The Hindu Editorial • January 27, 2026 • Read Original

March of the Republic: On India’s 77th Republic Day and the President’s speech

While celebrating achievements, the government must not ignore challenges

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The Hindu Read Original

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Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on January 27, 2026

March of the Republic: On India’s 77th Republic Day and the President’s speech

While celebrating achievements, the government must not ignore challenges

Republic DayPresident Droupadi MurmuConstitutional NationalismOperation SindoorIndian Economy

Sentences

Sentence 1 of 17

English Original

President Droupadi Murmu reflected on India’s democratic and development journey on the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

President Droupadi Murmu

The current head of state of India

Part 2

Thought about and expressed views on the past and future

Part 3

on India’s democratic and development journey

About the progress India has made in politics and growth

Part 4

on the of India’s 77th Republic Day

The evening before January 26, 2026

Context and Background

President

The President of India delivers an address to the nation every year on the eve of Republic Day. Droupadi Murmu, who assumed office in 2022, is the first tribal woman to hold this position. The address typically reviews the country’s progress and sets a vision for the future.

Sentence 2 of 17

English Original

Her emphasis was rightly on the self-reliance of the country in all fields and India’s role as a messenger of peace and stability in a world that is increasingly fractious.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Her emphasis

The main focus or point she stressed in her speech

Part 2

rightly

Correctly or in an appropriate manner

Part 3

on the of the country in all fields and India’s role as a messenger of peace and stability in a world that is increasingly

About India being independent in all areas and promoting peace in a divided world

Context and Background

Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India)

The theme of ‘Self-reliance’ or Atmanirbhar Bharat has been a central policy pillar of the Indian government since 2020. It aims to make India a bigger and more important part of the global economy through increased production and reduced dependency on imports, especially in sectors like defense and technology.

Sentence 3 of 17

English Original

Ms. Murmu highlighted recent national achievements and touched upon political and cultural themes that are currently the priorities of the Centre.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Ms. Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu

Part 2

highlighted

Brought attention to or gave importance to

Part 3

recent national achievements

The successes the country has had in the last few years

Part 4

Briefly mentioned or discussed

Part 5

political and cultural themes that are currently the priorities of

Topics about government and culture that are most important to the Central Government right now

Sentence 4 of 17

English Original

She noted that the national song, Vande Mataram, was a “lyrical national prayer” even as the country celebrates the 150th anniversary of its composition, and also paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose 150th birth anniversary was celebrated recently, for his role in unifying the nation.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

She

President Murmu

Part 2

noted

Pointed out or stated in her speech

Part 3

that the national song, Vande Mataram, was a “ national prayer” even as the country celebrates the 150th anniversary of its

That the song ‘Vande Mataram’ is like a poetic prayer for the country, especially now during its 150th year

Part 4

Gave respect and honor to someone from the past

Part 5

to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose 150th birth anniversary was celebrated recently

To the great leader Sardar Patel, following his 150th birthday celebrations

Part 6

for his role in the nation

Because he helped bring all parts of India together as one country

Context and Background

Vande Mataram and Sardar Patel

The song ‘Vande Mataram’ was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in the 1870s and became a rallying cry for freedom. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the ‘Iron Man of India,’ played a legendary role in integrating over 560 princely states into the Indian Union after independence. Both are being celebrated for their 150th anniversaries in the 2025-2026 period.

Sentence 5 of 17

English Original

The commander-in-chief also hailed the success of Operation Sindoor, which involved precision strikes against terror infrastructure, and credited it to India’s growing self-reliance in defence.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The

The President of India, who is the head of the military

Part 2

Praised and celebrated the success of

Part 3

the success of Operation Sindoor, which involved against terror

The victory of a military mission that used very accurate attacks on terrorist camps

Part 4

credited

Give the reason or ‘credit’ for the success

Part 5

The success of the operation

Part 6

to India’s growing self-reliance in defence

To the fact that India is now making its own weapons instead of buying them

Context and Background

Operation Sindoor

Operation Sindoor refers to a precision military strike conducted by India in May 2025 against terror infrastructure across the border. It was seen as a significant demonstration of India’s modernized military capabilities and its move toward ‘Atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant) defense production, using indigenous or locally made technology.

