President Droupadi Murmu on Friday stressed the importance of instilling a sense of “Nation First” among citizens to make India a developed nation.
She addressed a gathering at the inauguration of LokManthan-2024, a colloquium of “nationalist thinkers” in Hyderabad.
The President said colonial rulers not only “exploited India economically” but also sought to “dismantle its social fabric”.
“The rulers who disregarded our rich intellectual traditions created a sense of cultural inferiority among citizens.
Such practices were imposed, undermining our unity. Centuries of subjugation left citizens with a mentality of slavery.
Instilling the feeling of ‘Nation First’ is essential to develop India,” she said. Murmu cited the replacement of three old criminal laws, the renaming of Rajpath in Delhi as Kartavyapath, and the renaming of Durbar Hall in Rashtrapati Bhavan as ‘Ganatantra Mandap’, as notable instances, reiterating these renaming aligns with the ancient tradition of democracy.
Murmu also referred to the installation of the new ‘Lady Justice’ statue in the Supreme Court of India, describing it as another commendable step in eradicating colonial mentality.
She stressed the importance of citizens understanding India’s cultural and intellectual heritage and contributing to the strengthening of its invaluable traditions.
Efforts to divide Indian society and create artificial differences were aimed at weakening unity.
However, she noted that the spirit of Bharatiyata (Indian-ness) kept the flame of national unity alive. “Whether we are ‘vanvasis’ (forest dwellers), villagers, or city dwellers, we are all Indians first.
This sense of national unity has kept us united despite numerous challenges,” she added.
Highlighting India’s ancient global influence, Murmu said the country’s religious beliefs, art, music, medical systems, technology, language, and literature have been widely appreciated.
“Indian philosophical systems were the first to offer ideal life values to the global community.
Strengthening this glorious tradition is our responsibility,” she remarked.
The president lauded all stakeholders for organising LokManthan-2024, calling it a praiseworthy effort to reinforce “the threads of unity in India’s rich culture, traditions, and heritage.” Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy, Telangana Women and Child Welfare Minister D Anasuya, and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat attended the event.
