President Droupadi Murmu on Friday extended greetings to the nation on the eve of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, urging citizens to imbibe the teachings of Lord Krishna for self-development and to build a stronger India.
In her message, the President described Janmashtami as a festival filled with “joy and enthusiasm,” and conveyed her best wishes to Indians both at home and abroad. She noted that the life and philosophy of Lord Krishna inspire people towards self-realisation and personal growth, while also strengthening the collective fabric of society.
“Bhagwan Shri Krishna enlightened humanity about the attainment of ultimate truth by following the path of Dharma. This festival inspires us to adopt eternal values embodied by Yogeshwar Shri Krishna,” President Murmu stated. Calling for a renewed national resolve, she said, “On this occasion, let us all take a pledge to follow the teachings of Bhagwan Shri Krishna and make our society and nation stronger.”
Her remarks came a day after her Independence Day eve address, where she reflected on India’s journey from colonial subjugation to democratic strength and economic progress. Paying homage to freedom fighters, she recalled the sacrifices that shaped India’s destiny and also acknowledged the tragic memories of Partition, marked through “Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas.”
The President described India as the “mother of democracy,” citing the country’s ancient republican traditions and reaffirming constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. She stressed that these ideals remain rooted in dignity and equal opportunity for all.
Highlighting India’s economic resilience, President Murmu pointed to steady growth with a 6.5 per cent GDP rise, growing exports, and controlled inflation. She attributed this to reforms, sound governance, and the hard work of farmers and workers who have helped lift millions out of poverty.
Welfare schemes, she noted, continue to safeguard the most vulnerable, preventing them from slipping back below the poverty line, while regional inequalities are gradually narrowing.
On infrastructure, she emphasised rapid strides made under programmes like Bharatmala, which has expanded highways, and technological improvements in the railways. She singled out the Kashmir rail link inauguration as a historic milestone that promises connectivity and economic uplift.
Urban growth, too, featured prominently in her speech. She noted the expansion of metro rail networks, the role of AMRUT in improving urban water and sewerage systems, and the ongoing efforts of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which has extended tap water to rural households. In healthcare, she underlined that Ayushman Bharat has now covered more than 55 crore citizens and been expanded to include all senior citizens above 70 years, regardless of income levels.
President Murmu’s twin messages, spiritual on Janmashtami and socio-economic on Independence Day, underscored a blend of cultural heritage and national aspirations. While invoking Lord Krishna’s teachings for personal and social transformation, she also spotlighted India’s democratic roots, economic gains, and welfare commitments as pillars of a stronger future.