Sentence 6 of 17

English Original

The President said India’s progress towards becoming the third largest global economy was well on track, and commended economic reforms such as the GST and the new Labour Codes.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The President

President Droupadi Murmu

Part 2

said

Spoke or informed the public

Part 3

India’s progress towards becoming the was well

That India is moving correctly towards having the world’s 3rd biggest economy

Part 4

Officially praised and supported

Part 5

economic reforms such as the and the new

Policies that changed how taxes are paid and how workers are treated

Sentence 7 of 17

English Original

She noted the great strides achieved by the country’s women in fields ranging from agriculture to space, and their critical role as voters.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

She

President Droupadi Murmu

Part 2

noted

Mentioned or observed as an important point

Part 3

the great achieved by the country’s women in fields ranging from agriculture to space, and their critical role as voters

The big progress Indian women have made in all sectors and how important they are in elections

Context and Background

Women in Agriculture and Space

In recent years, India has focused on ‘Nari Shakti’ (Women Power). The President’s mention of agriculture refers to women’s dominant labor role in rural areas, while ‘space’ refers to the significant contributions of women scientists in ISRO missions like Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan.

Sentence 8 of 17

English Original

Farmers, sanitation workers, teachers, scientists, and healthcare professionals also found special mention in the President’s speech.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Farmers, , teachers, scientists, and

People from different important jobs who work for the country

Part 2

also

In addition to others

Part 3

found

Received or were given

Part 4

A dedicated part of the speech to praise them

Part 5

in the President’s speech

Within the address given by the President

Sentence 9 of 17

English Original

The President invoked the idea of constitutional nationalism.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The President

President Droupadi Murmu

Part 2

Called upon or mentioned a powerful idea to give it weight

Part 3

the idea of

The belief that citizens should be united by the values of the Constitution

Sentence 10 of 17

English Original

Republic Day celebrations are an annual occasion to revisit the ideals of the Constitution and to review its progress in principle and practice.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Republic Day celebrations

The events that happen every year to celebrate the Indian Constitution

Part 2

are

Represent or serve as

Part 3

an occasion to revisit the of the Constitution and to its progress

A yearly time to look back at our constitutional goals and check if we are actually following them in real life

Sentence 11 of 17

English Original

Cataloguing the achievements of the country is motivating, but also essential on such occasions is self-reflection.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

the achievements of the country

Listing out all the good things and successes India has achieved

Part 2

Serves to be

Part 3

Giving us the will or desire to do better and be proud

Part 4

also

Equally very important and necessary

Part 5

on such occasions

On special days like Republic Day

Part 6

Thinking deeply about our own faults and what we need to improve

Sentence 12 of 17

English Original

Economic growth or military prowess are not the sole markers of progress for any nation.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Economic growth or military

Increasing wealth or having a very strong army

Part 2

are not

Do not represent

Part 3

the of progress for any nation

The only things that show a country is actually improving

Sentence 13 of 17

English Original

Singing paeans to the Constitution is one thing, but delivering on its principles by protecting the rights of citizens and discharging the duties of the state is quite another.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Singing to the Constitution

Only praising or speaking highly of the Constitution without doing anything else

Part 2

Represents

Part 3

one thing

One easy part of the job

Part 4

its by protecting the rights of citizens and the duties of the state

Actually doing what the laws say by keeping people safe and fulfilling government responsibilities

Part 5

Part 6

quite another

A completely different and more difficult task

Sentence 14 of 17

English Original

The state in its self-congratulatory posture, as reflected in the President’s speech, must not ignore the many struggles of the citizenry that persist even in the eighth decade of the Republic.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The state in its , as reflected in the President’s speech

The government, which is currently busy praising itself as seen in the speech

Part 2

must not ignore

Should not overlook or forget about

Part 3

the many struggles of the that even in the of the Republic

The various problems ordinary people still face even after 76 years of being a Republic

Sentence 15 of 17

English Original

Civilisational pride cannot be a ruse to overshadow the material questions of the present.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

pride

Being proud of our ancient history and cultural heritage

Part 2

cannot be

Must not be used as

Part 3

a to the of the present

A trick to hide or ignore the real problems like jobs and food that people face today

Sentence 16 of 17

English Original

Republic Day celebrates the ideals of the Constitution.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Republic Day

The day India became a Republic (January 26)

Part 2

celebrates

Honors and marks the importance of

Part 3

the of the Constitution

The core values like justice, liberty, and equality written in our law book

Sentence 17 of 17

English Original

Sectarian politics, the weakening of the federal character of the Republic, and corruption should not be allowed to undermine those ideals.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

politics, the weakening of the of the Republic, and

Religious division in politics, the loss of power for state governments, and dishonest leaders

