SRINAGAR: On the eve of the 77th Republic Day, constitutional authorities struck a dual note of peace and strength, reaffirming the country’s commitment to global harmony while underlining its uncompromising resolve against terrorism. President Droupadi Murmu and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, in separate addresses, highlighted India’s civilisational ethos of peace, the growing empowerment of women, inclusive development, and a hardened national security doctrine shaped by recent counter-terror operations.
Amid escalating geopolitical tensions across several continents, President Droupadi Murmu said India is spreading the message of peace to secure the future of humanity. Addressing the nation on the eve of Republic Day, the President described India as a “messenger of peace”, rooted in its ancient civilisational values.
“In our tradition, we have been offering prayers for peace to prevail in the entire universe. The future of humanity can remain secure only if there is peace in the whole world,” she said, adding that in an atmosphere marked by conflicts in many parts of the world, India continues to advocate harmony and dialogue.
At the same time, the President underscored India’s firm commitment to national security, citing the success of Operation Sindoor. She said the precision strikes carried out last year dismantled terror infrastructure across the border, destroyed terror centres and eliminated several terrorists, reflecting India’s growing self-reliance in defence.
Linking peace with preparedness, President Murmu recalled her visits to the Siachen Base Camp, sorties in Sukhoi and Rafale fighter jets, and her experience aboard the submarine INS Vaghsheer. “Based on the strength of the Army, Air Force and Navy, people have complete trust in our defence-preparedness,” she said.
A significant portion of her address focused on women empowerment, which she described as central to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. Hailing the rise of “nari shakti”, the President said the active and empowered participation of women is essential for national development.
She noted that over 10 crore women associated with self-help groups are redefining the grassroots economy, while women now constitute nearly 46 per cent of representatives in Panchayati Raj institutions. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, she said, will take political empowerment to unprecedented heights.
Calling the past year a “golden chapter” for Indian women globally, the President cited achievements in sports, including India’s victories in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and the Blind Women’s T20 World Cup. She also highlighted women’s growing presence in the Armed Forces, space research and entrepreneurship, and credited the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign for boosting girls’ education.
President Murmu further highlighted India’s progress in poverty alleviation, stating that millions have been lifted above the poverty line and that the government remains focused on preventing a return to the “poverty trap”. Emphasising the principle that “no one should go hungry”, she said nearly 81 crore people are receiving support under various central schemes.
She also announced that the Constitution of India is now available in all 22 languages of the Eighth Schedule, a step aimed at fostering “constitutional nationalism” and deepening citizen engagement. The President said governance reforms, deregulation and technology-driven initiatives are narrowing the gap between the government and the people, transforming official campaigns into mass movements driven by public participation.
Later, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha described Operation Sindoor as not just a military response but a declaration of India’s strategic resolve that any terrorist attack on its soil would be treated as an act of war.
In his Republic Day eve message from Jammu, Sinha expressed gratitude to the armed forces, police, paramilitary units and civil administration for upholding the nation’s pride through their duty and bravery. Referring to the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists, he said Operation Sindoor, carried out from May 7 to 10, marked a defining moment in India’s national security doctrine.
Indian Armed Forces, he said, struck deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, hitting terror infrastructure and military installations, eliminating several terrorists including top commanders, and causing extensive damage to training camps.
He also commended the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF for Operation Mahadev, in which three Pakistani terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack were eliminated. Sinha praised the J&K Police for uncovering a nationwide terror network last October–November, including a white-collar terror module, preventing several attacks in time.
“They are India’s true heroes, and I am proud of them,” the Lieutenant Governor said, adding that the vigilance and sacrifice of security forces enable citizens to live in peace and security.
Looking ahead, Sinha called for collective determination to guide Jammu and Kashmir towards greater development and prosperity. He emphasised accelerating economic growth, building future-ready infrastructure, strengthening higher education, and positioning the Union Territory as a leader in the knowledge-based and information technology economy.
Calling for equal access to education, healthcare and opportunities, particularly for youth and women, he urged citizens to work with sincerity and selflessness for the greater good.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor extended Republic Day greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, paid tribute to the architects of the Constitution, and saluted workers, farmers, doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, artists and civil society volunteers for strengthening democracy and driving holistic progress across the Union Territory.
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