Page 50 - NIS English 1-15 Feb, 2026

Republic Day

A symbol of Freedom,

Constitution, And Democratic Values

Republic Day inspires us to strengthen democracy, protect constitutional values, and
reaffirm our commitment to building a developed India. This occasion also provides
renewed energy to move forward with a collective resolve for nation-building. On the
eve of the 77th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation. Here
are edited excerpts from her address...

THE CONSTITUTION: THE 150 YEARS OF THE COMPOSITION OF
FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD’S VANDE MATARAM
LARGEST REPUBLIC Since 7 th November last year, celebrations marking
Our Constitution is the foundational document 150 years of the composition of our national song
of the largest republic in world history. The ‘Vande Mataram’ are also being organised. This
ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity song which is a prayer to the divine form of Bharat
enshrined in our Constitution define our Repub- Mata, instils patriotism in the hearts of every Indian.
lic. The framers of the Constitution provided a The great nationalist poet Subramanya Bharati
strong bedrock for the spirit of nationalism and composed the song “Vande Mataram Yenbom”, in
the unity of the country through constitutional the Tamil language, meaning “Let us chant Vande
provisions. Lauh Purush, Sardar Vallabhbhai Mataram”, and connected the masses on an even
Patel, unified our nation. From north to south larger scale with the spirit of Vande Mataram. Trans-
and from east to west, the fabric of our ancient lations of this song in other Indian languages also
cultural unity was woven by our ancestors. Every became popular. Sri Aurobindo translated this song
effort to promote this spirit of oneness is highly into English. ‘Vande Mataram’, composed by the
commendable. venerable Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay is our

48 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || February 1-15, 2026