In a video message on Twitter, the batting star said “it’s a historic day for our nation” hoped that “everyone takes this opportunity to make a positive change in the society around you and push the nation to the level that it belongs to be at.”
He also said it’s never too late to start doing something good.
“Hello everyone. Just want to wish everyone a very happy Republic Day. It’s a historic day for our nation and that we can be proud of. I am sure everyone just like me have a lot of memories connected, from going to visit the parade or just waving and hosting the flag with pride is something I remember doing. I hope that everyone takes this opportunity to make a positive change in the society around you and push the nation to the level that it belongs to be at. So enjoy the day and remember it’s never too late to start doing something good. Jai Hind," he said. (WATCH BELOW)
Kohli's first tweet on Thursday was greetings to the people on the occasion of 68th Republic Day.
Kohli is among the eight sportspersons who were picked for the prestigious Padma Shri, the country's fourth highest civilian award.
Besides Kohli, the seven other sportspersons named for the award are Rio Olympics bronze medallist wrestler Sakshi Malik, Paralympians Mariyappan Thangavelu and Deepa Malik, gymnast Dipa Karmakar, Indian hockey captain P R Sreejesh, discus thrower Vikas Gowda and blind cricket team captain Shekar Naik.
Kohli recently took over as the captain of the Indian cricket team in all the three formats of the game after Mahendra Singh Dhoni stepped down as skipper of the limited-overs side. The prolific batsman is among the most feared batsmen in world cricket right now.