New Delhi [India]: On the eve of the 76th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation, emphasizing the enduring significance of the Indian Constitution as the foundation of the country’s unity, identity, and democratic ethos.
Key Highlights of the Address
Significance of the Constitution
- President Murmu underlined the Constitution as a “living document” that embodies India’s collective identity and values, deeply rooted in its civilizational heritage.
- Recalling its adoption on November 26, 1949, she noted that Constitution Day, or Samvidhan Divas, has been celebrated since 2015.
- “Justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity,” she stated, are not modern imports but are intrinsic to India’s moral and cultural compass.
India’s Journey of 75 Years
- The President reflected on India’s strides since independence, describing the past 75 years as a period when the “long-dormant soul of India awakened.”
- She acknowledged India’s evolution from a period of colonial exploitation to reclaiming its rightful place as a global leader and knowledge hub.
Tributes to Freedom Fighters and Visionaries
- Honoring those who fought for India’s freedom, she highlighted the ongoing celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, representing unsung heroes now receiving due recognition.
- The contributions of Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, and Babasaheb Ambedkar were lauded for helping India rediscover its democratic and ethical foundations.
Role of Women in Nation-Building
- President Murmu praised the trailblazing women of the Constituent Assembly, such as Sarojini Naidu, Sucheta Kripalani, and Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, who were instrumental in shaping the nation’s destiny.
- She highlighted India’s progressive stance on women’s equality, contrasting it with global struggles during the mid-20th century.
Gratitude to Constitution Makers
- The President expressed deep gratitude to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Chair of the Drafting Committee, alongside the members of the Constituent Assembly and others who worked tirelessly to craft the Constitution.
- “For 75 years, the Constitution has guided our progress,” she said, urging citizens to honor the vision of its framers by upholding civic virtues.
Republic Day Reflections
The address concluded with a call to celebrate Republic Day as a moment of pride and reflection, recognizing the democratic values and collective efforts that have shaped modern India.