Self-Reliance In Defence Behind Op Sindoor Success: President In R-Day Address

The historic success of Operation Sindoor was powered by India's self-reliance in the defence sector, President Droupadi Murmu said in an address to the nation today, on the eve of the 77th Republic Day celebrations.

The Indian operation that involved, among many notable actions, firing the BrahMos cruise missile at Pakistani military targets and terror infrastructure in the offensive role, and the use of an indigenously developed and integrated air defence network in the defensive role, saw huge success.

"Our self-reliance in the field of defence powered the historic success of Operation Sindoor," the President said, referring to the response by India after Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam in April 2025.

"In an atmosphere marked by conflicts in many parts of the world, India is spreading a message of peace," she added.

On Vande Mataram

President Murmu emphasised the legacy of 'Vande Mataram,' saying the national song is a prayer to "divine form of Bharat Mata" and "instils patriotism" in every Indian. She also highlighted various translations of the national song, originally composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, that were vital in shaping India's freedom struggle.

"Since 7th November last year, celebrations marking 150 years of the composition of our national song 'Vande Mataram', have also been organised. This song, which is a prayer to the divine form of Bharat Mata, instils patriotism in every Indian," she said.

"The great nationalist poet Subramanya Bharati composed the song 'Vande Mataram Yenbom', in the Tamil language, meaning 'Let us chant Vande Mataram', and connected the masses on an even larger scale with the spirit of Vande Mataram. Translations of this song in other Indian languages also became popular. Sri Aurobindo translated this song into English. 'Vande Mataram', composed by the venerable Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, is our lyrical national prayer," the President said.

This year's Republic Day theme is based on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. A series of paintings created by Tejendra Kumar Mitra in 1923, illustrating the verses of 'Vande Mataram' and published in the 'Bande Mataram Album' (1923), will be displayed as view-cutters along Kartavya Path on Monday.

At the end of the Republic Day parade, a banner bearing 'Vande Mataram' will be unveiled, accompanied by the release of rubber balloons, marking a fitting tribute to the nation's enduring spirit.

Padma Awards 2026: See Full List

The list of Padma Awards recipients for 2026 was announced today as the country prepares to celebrate Republic Day 2026. The awards recognised 45 unsung heroes from across the country for their distinguished service in diverse fields, including social work, literature and education, healthcare, public service and community welfare.

The awardees include individuals who have worked quietly at the grassroots for decades, many of them from marginalised communities, Dalit and backward sections, primitive tribes and remote or difficult terrains.