President Murmu Highlights Constitution’s Role in Unifying India’s Collective Identity in Republic Day Address

On the eve of India’s 76th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu delivered a poignant address underscoring the foundational role of the Indian Constitution in shaping the nation’s identity. She described the Constitution as the ultimate binding force, uniting the diverse and vast Indian populace as one family.

The President emphasized that the Constitution had evolved into a living document, deeply intertwined with India’s civilizational ethos of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity—values that have guided the country for millennia. She referred to the Constitution as a testament to the moral compass that has been part of India’s heritage long before modern times.

Reflecting on the history of the Constitution, Murmu highlighted the efforts of the Constituent Assembly, which after nearly three years of deliberations, adopted the Constitution on November 26, 1949. This day is now observed annually as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas), a tribute to the founding principles of the Republic. She stated that while 75 years may seem like a brief moment in the life of a nation, they have marked a significant phase of India’s resurgence on the world stage, reclaiming its rightful place among the great civilizations of history.

Drawing attention to India’s long history of knowledge and wisdom, Murmu acknowledged the dark period of colonial exploitation that stifled the nation’s progress. However, she also paid tribute to the freedom fighters who made monumental sacrifices for India’s independence. This year, the nation is commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a key figure in India’s freedom struggle, whose contributions are now being properly recognized.

President Murmu also celebrated the intellectual and moral leadership of figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who helped India rediscover its democratic values. These leaders championed ideals that were not new to Indian civilization but were integral to its cultural fabric. She pointed out that, despite initial doubts by critics about the sustainability of India’s democracy, the country’s values have proven resilient.

One of the highlights of her speech was the recognition of the role women played in shaping the nation. The Constituent Assembly, which drafted the Constitution, included 15 women, some of whom—like Sarojini Naidu, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, and Sucheta Kripalani—were trailblazers in their own right. Murmu noted that while gender equality was still a distant dream in many parts of the world, India had already made significant strides by including women in the nation-building process.

In her address, the President concluded by expressing profound gratitude to Dr. Ambedkar and the members of the Constituent Assembly for their tireless efforts in crafting the document that has guided India for the past 75 years. She called on the citizens to reflect on the Constitution’s continued relevance and the immense responsibility it bestows on every Indian to uphold its values and ensure the continued progress of the nation.

This Republic Day, President Murmu’s address served as a reminder of the lasting legacy of India’s Constitution, a document that not only defines the legal framework of the nation but also unites its people under the shared banner of democracy, justice, and equality.