In her address to the nation on the eve of this Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu said, “Our Constitution is our guiding document”. At this time of great political and ideological contestation, it is reassuring to hear the Head of State forthrightly say these words. This is because they connote that neither the ideologies nor the politics of different political parties and formations should go beyond the boundaries set by the Constitution. Besides, this crucial sentence in the address was a simple and lucid declaration that India would steadfastly remain a constitutional democracy.
President Murmu struck many notes in her address which represent India’s current national needs as well its aspirations for a better world. Among these she focused on living in harmony with nature, the empowerment of women, and the value of education in social transformation. Her words on education were based on her own experience. As she put it, “Having been a teacher also, I have realised that education is the greatest tool of social empowerment”. The President also dwelt on India’s economic progress. More importantly, even as she encouraged the nation, she reminded it of the long distance that remains to be covered till we achieve the aspirations of the leaders of the freedom movement.
