Amid heightened geopolitical tensions in several parts of the world, Droupadi Murmu on Sunday said that India continues to act as a global voice for peace, underlining that lasting peace is indispensable for safeguarding the future of humanity. In her address to the nation on the eve of the 77th Republic Day, the President spoke at length on a wide spectrum of themes, ranging from national security and foreign policy to women’s empowerment, poverty reduction, economic progress, cultural unity and governance reforms.
Emphasising India’s civilisational ethos, President Murmu described the country as a long-standing advocate of universal harmony in an increasingly conflict-ridden world. She noted that prayers for peace have always been central to India’s traditions and said that humanity’s collective future can remain secure only when peace prevails across the globe. Against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in various regions, she said India continues to consistently convey the message of peace and cooperation to the international community.
Turning to national security, the President highlighted India’s firm and resolute stance against terrorism and external threats. She referred to the success of Operation Sindoor, under which precision strikes were carried out to dismantle terror infrastructure across the border. She said terror centres were destroyed and several terrorists were neutralised, attributing the effectiveness of the operation to India’s increasing self-reliance in defence capabilities and indigenous military preparedness.
Recalling her personal interactions with the armed forces, President Murmu spoke about her visits to the Siachen Base Camp and her experiences flying in Sukhoi and Rafale fighter jets, as well as aboard the submarine INS Vaghsheer. She said these experiences strengthened her belief that citizens have complete confidence in the readiness, professionalism and strength of the Army, Air Force and Navy to protect the nation.
Placing women at the heart of India’s development journey, the President said the rise of nari shakti is central to the country’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. She stressed that India’s progress is inseparable from the active participation of women in all spheres of life. Highlighting key milestones, she said over 10 crore women associated with self-help groups are transforming the grassroots economy, while women now constitute nearly 46 per cent of representatives in Panchayati Raj institutions across the country.
She said the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam would take women’s political empowerment to unprecedented levels, ensuring stronger representation in legislative bodies. Calling the past year a golden chapter for Indian women on the global stage, she cited notable achievements in sports, including triumphs at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and the Blind Women’s T20 World Cup. She also pointed to the growing presence of women in the armed forces, space research, science and entrepreneurship as evidence of expanding opportunities.
On poverty alleviation and inclusive growth, President Murmu said millions of people have been lifted out of poverty in recent years, with the government now focusing on ensuring that they do not slip back into deprivation. She reiterated the principle that no citizen should go hungry and said nearly 81 crore people are currently covered under various central welfare schemes. Special attention, she added, is being given to tribal, marginalised and vulnerable communities, reflecting Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Sarvodaya, or development for all.
Addressing governance reforms, the President said significant steps have been taken to make administration more transparent, efficient and citizen-centric. She announced that the Constitution of India is now available in all 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule, a move aimed at strengthening what she described as constitutional nationalism. She added that deregulation and technology-driven governance have reduced bureaucratic hurdles and narrowed the distance between citizens and the state.
Highlighting India’s digital leadership, President Murmu said the country has emerged as a global frontrunner in the digital economy. She noted that more than half of the world’s digital transactions are now carried out in India, reflecting the scale, trust and inclusiveness of the country’s digital public infrastructure. According to her, this transformation has not only boosted efficiency but also expanded financial inclusion and access to services.
On the economy, the President described India as the fastest-growing major economy in the world and said the nation is steadily moving towards becoming the third-largest economy globally. She referred to the Goods and Services Tax as the most significant economic integration reform since Independence and said the country’s future growth is being guided by the principles of atmanirbharta and swadeshi. These, she added, are being supported by large-scale infrastructure development, labour reforms and policy stability.
Concluding her address, President Murmu spoke about India’s deep-rooted cultural unity and the ongoing celebrations marking 150 years since the composition of Vande Mataram. She noted that the song played a crucial role in uniting people across linguistic, regional and cultural boundaries during the freedom struggle. From north to south and east to west, she said, India’s ancient cultural fabric was woven by generations of ancestors, and continued efforts to nurture this spirit of oneness are both meaningful and commendable.
