Republic Day 2026: President Droupadi Murmu delivered an address to the nation on the eve of the 77th Republic Day, in which she lauded the contributions of women to the nation’s development and highlighted key aspects of India’s economy.
While addressing the nation, the President emphasised how Republic Day is celebrated with fervour by Indians both within the country and abroad.
She said, "We, the people of India, at home and overseas, are going to celebrate Republic Day with fervour. The auspicious occasion of Republic Day allows us 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 15th August, 1947. India became Independent. We became the architects of our own national destiny."
President Murmu elaborated, "Since 26th January, 1950, we have been propelling our Republic towards our constitutional ideals. On that day, our Constitution was fully enforced. Bharat, the birthplace of democracy, was unshackled from the dominion system, and our democratic republic came into existence. 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. The framers of the Constitution provided a strong bedrock for the spirit of nationalism and the unity of the country through constitutional provisions."
"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 has been 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," the President said.
President Murmu hails Indian women, says 'breaking traditional stereotypes...'
Hailing the contributions of women, the President said that they are breaking stereotypes, contributing to the development of India, and making their mark in every field.
"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," President Murmu stated.
"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. These examples are a testament to the dominance of India's daughters in the world of sports.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe people of the country are proud of them. The number of women representatives in Panchayati Raj institutions is nearly 46 percent. The 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam', which seeks to take political empowerment of women to greater heights, will provide unprecedented strength to the idea of women-led development. The role of Nari Shakti will be crucial in the making of Viksit Bharat. With increasing contribution by women, our country will set an example of an inclusive Republic based on gender equality," she also added.
President Murmu on Indian economy
In her speech on Republic Day eve, President Murmu stated that India is the world's fastest-growing economy, and the nation is moving towards becoming the world's third-largest economy in the near future.
"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 on a much larger scale. In this journey of shaping our economic destiny, Atma-nirbharata and Swadeshi are our guiding principles," she said.
"The most important decision for the economic integration of the country after Independence, the implementation of GST, has established the system of 'One Nation, One Market. The recent decisions to make the GST system even more effective will further strengthen our economy. Four Labour Codes have been issued in the field of labour reforms. These will benefit our workers and will also accelerate the development of enterprises," the President said.
India's 77th Republic Day
A total of 30 tableaux, including 17 from States and Union Territories (UTs) and 13 from Ministries, Departments, and Services, will roll down the Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Monday.
The list of the participating tableaux includes Assam - Asharikandi - Terracotta Craft Village of Assam; Chhattisgarh - The Mantra of Freedom - Vande Mataram; Gujarat - Mantra of Swadeshi - Self-Reliance - Freedom: Vande Mataram; Kerala - Water Metro & 100 per cent Digital Literacy; Maharashtra - Ganeshotsav; Manipur - Towards Prosperity; Nagaland - The Hornbill Festival - Celebrating Culture, Tourism & Self-Reliance; Tamil Nadu - Mantra of Prosperity; Ministry of Culture - Vande Mataram - The Soul Cry of a Nation; Ministry of Information & Broadcasting - Bharat Katha.
Notably, for the first time, Indian Army contingents participating in the Republic Day Parade will march in a combat-ready battle array, reflecting their actual deployment during warfare, Major General Navraj Dhillon, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi, said during a media interaction in New Delhi on Friday.
The Indian Army Tableau will depict an Integrated Operations Centre, illustrating joint planning, precision targeting and air defence under the protective umbrella of "Sudarshan Chakra", showcasing how modern conflicts are planned and executed in real time.
The parade will comprise 6,065 participants and will be commanded by Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar. The event will also feature 12 military bands and 8 pipe bands, adding ceremonial grandeur to the operational narrative. (KNS)