New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday greeted Indians living in India and abroad on the eve of Raksha Bandhan.
In a message, President Murmu said, “The festival of Raksha Bandhan has been an integral part of our culture and tradition since ancient times. The rakhi thread, tied around the wrist with faith, has been regarded as a sacred bond of protection, known as ‘Raksha Bandhan’.”
The President added, “In many shlokas and mantras, we find the words ‘Rakshe, Ma Chala, Ma Chala’. These words express the imploration, ‘May this bond of protection continue forever’.”
Raksha Bandhan has become popular as a social festival in which sisters tie a Rakhi on the wrists of brothers and their siblings. This symbolises the feelings of warmth, respect and mutual responsibility not only between brothers and sisters but also among siblings, families, friends and the society.
This festival reminds us that every relationship rests on the pillars of trust, sensitivity and mutual cooperation.
“On this auspicious occasion, let us pledge to strengthen the bonds among our families and our communities. Let us march forward with this spirit towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’,” President Murmu said.
In a separate development during the day, President Murmu interacted with the Officer Trainees of Indian Foreign Service (2025 Batch) and two diplomats from Bhutan, who are currently undergoing induction training programme in Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service.
Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated the Officer Trainees of the Indian Foreign Service and said that they will have the privilege and responsibility of representing India abroad, advancing the nation’s interests, and strengthening India’s relations with countries across the world.
President Murmu said that India’s economic rise is creating new possibilities for our engagement with the world.
She advised diplomats to remain alert to emerging opportunities in areas such as investment, technology, manufacturing, renewable energy and innovation, and build partnerships that advance India’s national interests.
She said that diplomacy must contribute directly to India’s prosperity.
The President said that India’s engagement with the world should always align closely with the aspirations of our people: ‘Rashtrahit Sarvopari’. This should remain an enduring principle of Indian Foreign Service officers’ professional lives.
She highlighted the expanding role of diplomacy as the country progresses towards the goal of becoming ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’.
The President said that diplomats should not limit engagement to government offices and official meetings.
“They (Diplomats) should also reach out to universities, businesses, researchers, innovators, cultural institutions, civil society and local communities,” she said.
President Murmu advised them to engage meaningfully with the Indian diaspora, especially to encourage young members of the diaspora to remain connected with India and identify opportunities for them to contribute to our development journey.
(IANS)
