In a gesture of gratitude, President Droupadi Murmu met with key participants of the Republic Day festivities at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday. The meeting, held a day after the spectacular parade, celebrated the efforts of those who brought India’s cultural mosaic to life.
Among the attendees were eager students from Leh, Jharkhand, and Jammu & Kashmir, tribal representatives, tableau creators and performers, tractor operators, NSS volunteers, and disciplined NCC cadets. They recounted their journeys and the thrill of being part of the national spectacle.
A senior official from the President’s Secretariat noted that President Murmu spent the entire day interacting with these groups, including tribal guests linked to future Republic Day events, state tableau artists, and more. She praised their dedication, stating it elevated the parade’s magnificence and inclusivity.
The occasion built on the momentum of Monday’s ‘At Home’ reception, where dignitaries gathered post-parade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, and European leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen graced the event, highlighting diplomatic warmth.
Rooted in tradition since India’s first Republic Day in 1950, the ‘At Home’ fosters connections among leaders. This year’s edition spotlighted India-EU relations, with invitees appreciating the Northeast-inspired designs on the cards that evoked cultural pride.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan lawns served as a perfect backdrop for felicitations and discussions on the parade’s highlights. President Murmu’s personal touch in these interactions exemplifies leadership that values every citizen’s role in nation-building, inspiring a sense of shared achievement across the country.