President Murmu Calls for Unity, Constitutional Values in Republic Day Address

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday urged citizens to uphold India’s constitutional values and strengthen national unity, as she highlighted women-led development, economic progress, social inclusion and national security in her address to the nation on the eve of the 77th Republic Day.

Calling the Constitution the bedrock of the world’s largest democracy, the President said India’s journey as a republic since January 26, 1950 has been guided by the ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. These values, she said, continue to shape the nation’s present and future.

Describing Republic Day as an occasion for reflection, President Murmu said it offers an opportunity to assess the country’s past achievements, present challenges and future direction, while reminding citizens of their collective responsibility.

Recalling India’s freedom struggle and the adoption of the Constitution, she said the document not only laid the foundation of a democratic republic but also strengthened unity in a diverse nation. She paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for his role in integrating the country, noting that celebrations marking his 150th birth anniversary have further reinforced the spirit of national unity.

The President also referred to the 150 years of Vande Mataram, calling it a powerful symbol of devotion to the nation that has inspired generations across regions and languages. Remembering Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, she said his slogan “Jai Hind” continues to be an enduring expression of India’s national pride.

President Murmu acknowledged the contributions of soldiers, farmers, workers, professionals, scientists, entrepreneurs and members of the Indian diaspora, saying every section of society plays a crucial role in strengthening the republic. She expressed special appreciation for the armed forces and security personnel, recalling her visits to Siachen, INS Vikrant and frontline combat units as evidence of India’s growing defence preparedness and self-reliance.

Highlighting women’s empowerment as a defining feature of India’s progress, she said increased participation of women in education, the workforce, sports and politics is reshaping the country’s future. She pointed to the rising number of women voters, nearly 46 per cent representation of women in Panchayati Raj institutions, and the transformative impact of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.

She said initiatives such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, women-led self-help groups and financial inclusion through the Jan Dhan Yojana have expanded opportunities for women across both rural and urban India.

The President also highlighted the government’s focus on tribal welfare, healthcare and education, referring to initiatives such as Eklavya Model Residential Schools and the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, which aim to balance development with cultural preservation.

Describing farmers as the backbone of the economy, she said policies focused on fair pricing, credit access, insurance and modern agricultural practices are strengthening rural livelihoods. She noted that welfare schemes such as the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and large-scale housing initiatives have helped lift crores of people out of poverty and ensure dignity for the poor.

Calling India the world’s fastest-growing major economy, President Murmu said the country is steadily moving towards becoming the third-largest global economy. Infrastructure development, GST reforms, labour codes and self-reliance, she said, are key pillars of this transformation.

She described India’s youth as the driving force behind innovation, start-ups and global competitiveness, expressing confidence that young Indians will play a central role in building a developed nation by 2047.

Emphasising India’s spiritual and cultural heritage, the President spoke about the global acceptance of yoga and Ayurveda and urged citizens to adopt environmentally responsible lifestyles under the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative.

She also reaffirmed India’s commitment to global peace amid growing international instability, saying lasting peace is essential for the future of humanity.

Concluding her address, President Murmu called on citizens to work with the spirit of “Nation First” to strengthen democracy and unity, and extended Republic Day greetings to Indians in the country and abroad.