Republic Day Speeches: A Look At India's Past & Future

🐷As we are all set to celebrate Republic Day on January 26, which holds immense pride and national significance, speeches delivered by the President on a significant day aim to remind the Indian people not just of how far the country has come since its founding, but also of how far we still have to go in pursuing the essential objectives enshrined in our Constitution. As the ceremonial head of the country, the President’s address sets the tone for national discourse and highlights India’s achievements, challenges, and aspirations. Over the years, these speeches have encapsulated the evolving ethos of the nation. Let’s delve into some of the most iconic Republic Day speeches that have left an indelible mark on history.

Republic Day Speeches: A key moment in history

Dr. Rajendra Prasad (1940)

ওWhen India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, delivered his inaugural Republic address on January 26, 1950, he emphasized the fundamental ideals of our Constitution while simultaneously marvelling at how this immensely diverse country had come together under the roof of one Union.

“Today, for the first time in a long and chequered history, we find the whole of this vast land, from Kashmir in the north to Cape Comorin in the south, from Kathiawad and Cutch in the west to Cocanada and Kamrup in the east, brought together under the jurisdiction of one Constitution and one Union which has taken upon itself the responsibility of the welfare of more than 320 million men and women who inhabit it,” he said while addressing the nation.

༒Dr. Prasad emphasized the significance of the Constitution, the responsibilities of citizens in building a vibrant democracy, and the vision of a united India. His words set the tone for the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity that the nation continues to uphold.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1963)

🍰In the backdrop of the Sino-Indian War of 1962, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s speech struck a chord with a nation grappling with loss and uncertainty. He lauded the bravery of Indian soldiers while urging citizens to remain resilient and united.

In a remarkable speech, he said, “The last year has been the worst since Independence, full of natural calamities and human failures. In spite of our increased agricultural output and industrial production, we are unable to meet the requirements of a growing population. The drought conditions are worse than ever before in this century. Yet, even after making allowance for all the difficulties of the situation, we cannot forgive widespread incompetence and the gross mismanagement of our resources,”.

KR Narayan (1988)

ꦜKR Narayan, the first president from the Dalit group, did something very special in his first Republic address. Narayan's presidency was marked by his efforts to promote social justice and equality. He was also a strong advocate for India's role in the international community.

His Republic Day address, 1998, is classically Narayanan. It coils its wisdom into history. Describing Republic Day as “the anniversary of a defining moment in our history”, he traces its origin to the 26th of January of 1929 when the Indian National Congress declared Purna Swaraj to be “the right of every Indian”. Narayanan quotes from its resolution: “…if any government deprives a people of their rights and oppresses them, the people will have the further right to alter it or abolish it”. And he then gives a reading of the condition of the nation in 1998.

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam (2002)

🉐Dr. Kalam is one of the most popular presidents this country has ever had. Dr. Kalam was a scientist who also represented optimism, progress, and vision for many Indians. In his historic 2007 pre-Republic Day speech, he praised the nation's achievement in poverty eradication, economic development, and technical improvement, as well as the importance of scientific progress and instilling the spirit of entrepreneurship in Indian families. It was a speech that drew the nation into the heart of modernity.

He said once in his speech, “One young man asked me, “Mr President., please tell me, since you have flown in the supersonic fighter aircraft at the age of 74, were you afraid any time during the flight?.” I told the young man, “All the 40 minutes of the flight, I was busy on the controls and instruments and experiencing the “g” build-up. I was advised by the captain to track targets and also look at the ground using the synthetic aperture radar. In addition, I was observing the performance of the instruments developed indigenously. I was continuously busy in the flight operations, and I didn’t have time to allow fear to enter into me.” Now, dear young friends who have assembled in front of me and the nation, I have a message of courage for you.

Ram Nath Kovind (2022)

ꦬAmid the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Ram Nath Kovind’s speech in 2022 highlighted India’s resilience and collective efforts in overcoming adversity. He praised healthcare workers, scientists, and citizens for their contributions.

“In the fight against the Covid pandemic, it has now become a sacred national duty of every citizen to follow the precautions suggested by our scientists and experts. We have to discharge this duty till the crisis is behind us,” he said.

꧃Despite being a developing economy with limited resources and a high population density, President Kovind claimed that the country could establish the necessary infrastructure and become self-sufficient in the immunization plan. "But it is only during difficult times that a nation's tenacity shines through. I am delighted to state that we have demonstrated unrivalled determination against the coronavirus. In the first year, we improved the healthcare infrastructure while simultaneously reaching out to help others. By the second year, we had developed indigenous vaccinations and launched the world's largest vaccination campaign in history," he stated.

♈The Republic Day speeches by Indian Presidents provide a lens to view the nation’s journey through triumphs and trials. They serve as a reminder of the ideals enshrined in the Constitution and the collective responsibility to uphold them. As India steps into the future, these addresses continue to inspire, inform, and unite a diverse population under the shared vision of progress and harmony.

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