President Draupadi Murmu on Sunday addressed the nation on the eve of the 77th Republic Day, highlighting the pillars of India’s democracy, the heritage of national symbols and the collective efforts of citizens in building a strong nation. He talked about the ideals of the Constitution, the cultural and patriotic significance of Vande Mataram and the inspiration of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
The President also talked about the achievements of women, contributions of farmers, tribal communities, workers and youth, as well as India’s economic growth and reforms. Here are the key quotes from his address:
on the constitution
“The ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity enshrined in our Constitution define our Republic. The framers of the Constitution have provided a strong foundation to the spirit of nationalism and unity of the country through the constitutional provisions.”
on Vande Mataram
“The great nationalist poet Subramaniam Bharati composed the song “Vande Mataram Yenbom” in the Tamil language, meaning “Let us chant Vande Mataram”, and connected the public to the spirit of Vande Mataram on an even larger scale. Translations of this song into other Indian languages also became popular. Sri Aurobindo translated this song into English. Vande Mataram, composed by the venerable Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, is our lyrical national prayer.“
on Netaji
“Two days ago, on January 23, the nation paid its respectful tributes to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary. From 2021, Netaji’s birth anniversary is celebrated as ‘Parakram Diwas’ so that people, especially the youth, can draw inspiration from his indomitable patriotism. Netaji’s slogan ‘Jai Hind’ is a proclamation of our national pride…”
on women
“Our women are breaking traditional stereotypes and moving forward. They are actively contributing to the overall development of the country. More than ten crore women associated with self-help groups are redefining the process of development. Women are making their mark in every field from agriculture to space, self-employment to armed forces.” Our daughters have set new standards in the field of sports at the global level. Last year in November, India’s daughters wrote a golden chapter in sports history by winning the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and subsequently the Blind Women’s T20 World Cup. Last year, the final match of the Chess World Cup was played between two Indian women. These examples are proof of the dominance of India’s daughters in the world of sports. The people of the country are proud of him.”
collective contribution
“Our brave soldiers of all three armed forces are always on alert to protect the motherland. Our dedicated policemen and Central Armed Police Forces personnel are always ready to ensure the internal security of our countrymen. Our farmers, Annadata, produce nutritious food for our countrymen. Our hardworking and talented women are setting new standards in many fields. Our dedicated doctors, nurses and all health workers look after the health of our countrymen. Our dedicated sanitation workers play a vital role in keeping the country clean. Our enlightened teachers shape the future generations. Our world-class scientists and engineers give a new direction to the development of the country. Our hardworking brothers and sisters rebuild the country. Our promising youth and children strengthen our faith in the bright future of the country with their talent and contribution…Thus, all conscious and sensitive citizens are driving the progress of our Republic.”
tribal empowerment
Under the “National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission”, more than 6 crore screenings have been done so far. About one lakh forty thousand students are receiving education in Eklavya Model Residential Schools, and many students have performed exceptionally well in competitive examinations. Such campaigns in the field of health and education are working to bring harmony between traditions and modern development among the tribal communities. ‘Dharti Aaba Tribal Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’ and ‘PM-Janman Yojana’ have empowered all tribal communities including PVTG communities.”
farmers
“Our Annadata farmers are the backbone of our society and economy. Generations of hardworking farmers have made our country self-reliant in food grains. It is because of the hard work of our farmers that we are able to export agricultural products. Many farmers have set very impressive examples of success.” Priority is being given to ensuring that our farmers get fair prices for their produce, access to credit at low interest rates, effective insurance coverage, good quality seeds, irrigation facilities, fertilizers for increased production, access to modern farming practices and incentives for organic farming. ‘PM Kisan Samman Nidhi’ is honoring the contributions of our farmers and strengthening their efforts.
economic growth and reform
“India is the fastest growing major economy in the world. Despite global uncertainties, India has been registering sustained economic growth. We are moving towards achieving our goal of becoming the world’s third largest economy in the near future. By investing in building world-class infrastructure, we are rebuilding our economic strength in a big way. In this journey of shaping our economic destiny, self-reliance and Swadeshi are our guiding principles. The implementation of GST, the most important decision for the economic integration of the country after independence, has established the system of ‘one nation, one market’. The recent decisions to make the GST system more effective will further strengthen our economy. In the area of labor reforms, four labor codes have been issued. This will benefit our workers and also accelerate the growth of enterprises.”
national voters day
“Today, January 25, is celebrated as National Voters’ Day in our country. Our adult citizens enthusiastically cast their votes to elect their representatives. Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar believed that exercising the right to vote ensures political education. Our voters, in line with Babasaheb’s vision, are demonstrating their political awareness… The increasing participation of women in voting is a powerful dimension of our republic. Women being active and empowered is very important for the development of the country. “National efforts being made for their health, education, security and economic empowerment have increased the participation of women in many fields.”
digital india
“Beneficiaries are being directly connected to the facilities through technology. Emphasis is being laid on ‘Ease of Living’ with the aim of improving everyday life. Efforts have been made to achieve national goals through public participation in the last decade.” Important national campaigns have transformed into mass movements. Local institutions in every village and city have been made the means to bring about progressive change. Building a developed India is the shared responsibility of all citizens. There is immense power in society. Revolutionary changes occur when efforts made by the government receive active support from the society. For example, our people have adopted digital payment systems on a large scale. Today, more than half of the world’s digital transactions take place in India. From purchasing goods at the smallest shop to paying for auto-rickshaw rides, the use of digital payments has become an influential example for the global community. I hope that all citizens will similarly actively participate in achieving other national goals.”
Operation Sindoor
“Last year, our country launched precision strikes against terror infrastructure through Operation Sindoor. Terrorist centers were destroyed and many terrorists were eliminated. Our self-reliance in the field of defense strengthened the historic success of Operation Sindoor. At Siachen Base Camp, I saw our brave soldiers fully prepared and motivated to defend the country even in the most challenging circumstances. I also got the opportunity to fly in Sukhoi and Rafale fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force. I saw the combat readiness of the Air Force. I witnessed the extraordinary capabilities of the Indian Navy’s indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. I also flew in the submarine INS Waghshir. Based on the strength of the Army, Air Force and Navy, people have full confidence in our defense preparedness.”
