Addressing the nation on the eve of 74th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said India succeeded as a democratic republic because so many creeds and languages "have not divided but united us". This was her maiden speech on Republic Day after she assumed office of the President at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 25 last year.
"India succeeded as democratic republic because so many creeds and languages have not divided us, they have only united us," President Murmu said.
"I commend the roles of farmers, workers, scientists and engineers whose combined strength enables our country to live up to the spirit of 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan'. I appreciate every citizen who contributes to the nation's progress," she further said.
In her nearly 30-minute speech, President Murmu touched upon a wide range of topics, including India's G20 presidency, economy, women's empowerment and the ambitious Gaganyaan program to send Indian astronauts to space.
Murmu said India assuming the G20 presidency was an opportunity to promote democracy and multilateralism and was the right forum for shaping a better world. She said that the G20 was ideal forum to discuss and find solutions for global challenges like climate change.
"G20 presidency is an opportunity to promote democracy and multilateralism and the right forum for shaping a better world and a better future. 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," the President said.
Asserting that most sectors of the economy had shaken off Covid-19 pandemic effects, President Murmu said India has been among the fastest-growing major economies.
"This has been made possible by timely and pro-active interventions from the government. There've also been sector-specific incentive schemes," she said while praising the Narendra Modi government's ambitious 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.
President Murmu also underlined that women's empowerment and gender equality were no longer mere slogans. "We have made great progress towards these ideals in recent years. I have no doubt in my mind that women are the ones who will do the most to shape tomorrow's India," she further said.
In fact, display of the growing stature of women (nari shakti) in the armed forces will be one of the key highlights of the Republic Day parade this year.
The President also hailed freedom fighters in her address to the nation and said India would always remain grateful to Dr BR Ambedkar, who headed the drafting committee of the Constitution.
"We should also remember role of jurist BN Rau, who had prepared initial draft and other experts and officers who helped in making of Constitution. We're proud of fact that members of that assembly represented all regions and communities of India and that they included 15 women too," Murmu said.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations. Notably, India and Egypt are celebrating 75 years of establishment of diplomatic ties this year. A military contingent of the Egyptian Army will also take part in the Republic Day parade.