‘Women empowerment, equality no longer mere slogans…’: President Droupadi Murmu addresses the nation on eve of 74th Republic Day

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of India’s 74th Republic Day, marking her first speech on this occasion. The President talked about unity as the foundation of the Indian democratic republic and the making of the Constitution. She began her speech by wishing the citizens ahead of the Republic Day celebrations.

In her speech, the President pointed out that poverty and illiteracy were the biggest hurdles in development after the independence but the makers of the Constitution laid the foundation for development. She said that last year India became the fifth-largest economy in the world and with able leadership and effective struggle, we soon came out of the recession. 

भारत एक गरीब और निरक्षर राष्ट्र की स्थिति से आगे बढ़ते हुए विश्व-मंच पर एक आत्मविश्वास से भरे राष्ट्र का स्थान ले चुका है। संविधान-निर्माताओं की सामूहिक बुद्धिमत्ता से मिले मार्गदर्शन के बिना यह प्रगति संभव नहीं थी। pic.twitter.com/4eDlAJB0bO

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 25, 2023

Talking about recent developments in the nation, she mentioned that the National Education Policy prepares the learners for the challenges of the 21st century and India is one of the leading countries in the field of space technology. She added that the ‘Gaganyaan’ program to carry Indian astronauts into space is in progress and will be India’s first human space flight.

राष्ट्रीय शिक्षा नीति शिक्षार्थियों को इक्कीसवीं सदी की चुनौतियों के लिए तैयार करते हुए हमारी सभ्यता पर आधारित ज्ञान को समकालीन जीवन के लिए प्रासंगिक बनाती है। pic.twitter.com/0VovZCGWza

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 25, 2023

On women empowerment, President Murmu said that empowerment and equality are no longer mere slogans and that women will make the maximum contribution to shaping the nation. Being an Adivasi woman President, she mentioned that the government’s vision is to empower Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes while learning from them. She added that the tribal communities can teach about protecting the environment and making society more cohesive.

महिला सशक्तीकरण तथा महिला और पुरुष के बीच समानता अब केवल नारे नहीं रह गए हैं। मेरे मन में कोई संदेह नहीं है कि महिलाएं ही आने वाले कल के भारत को स्वरूप देने के लिए अधिकतम योगदान देंगी। pic.twitter.com/m0hizNq8Tw

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 25, 2023

Talking of global issues, she mentioned that India now has the presidency for G-20 which is an important step for the nation. She added that global warming and climate change need to be tackled on priority. She said that Mahatma Gandhi was a true prophet of our times, as he foresaw the problems of indiscriminate industrialisation and cautioned the world.

The President acknowledged the contributions of farmers, labourers, scientists and engineers in strengthening the country to move forward in the spirit of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan”. She also appreciated the brave soldiers who guard the borders and the soldiers of all the para-military and police forces who provide internal security.