President Droupadi Murmu voiced her support for the ‘One Nation One Election’ initiative and highlighted India’s rising global economic influence in her address to the nation on the eve of the 76th Republic Day. She emphasized the Constitution’s role in shaping India’s collective identity and hailed the nation’s progress over 75 years as a young republic.
Congratulating citizens on the occasion, President Murmu extended gratitude to the armed forces, police, paramilitary personnel, judiciary, and other key contributors to the nation. She also acknowledged advancements in education, scientific research, and space exploration.
“This month, ISRO once again made the nation proud with its successful Space Docking Experiment. India has become the fourth country in the world to achieve this capability,” she said.
Reflecting on India’s journey, President Murmu noted how the country overcame poverty and hunger through hard work and determination. “Farmers made India self-sufficient in food production, while laborers transformed our infrastructure and manufacturing sector. Today, India’s economy influences global economic trends, and the nation is taking leadership positions in international forums,” she said.
She praised India’s sustained high economic growth rate, which has created jobs, boosted rural incomes, and lifted millions out of poverty. She expressed confidence that bold economic reforms will continue to fuel growth.
“Inclusion is the cornerstone of our growth story,” she said, highlighting financial inclusion initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and Atal Pension Yojana. She also lauded the government’s efforts to make housing and drinking water accessible as entitlements and to support marginalized communities.
President Murmu backed the proposed ‘One Nation One Election’ initiative, calling it a measure to enhance governance by ensuring consistency, reducing policy paralysis, and lowering financial burdens. She also highlighted progress in infrastructure development, including roads, railways, and digital finance technologies.
“The government’s use of technology in finance, such as digital payments and direct benefit transfers, has not only promoted inclusion but also brought unprecedented transparency,” she said.
She applauded measures like the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code for strengthening the banking system and reducing non-performing assets.
The President emphasized India’s rich cultural heritage, pointing to initiatives such as the ongoing Maha Kumbh and recognition of 11 classical languages, including Assamese and Marathi. She also expressed excitement about India’s first Archaeological Experiential Museum in Vadnagar, Gujarat, which will showcase human history dating back to 800 BCE.
On scientific advancements, she mentioned key initiatives like the National Quantum Mission and the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems, which are driving research in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity.
She also praised the Genome India Project, which has sequenced the genomes of 10,000 Indians to advance biotechnology research and improve public healthcare.
President Murmu celebrated India’s growing presence on the global stage, with improved rankings in the Global Innovation Index and intellectual property filings. She also applauded Indian sportspersons, particularly D. Gukesh, the youngest World Chess Champion, and India’s gold medal wins at the FIDE Chess Olympiad.
She commended the contributions of the Indian diaspora and urged their proactive participation in building a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047.
“The key to our future is our youth, especially young women, whose dreams are shaping tomorrow’s India,” she said, emphasizing the transformative progress in education, regional language promotion, and women’s leadership in teaching roles.
President Murmu urged citizens to combat climate change, citing initiatives like Mission Lifestyle for Environment and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (One Tree in Mother’s Name). She invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings of truth, nonviolence, and compassion, emphasizing the need to protect flora, fauna, and natural resources.
As India marches toward its centenary of independence in 2047, President Murmu called on the nation to uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution and work collectively to achieve Gandhiji’s vision of a harmonious and sustainable world.