President of India Invokes Gandhi and Nehru
President of India invokes Gandhi and Nehru, urges aĺl MPs of India to act as one in national interest
President Droupadi Murmu said the government was accelerating the “reform express” for achieving a developed India by 2047
In her address to a joint sitting of both the Houses of Parliament, President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) asked MPs to stand as one on issues of national security, Viksit Bharat (developed India) and the campaign for ‘swadeshi’, adding that the government was working towards social justice.
Invoking Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Babasaheb Ambedkar, and leaders such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Jayaprakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia, Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, she said that “amid different opinions and diverse viewpoints, there has been unanimity about nothing being greater than the nation.”
Amid unease over certain sections of the University Grants Commission’s regulations to promote equity in higher education institutions, the President said the government was working with “full sensitivity” for all – for Dalits, backward classes, the marginalised and tribal communities. President Murmu further said her government was committed to social justice.
In 2014, social security schemes could reach only 25 crore citizens, she said, adding, that efforts of the government have seen 95 crore Indians receiving social security cover currently. “My government is working with full sensitivity for all – for Dalits, backward classes, the marginalised and tribal communities,” she said.
Ms. Murmu added that the architect of the Constitution, Ambedkar, always laid emphasis on equality and social justice.
“Our Constitution inspires us in the same spirit,” she said, underlining that social justice means every citizen gets to exercise full rights, without discrimination.
In her address, she also made a reference to British official Macaulay and his policies during the colonial rule in the 19th century. “Through Macaulay’s conspiracies, a sense of inferiority was instilled among the people of India during the colonial period. Now, for the first time since Independence, my government has shown the courage to strike a blow on this,” the President said.
Ms. Murmu said 2026 also marks the completion of 75 years since the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple in Gujarat’s Saurashtra. “The thousand-year journey since the attacks on the Somnath Temple stands as a symbol of India’s religious devotion, Sanatan culture and enduring faith. The enthusiasm with which people across the country participated in the Somnath Swabhimaan Parv has been truly unmatched,” she said.
In her customary address to both Houses of Parliament, President Murmu said that the government was accelerating the “reform express” for achieving a developed India by 2047 when India would mark 100 years of independence.
India’s development is only possible if we conduct scientific research. India needs to create a scientific talent pool by selecting students aged 14-21 from all educational institutions through competitive examinations. The goal is to build a developed and scientifically advanced India by 2047.
VIGYANMEV JAYATE
N.H.E.M.S.MAGAZINE OF INDIA, RNI. GOVT.OF.INDIA.