Overcome caste, build an inclusive society: President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday (April 14, 2026) urged people to rise above caste divisions and strive for an inclusive society, saying the country must prioritize narrowing the gap between the “haves and have-nots”.

Addressing the ‘Samajik Samrasta Mahotsav’ held on the occasion of BR Ambedkar’s birth anniversary at Lok Bhavan in Gandhinagar, the President said caste differences should be considered a legacy of the past and urged people to move forward together as one society.

President Murmu arrives in Moldova; first by any Indian Head of State

“Those who created the caste system are no more. We have to move forward together and strengthen social harmony. In a way, there are only two castes now – the haves and the have-nots,” she said, stressing the need to uplift those left behind.

Calling for unity, she said: “Nobody should think only of their own interest. We are all one. We are brothers and sisters.” She emphasized that the Indian cultural ethos is anchored in compassion, equality, collective welfare and harmony.

“To rise above all contradictions and stand united without discrimination is the true expression of social peace,” the president said.

She added that all citizens are equal as children of “Mother India” and there should be no discrimination on the basis of caste, class, language or region.

Meaning of villages

The President emphasized the importance of villages in shaping national development and social structure.

“The soul of a nation resides in its villages. The path to building a harmonious society lies through the villages. Despite the diversity, there is affection, warmth and mutual understanding among the people in the villages, which reflects the true spirit of Indian culture,” she said, adding, “If the villages prosper, the country will prosper.”

With reference to Dr. Ambedkara said that his vision of harmony was based on liberty, equality and fraternity. Recalling his message of “educate yourself”, she said education forms the basis of both individual growth and national progress.

Education as a fundamental right

“At the very core of education lies the development of a nation and society. Our constitution has made education a fundamental right. It is our responsibility to ensure that people from marginalized sections, whether in villages or cities, have access to education,” she said.

She added that education must also inculcate moral values, noting that holistic learning, especially moral education, strengthens social bonds.

The President also cited the need for good health and a clean environment, describing them as essential for overall development. She said steps are being taken to improve health facilities in rural areas.

Encouraging individuals to contribute to society, she said: “Being successful is good, but it only makes sense when you look back and see how many people you can help. You may not be able to change an entire nation, but you have to ask yourself what you can do for others,” she said.

The role of governance

Emphasizing the role of governance, she said efforts are being made to support sectors such as education, health and agriculture, while calling on citizens to play an active role.

“The government is doing its duty, but the people must also try to move forward and become self-sufficient,” she said.

The President also spoke about the importance of the cooperative sector and community participation in ensuring inclusive growth and social harmony and encouraged activities such as sanitation drives, tree planting and animal husbandry.

Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi were present at the event.

Published – 14 Apr 2026 19:02 IST