New Delhi, Jan 25: President of India Droupadi Murmu, in her address to the nation on the eve of Republic Day 2026, called upon citizens to strengthen national unity, democratic values and collective responsibility while building a developed and inclusive India.
Extending greetings to Indians at home and abroad, the President said Republic Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the country’s journey since Independence and reaffirm commitment to the constitutional ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
Paying tribute to the framers of the Constitution, she recalled the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in unifying the nation and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, whose birth anniversary was recently observed as Parakram Diwas. She also highlighted the celebration of 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, calling it a national prayer that strengthens patriotism.
The President described National Voters’ Day as a reminder of the importance of democratic participation and praised the growing political awareness among citizens, especially women.
President Murmu said the active participation of women is crucial for India’s development, highlighting initiatives such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Jan Dhan Yojana, self-help groups and the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which seeks to enhance political representation of women.
She noted that women now constitute nearly 46 percent of Panchayati Raj representatives and are excelling in fields ranging from agriculture and science to sports and defence. She cited achievements such as India’s victories in women’s cricket and chess as symbols of growing female leadership.
The President highlighted efforts towards tribal empowerment through schemes like PM-JANMAN, Adi Karmayogi, Eklavya Model Residential Schools and the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission. She said these initiatives are improving access to education, healthcare and leadership opportunities in tribal regions.
Calling farmers the backbone of the economy, President Murmu referred to schemes such as PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, irrigation expansion, organic farming and fair pricing mechanisms.
She also praised welfare measures for the poor, including PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, which supports nearly 81 crore people, and the construction of over four crore pucca houses for low-income families.
Highlighting India’s demographic strength, she said youth are driving the country’s start-up ecosystem, innovation and global presence. Initiatives like MY Bharat are connecting young people with leadership and skill development opportunities.
President Murmu said India remains the fastest-growing major economy and is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy. She cited GST, labour reforms and infrastructure investment as key drivers of economic integration and self-reliance.
She emphasised the revival of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage through initiatives like the Gyan Bharatam Mission, promotion of Indian languages and digital governance.
On environmental protection, she highlighted India’s global leadership under the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) mission and tree plantation drives such as Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.
The President referred to Operation Sindoor, under which terror infrastructure was targeted, and praised the preparedness of the armed forces. She mentioned her visits to Siachen Base Camp, INS Vikrant, and frontline aircraft and submarines, expressing confidence in India’s defence capabilities.
President Murmu noted that over half of the world’s digital transactions now take place in India and praised citizens for adopting digital payments, calling it an example of mass participation in national transformation.
Concluding her address, the President urged citizens to uphold the spirit of ‘Nation First’, work collectively for environmental protection and global peace, and contribute actively to building a strong, harmonious and developed India.
She extended warm Republic Day greetings and expressed confidence that India’s future would be marked by peace, prosperity and unity.
