President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday addressed the nation on the eve of Republic Day, paying tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to liberate India from colonial rule.
In her address, the President also praised the preparedness of the armed forces in safeguarding the nation and reflected on India’s democratic journey, constitutional values and collective responsibilities. She highlighted key national achievements and urged citizens to strengthen unity, inclusivity and resilience while working together towards a prosperous, self-reliant and forward-looking India.
Congratulating citizens on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, President Murmu said, “We, the people of India, at home and overseas, are going to celebrate Republic Day with fervour. This auspicious occasion gives us an opportunity to reflect on the status and direction of our country in the past, present and future. The force of our freedom movement changed the status of our country on August 15, 1947, when India became independent.”
‘We became architects of our national destiny’
Recalling the transformative impact of the freedom movement, the President said Independence marked the moment when India began shaping its own future. She noted that the full enforcement of the Constitution signified the birth of India as a democratic republic, freeing Bharat from the dominion system.
“Our Constitution is the foundational document of the largest republic in world history. The ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity enshrined in it define our Republic,” she said, adding that the framers of the Constitution laid a strong foundation for nationalism and national unity.
President highlights significance of Vande Mataram
In her address, President Murmu underlined the importance of Vande Mataram, describing it as the country’s lyrical national prayer. She recalled how nationalist poet Subramanya Bharati popularised the song through his Tamil composition “Vande Mataram Yenbom”.
“The great nationalist poet Subramanya Bharati composed ‘Vande Mataram Yenbom’, meaning ‘Let us chant Vande Mataram’, and connected the masses more deeply with its spirit. Translations in other Indian languages also became popular. Sri Aurobindo translated the song into English,” she said, noting that Vande Mataram was originally composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
The President also referred to the nation’s recent tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary, observed as Parakram Diwas, to inspire the youth with his patriotism.
“Netaji’s slogan ‘Jai Hind’ is a declaration of our national pride,” she said.
Rise of Nari Shakti in nation-building
President Murmu emphasised the growing role of women in nation-building, saying women are breaking stereotypes and contributing decisively across sectors—from agriculture and entrepreneurship to space, sports and the armed forces.
“More than ten crore women associated with self-help groups are redefining the development process. Women are making their mark in every field,” she said.
Highlighting sporting achievements, the President cited India’s success in women’s cricket and chess as symbols of growing global dominance.
“Our daughters have set new benchmarks. They won the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and the Blind Women’s T20 World Cup, and the Chess World Cup final was contested between two Indian women,” she said, adding that the nation takes pride in these accomplishments.
She concluded by saying that Nari Shakti will play a crucial role in the making of Viksit Bharat, and that increasing participation of women will help India emerge as an inclusive republic founded on gender equality.
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