President Droupadi Murmu delivered a national address on Thursday, January 25, ahead of the 75th Republic Day, as previously announced in an official statement from the President's Secretariat issued on Wednesday.
Here are some top quotes from her address:
"More than 140 crore Indians live as one family, united by the basic spirit of our Republic. For this world's largest family, the spirit of co-existence is not a burden imposed by geography, but a natural source of collective joy, which finds expression in our Republic Day celebrations."
"The ethos of our Republic brings together more than 1.4 billion of us to live as one family. For this largest family in the world, co-existence is not an imposition of geography but a source of happiness, which finds expression in our Republic Day celebrations."
"Let us all resolve to dedicate ourselves to the service of the nation and our countrymen to the best of our ability. My heartiest congratulations to all of you for your efforts to fulfill this auspicious resolution!"
"I would also like to convey my best wishes to the members of the judiciary and civil services. I congratulate the officers of Indian missions abroad and the people of the Indian diaspora on Republic Day."
"Technological changes such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have moved out of the headlines and into our daily lives at extraordinary speed."
"I am very happy to see India taking the lead in promoting renewable sources of energy and providing leadership to Global Climate Action."
"From Vardhaman Mahavir and Emperor Ashoka to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, India has always set an example that non-violence is not just an ideal difficult to achieve, but a clear possibility. We hope that in areas embroiled in conflicts, ways will be found to resolve those conflicts and establish peace."
"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.
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. Earlier, Murmu's Independence Day address last year covered various topics, including the overthrow of colonial rulers and women's empowerment. This year's address will be live-streamed on Doordarshan National's YouTube channel.
India will mark its 75th Republic Day on January 26, with Murmu's address to the nation scheduled for 7 pm on January 25. The broadcast will be available on the national network of All India Radio (AIR) and 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.
To ensure security during the Republic Day celebrations, around 14,000 security personnel will be deployed in and around Kartavya Path, according to Delhi Police. Security measures have been intensified to safeguard the 77,000 invitees expected at Kartavya Path for the parade.