'G20 Presidency Opportunity To Promote Democracy, Multilateralism': Top Quotes Of President On R-Day Eve

President Droupadi Murmu said the world started to look at India with renewed respect after the implementation of a series of initiatives in recent years to "transform all aspects of governance".

The G20 can find solutions to "most pressing" problems around the world, President Droupadi Murmu said in her maiden Republic Day eve address to the nation. President Murmu said the world started to look at India with a new sense of respect after the government implemented a series of initiatives in recent years to "transform all aspects of governance".

"Our interventions in various world forums have started making a positive difference. The respect that India has earned on the world stage has resulted in new opportunities as well as responsibilities."

Here are the top quotes of President Droupadi Murmu from her Republic Day eve address to the nation:

1. She said India's presidency of the G20 in 2023 would promote democracy and multilateralism and the right forum. "Under India's leadership, I am sure, G20 will be able to further enhance its efforts to build a more equitable and sustainable world order," President Murmu said.

2. According to her, the G20 represents about two-thirds of the world population and around 85% of the global GDP. "It is an ideal forum to discuss and find solutions for global challenges," President Murmu said.

3. "Under India’s leadership, I am sure, G20 will be able to further enhance its efforts to build a more equitable and sustainable world order," She said.

4. Highlighting India's efforts in global peace process, President Murmu said: "Our interventions in various world forums have started making a positive difference. The respect that India has earned on the world stage has resulted in new opportunities as well as responsibilities," she said.

5. She also emphasised India's push towards clean energy. She said: "To my mind, global warming and climate change are the most pressing among them. Global temperatures are rising and incidents of extreme weather are increasing... Unfortunately, the poor bear the brunt of global warming more than others. India has taken a commendable lead in this direction by giving a policy push to solar energy and electric vehicles. At the global level, however, emerging economies need a helping hand from advanced nations in the form of technology transfer and financial support."

6. She further stressed the importance of balance between development and environment. "We have to look at the ancient traditions with a new perspective. We need to reconsider our basic priorities. The scientific aspects of traditional life-values have to be understood. We must, once again, rekindle that respect for nature and humility before the vast universe," President Murmu said.

7. She said the world needed to make adjustments to the way of living for a better future. "We need to modify our lifestyle if we want our children to live happily on this fragile planet. One of the changes suggested pertains to food. I am happy to note that the United Nations accepted a suggestion from India and declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets," the President said. 

8. She also spoke about the Covid pandemic and praised India's 'corona warriors'. With the outbreak of the pandemic, the world had changed within a matter of days. During these three years, whenever we have felt that we have finally put the virus behind, it raises its ugly head. However, there is no need to panic because we have learned in this period that our leadership, our scientists and doctors, our administrators and ‘Corona Warriors’ will make every possible effort to meet any situation.