Extracts from the January 25, 2026, speech by President of India Droupadi Murmu, celebrating the nation’s 77th Republic Day
My dear fellow citizens,
Namaskar!
We, the people of India, at home and overseas, are going to celebrate Republic Day with fervour. I extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you on this National Festival. …
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Since 26th January, 1950, we have been propelling our Republic towards our constitutional ideals. On that day, our Constitution was fully enforced. ….
Our Constitution is the foundational document of the largest republic in world history. The ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in our Constitution define our Republic. ….
Lauh Purush, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, unified our nation. Last year, on 31st October, a grateful nation enthusiastically celebrated his 150th birth anniversary.
Since 7th November last year, celebrations marking 150 years of the composition of our national song ‘Vande Mataram’ are also being organised. This song which is a prayer to the divine form of Bharat Mata, instils patriotism in every Indian. The great nationalist poet Subramanya Bharati composed the song “Vande Mataram Yenbom”, in the Tamil language, meaning “Let us chant Vande Mataram”, and connected the masses on an even larger scale with the spirit of Vande Mataram. Translations of this song in 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.
Two days ago, on 23rd January, the nation paid its respectful tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary. Since 2021, Netaji’s Jayanti is celebrated as ‘Parakram Diwas’ so that the people, especially the youth, can draw inspiration from his indomitable patriotism. Netaji’s slogan ‘Jai Hind’ is the declaration of our national pride.
Dear fellow citizens,
All of you are strengthening our vibrant republic.
The valiant soldiers of our three armed forces are always vigilant in the defence of our motherland. Our dedicated personnel in the police and in the Central Armed Police Forces are continuously and diligently working for the internal security of the people.
Our farmers toil hard to produce food for the people.
The path-breaking and talented women of our country are setting new benchmarks in many fields.
Our accomplished doctors, nurses, and all healthcare workers are dedicated to taking care of the health of the people.
Our committed sanitation workers play a major role in maintaining cleanliness in our country.
Our enlightened teachers are shaping future generations. Our world-class scientists and engineers are giving new direction to the country’s development.
Our industrious workers are rebuilding the nation.
With their talent and contributions, our promising youth and children strengthen our faith in the great future of our country.
Our talented artists, crafts-persons and writers are giving modern expression to our rich traditions.
Experts from various fields are guiding the multi-faceted development of the country.
Our energetic entrepreneurs are contributing immensely towards making the country developed and self-reliant.
Individuals and institutions serving society selflessly are illuminating the lives of countless people with their work.
All the people working in the government and the non-government sectors, discharging their duties sincerely and efficiently are contributing to nation-building.
Peoples’ representatives, committed to public service, are helping achieve welfare and development goals in line with popular aspirations.
Thus, all enlightened and sensitive citizens are advancing the progress of our Republic. ….
Dear fellow citizens,
Today, the 25th of January, 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 the exercise of the right to vote leads to political education. ….
The active and empowered participation of women is extremely important for the development of the country. ….
Our women are breaking traditional stereotypes and forging ahead. 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, from self-employment to the armed forces. In the field of sports, our daughters have set new benchmarks globally. Last year in November, the daughters of India scripted a golden chapter in sporting 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. ….
The number of women representatives in Panchayati Raj institutions is nearly 46 percent. ….
The role of Nari Shakti will be crucial in the making of Viksit Bharat. …
…. Last year on 15th November, the people of our country celebrated the fifth Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on the birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda, and that marked the culmination of the celebrations held to commemorate the 150th Jayanti of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Through the ‘Adi Karmayogi’ campaign, the leadership potential of the people of the tribal community has been nurtured….
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 due to the hard work of our farmers that we are able to export agricultural products. ….
Millions of our people who have been struggling with poverty for decades have been lifted above the poverty line. …. The world’s largest scheme of its kind embodying the spirit of Antyodaya, the ‘PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana’, is based on the idea that no one should go hungry in our country of over 140 crore people. This scheme is providing succour to nearly 81 crore beneficiaries. ….
Our country has the world’s largest young population. What gives us special pride is that our youth possess immense talent. Our young entrepreneurs, sports-persons, scientists, and professionals are infusing new energy into the country and making their mark on the global stage. ….
The impressive success demonstrated by start-ups in our country is mainly driven by our young entrepreneurs. …. I am confident that the power of youth will play a leading role in the making of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Dear fellow citizens,
India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy. Despite global uncertainties, India is recording continuous economic growth. We are moving towards achieving our goal of becoming the world’s third-largest economy in the near future.
By investing in the creation of world-class infrastructure, we are rebuilding our economic strength at a much larger scale. In this journey of shaping our economic destiny, Atma-nirbharata and Swadeshi are our guiding principles. ….
Dear fellow citizens,
Since ancient times, humanity has benefited from our civilization, culture, and spiritual traditions. Ayurveda, Yoga, and Pranayama have been appreciated and adopted by the global community. …. Sree Narayana Guru, the great poet, social reformer and spiritual icon born in Kerala had said that an ideal place is one where all people live with the spirit of fraternity, free from discrimination based on caste and creed. I will try to express this thought of Sree Narayana Guru in his own words:
Jati-bhedam mat-dvesham edum-illade sarvarum
Sodara-tvena vaadunna matruka-sthana manita. ….
The Constitution of India is now available in all the Indian languages included in the Eighth Schedule. Reading and understanding the Constitution in Indian languages will spread constitutional nationalism among the people and strengthen their sense of pride.
The gap between the government and the general public is being continuously reduced. Emphasis is being placed on good governance based on mutual trust. …
‘Ease of Living’ is being emphasised with the goal of improving everyday life. ….
…. Building Viksit Bharat is the shared responsibility of all citizens. ….
…. For example, our people have adopted the digital payment system on a massive scale. Today, more than half of the world’s digital transactions take place in India. From buying goods at the smallest shop to paying for an auto-rickshaw ride, the use of digital payments has become an impressive example for the global community. ….
Dear fellow citizens,
Last year, our country launched precision strikes against terror infrastructure through Operation Sindoor. Terror centres were destroyed, and many terrorists met their end. Our self-reliance in the field of defence powered the historic success of Operation Sindoor.
At the Siachen Base Camp, I saw our brave soldiers fully prepared and motivated to defend the country even amidst extremely challenging conditions. I also had the opportunity to fly in the Sukhoi and Rafale fighter planes 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 sortied in the submarine INS Vaghsheer. Based on the strength of the Army, Air Force, and Navy, people have complete trust in our defence-preparedness.
My dear fellow citizens,
Protection of the environment is a high priority today. I am proud that India has steered the global community in many areas related to the environment. ….
In our tradition, we have been offering prayers for peace to prevail in the entire universe. The future of humanity can remain secure only if there is peace in the whole world. In an atmosphere marked by conflicts in many parts of the world, India is spreading the message of world peace. ….