Part 2

should not be allowed

Must be stopped from happening

Part 3

to those ideals

To slowly destroy the beautiful goals of our Constitution

Sentence 1 of 17

Sentences Breakdown

Editorial Summary

5-Point Summary

1 President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of the 77th Republic Day, emphasizing self-reliance and India’s role in global peace.
2 The speech highlighted key military successes like Operation Sindoor and economic progress toward becoming the third largest global economy.
3 It celebrated the contributions of women, farmers, and frontline workers, while marking the 150th anniversaries of ‘Vande Mataram’ and Sardar Patel.
4 The editorial notes that while celebrating achievements is important, the state must not ignore the ongoing struggles and material concerns of citizens.
5 It concludes that constitutional ideals must be protected against sectarian politics, corruption, and the erosion of federalism.

Tone of the Editorial

Analytical

Why this tone?

The editorial examines the President’s speech by cataloging the achievements mentioned, while also providing a balanced critique of the challenges that still persist. It moves from informative reporting to an introspective analysis of constitutional ideals and the responsibilities of the state.

Sentence 1 of 17

President Droupadi Murmu reflected on India’s democratic and development journey on the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

President Droupadi Murmu

The current head of state of India

Part 2

reflected

Thought about and expressed views on the past and future

Part 3

on India’s democratic and development journey

About the progress India has made in politics and growth

Part 4

on the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day

The evening before January 26, 2026

Sentence 2 of 17

Her emphasis was rightly on the self-reliance of the country in all fields and India’s role as a messenger of peace and stability in a world that is increasingly fractious.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Her emphasis

The main focus or point she stressed in her speech

Part 2

rightly

Correctly or in an appropriate manner

Part 3

on the self-reliance of the country in all fields and India’s role as a messenger of peace and stability in a world that is increasingly fractious

About India being independent in all areas and promoting peace in a divided world

Sentence 3 of 17

Ms. Murmu highlighted recent national achievements and touched upon political and cultural themes that are currently the priorities of the Centre.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Ms. Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu

Part 2

highlighted

Brought attention to or gave importance to

Part 3

recent national achievements

The successes the country has had in the last few years

Part 4

touched upon

Briefly mentioned or discussed

Part 5

political and cultural themes that are currently the priorities of the Centre

Topics about government and culture that are most important to the Central Government right now

Sentence 4 of 17

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

She

President Murmu

Part 2

noted

Pointed out or stated in her speech

Part 3

that the national song, Vande Mataram, was a “lyrical national prayer” even as the country celebrates the 150th anniversary of its composition

That the song ‘Vande Mataram’ is like a poetic prayer for the country, especially now during its 150th year

Part 4

paid tribute

Gave respect and honor to someone from the past

Part 5

to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose 150th birth anniversary was celebrated recently

To the great leader Sardar Patel, following his 150th birthday celebrations

Part 6

for his role in unifying the nation

Because he helped bring all parts of India together as one country

Sentence 5 of 17

The commander-in-chief also hailed the success of Operation Sindoor, which involved precision strikes against terror infrastructure, and credited it to India’s growing self-reliance in defence.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The commander-in-chief

The President of India, who is the head of the military

Part 2

hailed

Praised and celebrated the success of

Part 3

the success of Operation Sindoor, which involved precision strikes against terror infrastructure

The victory of a military mission that used very accurate attacks on terrorist camps

Part 4

credited

Give the reason or ‘credit’ for the success

Part 5

The success of the operation

Part 6

to India’s growing self-reliance in defence

To the fact that India is now making its own weapons instead of buying them

Sentence 6 of 17

The President said India’s progress towards becoming the third largest global economy was well on track, and commended economic reforms such as the GST and the new Labour Codes.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The President

President Droupadi Murmu

Part 2

said

Spoke or informed the public

Part 3

India’s progress towards becoming the third largest global economy was well on track

That India is moving correctly towards having the world’s 3rd biggest economy

Part 4

commended

Officially praised and supported

Part 5

economic reforms such as the GST and the new Labour Codes

Policies that changed how taxes are paid and how workers are treated

Sentence 7 of 17

She noted the great strides achieved by the country’s women in fields ranging from agriculture to space, and their critical role as voters.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

She

President Droupadi Murmu

Part 2

noted

Mentioned or observed as an important point

Part 3

the great strides achieved by the country’s women in fields ranging from agriculture to space, and their critical role as voters

The big progress Indian women have made in all sectors and how important they are in elections

