President Ram Nath Kovind took the time to address India on the eve of Republic Day, January 26. He said, “Diversity and vibrancy of our democracy is appreciated worldwide. It’s this spirit of unity and of being one nation that’s celebrated every year as Republic Day. This year’s celebrations may be muted due to pandemic but spirit is as strong as ever”.

The President pointed to January 23 being Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s 125th birth anniversary, saying that Bose’s quest for independence and ambition to make India proud is inspirational for all of us. President Kovind further added, “On this occasion, let us also remember the great freedom fighters who showed incomparable courage in their pursuit of the dream of Swaraj and fired up the people to fight for it”. 

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Republic Day marks our Constitution coming into effect and accordingly, President Kovind referred to the guiding principles, Democracy, Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, saying “They form bedrock on which our Republic stands. These are values that form our collective inheritance”.

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Since the world has been dealing with the coronavirus for the last two years, President Ram Nath Kovind said that humankind has faced an unprecedented challenge as the world saw waves and waves of COVID-19. He continued “The world has never been in so much need of help as now. It has been over 2 yrs now & humanity is still battling with coronavirus. Thousands of lives have been lost & the world economy has been reeling under the impact”.

He then added how India’s sportspeople brought cheer, referring to the mark made in the Olympics. The President also recalled the helicopter crash that claimed the life of the last Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Bipin Rawat. Then, he went on to thank the troops for their sacrifice in extreme weather conditions, carrying on the legacy of India’s pride.