President Droupadi Murmu meets Republic Day Parade participants at Rashtrapati Bhavan, interacting with students, tribals, tableaux artists, NSS volunteers and NCC cadets, while hosting the traditional ‘At Home’ reception with global leaders.
A day after presiding over the grand Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path, President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday met and interacted with a wide cross-section of participants who contributed to the Republic Day celebrations, reaffirming the spirit of inclusiveness, unity and national pride that defines India’s democracy.
According to an official statement issued by the President’s Secretariat, the President engaged with special visitors including students, members of tribal communities, tableaux artists, tractor drivers, National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers and National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets who had taken part in the Republic Day Parade 2026.
Separate delegations of students from Leh, Jharkhand, and Jammu and Kashmir called on the President during the day. These interactions provided an opportunity for young participants to share their experiences of being part of the nationally significant event and to receive encouragement from the country’s highest constitutional authority.
The President also met artisans and performers associated with the state tableaux showcased during the parade. Their creative efforts highlighted India’s cultural plurality, regional traditions and developmental narratives, which together formed the visual and thematic backbone of the Republic Day procession.
Officials said the interactions at Rashtrapati Bhavan reflected the President’s continued emphasis on connecting with grassroots contributors and recognizing the role of citizens from diverse backgrounds in nation-building. The presence of tribal representatives underscored the centrality of indigenous communities in India’s social and cultural fabric.
On Monday evening, President Murmu hosted the traditional ‘At Home’ reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan to mark the conclusion of the 77th Republic Day celebrations. The event brought together senior constitutional authorities, foreign dignitaries, political leaders, military officials and eminent personalities from various fields.
Among those present were Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, along with several other distinguished guests. The attendance of the two European leaders added diplomatic significance to this year’s celebrations, as they had earlier served as joint Chief Guests at the Republic Day Parade.
The ‘At Home’ reception is a long-standing Republic Day tradition commemorating the adoption of the Constitution of India on January 26, 1950. This year’s event symbolized India’s democratic continuity as well as its growing global partnerships.
The presence of European leaders highlighted the strengthening India–European Union relationship. Diplomatic engagements are expected to progress further during the 16th EU–India Summit scheduled for January 27, with discussions focusing on trade cooperation, security collaboration and multilateral engagement.
A distinctive feature of this year’s ‘At Home’ reception was the specially designed invitation, which celebrated the artistic heritage of India’s North-Eastern states. The invitation kit was handcrafted by artisans from the region, reflecting India’s commitment to promoting indigenous craftsmanship.
The kit included a panel-style invitation mounted on a woven bamboo mat from Tripura, along with decorative elements inspired by the Assamese manuscript painting tradition. The motifs depicted the flora and fauna of the North-East, symbolizing ecological richness and cultural continuity.
Additional highlights included woven nettle fabric and embroidery from Sikkim, green bamboo weave from Meghalaya, Mon Shugu handmade paper from Arunachal Pradesh, bamboo musical instruments from Assam, bamboo jewellery from Tripura, traditional fabrics from Nagaland and Mizoram, Longpi Black Pottery from Manipur, and an Eri silk stole.
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Guests at Rashtrapati Bhavan exchanged greetings and reflected on the grandeur of the Republic Day events, which once again showcased India’s democratic ethos, cultural diversity and collective aspirations on a global stage.