Sentence 8 of 17

Farmers, sanitation workers, teachers, scientists, and healthcare professionals also found special mention in the President’s speech.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Farmers, sanitation workers, teachers, scientists, and healthcare professionals

People from different important jobs who work for the country

Part 2

also

In addition to others

Part 3

found

Received or were given

Part 4

special mention

A dedicated part of the speech to praise them

Part 5

in the President’s speech

Within the address given by the President

Sentence 9 of 17

The President invoked the idea of constitutional nationalism.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The President

President Droupadi Murmu

Part 2

invoked

Called upon or mentioned a powerful idea to give it weight

Part 3

the idea of constitutional nationalism

The belief that citizens should be united by the values of the Constitution

Sentence 10 of 17

Republic Day celebrations are an annual occasion to revisit the ideals of the Constitution and to review its progress in principle and practice.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Republic Day celebrations

The events that happen every year to celebrate the Indian Constitution

Part 2

are

Represent or serve as

Part 3

an annual occasion to revisit the ideals of the Constitution and to review its progress in principle and practice

A yearly time to look back at our constitutional goals and check if we are actually following them in real life

Sentence 11 of 17

Cataloguing the achievements of the country is motivating, but also essential on such occasions is self-reflection.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Cataloguing the achievements of the country

Listing out all the good things and successes India has achieved

Part 2

Serves to be

Part 3

motivating

Giving us the will or desire to do better and be proud

Part 4

also essential

Equally very important and necessary

Part 5

on such occasions

On special days like Republic Day

Part 6

self-reflection

Thinking deeply about our own faults and what we need to improve

Sentence 12 of 17

Economic growth or military prowess are not the sole markers of progress for any nation.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Economic growth or military prowess

Increasing wealth or having a very strong army

Part 2

are not

Do not represent

Part 3

the sole markers of progress for any nation

The only things that show a country is actually improving

Sentence 13 of 17

Singing paeans to the Constitution is one thing, but delivering on its principles by protecting the rights of citizens and discharging the duties of the state is quite another.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Singing paeans to the Constitution

Only praising or speaking highly of the Constitution without doing anything else

Part 2

Represents

Part 3

one thing

One easy part of the job

Part 4

delivering on its principles by protecting the rights of citizens and discharging the duties of the state

Actually doing what the laws say by keeping people safe and fulfilling government responsibilities

Part 5

Part 6

quite another

A completely different and more difficult task

Sentence 14 of 17

The state in its self-congratulatory posture, as reflected in the President’s speech, must not ignore the many struggles of the citizenry that persist even in the eighth decade of the Republic.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The state in its self-congratulatory posture, as reflected in the President’s speech

The government, which is currently busy praising itself as seen in the speech

Part 2

must not ignore

Should not overlook or forget about

Part 3

the many struggles of the citizenry that persist even in the eighth decade of the Republic

The various problems ordinary people still face even after 76 years of being a Republic

Sentence 15 of 17

Civilisational pride cannot be a ruse to overshadow the material questions of the present.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Civilisational pride

Being proud of our ancient history and cultural heritage

Part 2

cannot be

Must not be used as

Part 3

a ruse to overshadow the material questions of the present

A trick to hide or ignore the real problems like jobs and food that people face today

Sentence 16 of 17

Republic Day celebrates the ideals of the Constitution.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Republic Day

The day India became a Republic (January 26)

Part 2

celebrates

Honors and marks the importance of

Part 3

the ideals of the Constitution

The core values like justice, liberty, and equality written in our law book

Sentence 17 of 17

Sectarian politics, the weakening of the federal character of the Republic, and corruption should not be allowed to undermine those ideals.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Sectarian politics, the weakening of the federal character of the Republic, and corruption

Religious division in politics, the loss of power for state governments, and dishonest leaders

Part 2

should not be allowed

Must be stopped from happening

Part 3

to undermine those ideals

To slowly destroy the beautiful goals of our Constitution

Reading Comprehension

Practice questions based on this editorial

Reading Comprehension - 77th Republic Day

Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about President Droupadi Murmu's speech on India's 77th Republic Day.

5 Questions Passing: 70%

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Politics and Governance 8 Economy 7 International Relations 2 Science and Technology 4 Environment 3 Society 0 Security 1 Infrastructure and Energy 2 Media and Communication 1 Miscellaneous 7

Vocabulary Feeds

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March of the Republic: On India’s 77th Republic Day and the President’s speech

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Reading Comprehension - 77th Republic Day

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