Last Updated:
Republic Day 2025: From Jawaharlal Nehru, APJ Abdul Kalam Azad, Pratibha Patil to Ram Nath Kovind and Droupadi Murmu, Here are some of the inspirational Republic Day address by our leaders.
Republic Day is commemorated across all states in India with patriotic fervour. (Image: Shutterstock)
REPUBLIC DAY 2025: India is preparing to celebrate its 76th Republic Day on Sunday, January 26. It is one of the most significant dates in our nation’s calendar as we acknowledge the establishment of independent India as a republic. It marked the country’s transition from a British dominion to a sovereign, democratic republic.
This occasion signifies the culmination of India’s struggle for independence and the establishment of a nation that is governed by its own constitution. The day is commemorated across all states in India with patriotic fervour. The citizens celebrate the occasion with parades, cultural performances and flag-unfurling ceremonies.
ALSO READ: Is This 76th Republic Day In India? History, R-Day Parade Theme, And Celebrations On January 26
Here are some of the inspirational Republic Day speeches by our leaders:
Jawaharlal Nehru, 1950
Jawaharlal Nehru gave an iconic speech during India’s first Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 1950.
Addressing the nation on the radio, he reportedly said, “I have been intimately concerned with recent developments and I have closely followed them. I am convinced that there is an overwhelming desire for peace all over the world, whether in the East or in the West. My visit to Western countries has convinced me of this.”
APJ Abdul Kalam Azad, 2007
Former President APJ Abdul Kalam Azad had a message of ‘courage’ for the masses on the eve of Republic Day in 2007.
As per reports, he said, “As the youth of my nation, I will work and work with courage to achieve success in all my missions. My dear citizens, let me once again wish you a very purposeful and happy Republic Day. May God bless you. Jai Hind.”
Pratibha Patil, 2011
The first female President of India, Pratibha Patil, addressed the nation ahead of Republic Day in 2011.
She said, “On the eve of our 62nd Republic Day, I extend my warmest greetings to all of you across the country and also to those living abroad. I convey my special greetings to the members of our Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces, who guard our frontiers and to our internal security forces. I also compliment every citizen from every walk of life for contributing to the process of nation-building.”
Ram Nath Kovind, 2020
Former President Ram Nath Kovind had some incredible words for India’s 71st Republic Day.
He said, “On the eve of our 71st Republic Day, I extend my warm greetings to all of you, in India and abroad. Seven decades ago, on 26th January, our Constitution came into effect. Even before that, this date had acquired special significance. Having resolved to attain ‘Purna Swaraj’, our people had been celebrating ‘Purna Swaraj Day’ on every 26th January from 1930 to 1947. That is why, in 1950 we embarked on our journey as a Republic on the 26th January, affirming the principles laid down in our Constitution.”
Droupadi Murmu, 2023
President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of 74th Republic Day with some inspiring words.
“On the eve of the 74th Republic Day, I extend my heartiest greetings to every Indian, at home and abroad. From the day the Constitution came into effect to the present day, it has been an amazing journey that has inspired many other nations. Every citizen has reason to be proud of the Indian Story. When we celebrate the Republic Day, we celebrate what we have achieved, together, as a nation,” she said.
