President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday said India is emerging as a global messenger of peace at a time when the world is witnessing rising conflicts and deepening geopolitical tensions. Addressing the nation on the eve of the 77th Republic Day, the President underlined that peace is essential for securing the future of humanity and reiterated India’s civilisational commitment to universal harmony.
She said India’s cultural tradition has always emphasised prayers for peace across the entire universe, adding that lasting global stability can only be achieved when peace prevails everywhere. In an atmosphere marked by conflicts in several regions, India continues to spread the message of peace while upholding its moral and diplomatic responsibilities on the world stage.
While stressing India’s peaceful outlook, the President also highlighted the country’s firm stance on national security. Referring to the success of Operation Sindoor, she said India carried out precision strikes that dismantled terror infrastructure across the border. Terror centres were destroyed and several terrorists were neutralised, demonstrating the country’s growing self-reliance in defence capabilities. She said India’s commitment to peace is reinforced by strength, preparedness, and the unwavering resolve of its Armed Forces.
Recalling her visits to the Siachen Base Camp, sorties in advanced fighter aircraft such as Sukhoi and Rafale, and her experience aboard the submarine INS Vaghsheer, the President expressed confidence in the Army, Air Force, and Navy. She said citizens have complete trust in India’s defence preparedness, which enables the country to advocate peace from a position of confidence and resilience.
President Murmu described the rise of ‘Nari Shakti’ as a defining pillar of India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. She emphasised that women’s active and empowered participation is crucial for the country’s overall progress. From self-help groups in rural areas to leadership roles in space, defence, sports, and entrepreneurship, Indian women are reshaping the nation’s growth story.
She noted that over 10 crore women associated with self-help groups are strengthening the grassroots economy, while women now account for nearly 46 per cent of representatives in Panchayati Raj institutions. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, she said, will further deepen political empowerment and ensure women-led development remains a national priority.
Calling the past year a golden chapter for Indian women, the President highlighted their remarkable achievements in sports, including India’s historic victories at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and the Blind Women’s T20 World Cup. She also acknowledged the growing presence of women in the Armed Forces and scientific research, stating that no field remains a traditional stereotype for the daughters of India. The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign was credited with expanding access to education and opportunities for girls across the country.
The President also spoke about India’s progress in reducing poverty, noting that millions of citizens who had struggled for decades have been lifted above the poverty line. Guided by the spirit of Antyodaya, the government is focused on ensuring these citizens do not slip back into poverty. She reaffirmed that no one should go hungry in the country, pointing out that central welfare schemes are currently supporting nearly 81 crore beneficiaries.
She said inclusive development remains central to the vision of Viksit Bharat, with special attention being given to tribal and marginalised communities through targeted interventions. Such efforts, she added, give concrete shape to Mahatma Gandhi’s ideal of Sarvodaya, or progress for all.
President Murmu announced that the Constitution of India is now available in all 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule, allowing citizens to connect with the nation’s foundational document in their mother tongue. She said the initiative strengthens constitutional awareness and reflects a broader shift toward good governance based on trust between the government and the people.
Highlighting governance reforms, the President said thousands of outdated rules have been repealed and unnecessary compliance requirements eliminated, making administration more citizen-centric. Public participation has become a key driver of national goals, transforming government programmes into mass movements.
She also highlighted India’s leadership in the digital economy, noting that more than half of the world’s digital transactions now take place in India. Despite global economic uncertainties, India remains the fastest-growing major economy and is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy in the near future. Structural reforms, world-class infrastructure development, labour reforms, and the Goods and Services Tax have played a critical role in this transformation.
Touching upon cultural revival, the President referred to the ongoing celebrations marking 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’. She said the song transcended linguistic and regional boundaries during the freedom struggle and continues to symbolise unity and oneness across the country. Emphasising cultural self-confidence, she said India’s path to self-reliance is not only economic but also cultural, rooted in indigenous languages, traditions, and knowledge systems.
The President concluded by saying that building a developed and inclusive India is a shared responsibility. With renewed self-belief, deep-rooted traditions, and active citizen participation, India is moving forward as a confident nation, committed to peace, progress, and prosperity on both national and global fronts.