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s belief that voting leads to political education. She noted with pride the rising participation of women voters, saying it adds “a powerful dimension to our Republic.”
Women-led development featured prominently in the address. The President said, “The active and empowered participation of women is extremely important for the development of the country.” Citing initiatives such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, women-centric Jan Dhan accounts and the growth of self-help groups, she said India’s daughters are breaking stereotypes in every field — from sports and science to the armed forces. She called the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam a historic step that will give “unprecedented strength to the idea of women-led development.”
Emphasising inclusive growth, President Murmu highlighted tribal welfare initiatives, including PM-JANMAN, Dharti Aaba Janajatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, Eklavya Model Residential Schools and large-scale health screenings, noting that these efforts are harmonising tradition with modern development.
Calling farmers the backbone of the economy, she said generations of Annadata have made India self-reliant in food grains, while schemes such as PM Kisan Samman Nidhi continue to strengthen agricultural livelihoods. Referring to poverty alleviation, the President said programmes like PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and the construction of over four crore pucca houses embody Mahatma Gandhi’s ideal of Sarvodaya.
On the economy, President Murmu said, “India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy,” adding that infrastructure creation, GST reforms and labour codes are strengthening long-term growth, guided by the principles of Atma-nirbharata and Swadeshi.
Praising the youth, she said India’s demographic strength is driving innovation, entrepreneurship and global success, expressing confidence that “the power of youth will play a leading role in the making of Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
The President also highlighted India’s defence preparedness, noting the success of Operation Sindoor and the combat readiness of the Army, Navy and Air Force, saying, “People have complete trust in our defence-preparedness.”
On the global stage, she reiterated India’s commitment to environmental protection through LiFE — Lifestyle for Environment, and said India continues to spread the message of world peace amid global conflicts.
Concluding her address, President Murmu invoked Rabindranath Tagore’s lines on the sacredness of the motherland and called upon citizens to work together to make the Republic “even more glorious.”
“Let us all work together with the spirit of ‘Nation First’,” she said, wishing citizens “happiness, peace, security and harmony.”
Jai Hind. Jai Bharat.
