New Delhi: Addressing the nation on the eve of the 75th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said that India is in the early years of Amrit Kaal and that we were given a golden opportunity to take the country to new heights. 


President Droupadi Murmu said, "Tomorrow is the day when we celebrate the commencement of the Constitution. Its Preamble begins with the words “We, the People of India”, highlighting the theme of the document, namely, democracy. In India, the democratic system is much older than the concept of Western democracy. That is the reason why India is called the “mother of democracy."


Speaking on the opening of Ayodhya Ram Temple, President Murmu said that the historic 'Pran Pratishtha' of the idol of Lord Ram will be considered a landmark in India’s continued re-discovery of its civilisational heritage by future historians. 


"Earlier this week, we witnessed the historic 'Pran Pratishtha' of the idol of Lord Shri Ram in the glorious new temple constructed in Ayodhya. When this event is seen from a wider perspective, future historians will consider it a landmark in India’s continued re-discovery of its civilisational heritage. The construction of the temple commenced after the due judicial process and the decision of the highest court of the land. Now it stands as a grand edifice, giving a befitting expression not only of people’s faith but also as a testament to people’s enormous trust in judicial process," she said.






Hailing India's economy, President Murmu said that the GDP growth rate of the nation has remained the highest among major economies in recent years.




"Our GDP growth rate has remained the highest among major economies in recent years, and we have all reasons to believe that this performance will continue in the year 2024 and beyond," she stated.

 

Speaking on ISRO's achievements, President Murmu said, "We have always been proud of our scientists and technology experts, but now they are aiming far higher than before and delivering too."





She further stated that the period of 'Amrit Kaal' will be a period of unprecedented technological changes in the country.




"The period of 'Amrit Kaal' will be the period of unprecedented technological changes. Technological advances like Artificial Intelligence and machine learning are becoming a part of our daily lives. There are many areas of concern in the future, but there are also exciting opportunities ahead, especially for the youth. They are exploring new frontiers. We need to do all we can to remove hurdles from their path and let them unleash their full potential," said President Murmu on R-Day eve.

 

She added, "I believe the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam will prove to be a revolutionary tool for women’s empowerment. It will also go a long way in improving the processes of our governance."

 

The address was broadcast at 7:00 pm on the entire national network of Akashvani and telecast across all Doordarshan channels in Hindi, followed by the English version. 



In addition to the President's address, the Republic Day celebrations will feature the traditional march past at Kartavya Path, including a grand parade by the contingents of the Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces. This year's chief guest is French President Emmanuel Macron.