President Draupadi Murmu on Tuesday urged citizens to transcend divisions of caste, caste, language and region to build a harmonious society, stressing that no individual should live with the “mentality of the exploited or the underprivileged”.
Addressing the ‘Samajik Samrasta Mahotsav’ at Lok Bhavan to mark the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, Murmu stressed the need for collective progress. Babasaheb’s contributions as a legal expert, economist and social reformer have been widely discussed. However, citizens must also understand its multidimensional role as a nation builder in areas like banking, irrigation, labor administration and revenue sharing between the center and states.
Recalling Ambedkar’s clarion call for ‘access to education’, the President also urged all sections of society to prioritize learning, especially for marginalized communities.
“It is the responsibility of all of us to encourage people from disadvantaged groups in every village and town to pursue education. Through comprehensive and moral education, the spirit of harmony is strengthened,” she said.
“Rising above all divisions of caste, caste, language and region, and remaining united without discrimination – this is the practical form of harmony. All the children of Mother India are one, united in spirit, one essence, and harmonious,” she added.
Drawing on personal anecdotes, the President spoke about moving from state support to self-reliance. “My father used to say that no one will support a child until he learns to walk. Once a child learns to walk, he must run on his own and make efforts to move forward,” she said, noting that while the government provides support in the areas of health, education and agriculture, individuals must eventually run on their own.
It is the government’s duty to provide support, but one must also make efforts to improve oneself by taking advantage of this support, she said, warning against a mentality of permanent dependency.
“The soul of the country lives in its villages,” President Murmu stressed, noting that despite class differences, rural areas often show deep mutual affection. She added: “The path to building a harmonious Indian society passes through harmonious villages.”
Reflecting on her mother’s teachings, Murmu spoke of the moral obligation to help others. “My mother used to tell me – no matter how you are, always look back and see how many people are standing behind you. If you have the ability, do something for them. It is good to rise high, but that rise will only be meaningful when you make efforts to provide for those who have fallen behind,” she said.
