Indian athletes including boxer Saweety Boora and hockey players were awarded the prestigious Arjuna Awards by President Droupadi Murmu during the National Sports Awards ceremony. Chess grandmaster Vantika Agrawal and athlete Jyothi Yarraji were also conferred with the Arjuna Award for their remarkable performances at the Chess Olympiad and Paris Olympics respectively. Boora dedicated her award to her family and supporters, while Vantika was part of the first-ever Indian women's team to win gold at the Chess Olympiad. Despite not qualifying for the semifinals at the Olympics, Jyothi's achievement was recognized through this honor.
Four elite Indian athletes were recognized for their outstanding performances and achievements in the field of sports by President Droupadi Murmu. The prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award was presented to D. Gukesh, Manu Bhaker, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar, acknowledging their significant contributions to India’s success in various international events. Along with these four honorees, 32 athletes were also awarded with the Arjuna Award during the ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025.
President Droupadi Murmu honoured some of the country's top athletes with the prestigious sports award - Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award at a special ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This award is given every year to recognise and reward excellence in sports and is given to sportspersons for their outstanding performance in their respective fields over a period of four years. This year's recipients include the youngest-ever World Chess Champion Gukesh D, Paris Olympics and Paralympics medallists Manu Bhaker, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar. Additionally, 17 para-athletes were also honoured with the Arjuna Award, which is given for outstanding performance in sports and games with qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline.
President Droupadi Murmu commended the Indian Army for its crucial contributions to national security and peace at the 77th Army Day celebrations. The occasion also marks the historic moment in 1949 when the first Indian Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit was appointed. The theme for this year's celebration is "Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena," and the President expressed her admiration and conveyed warm wishes to the Army and its soldiers and veterans. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also joined in honoring the Army's bravery and selfless service.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her distress and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of devotees who lost their lives in a stampede at Tirupati on Thursday. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and urged for better crowd management at religious places. The stampede occurred on Wednesday night as devotees were jostling for tickets at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu wished Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the global Jewish community a happy Hanukkah, a festival that celebrates hope and freedom. In his message posted on X in English and Hebrew, PM Modi expressed his hope that the radiance of Hanukkah would bring peace, strength, and hope to everyone's lives. President Murmu also extended her warmest greetings to Israel President Isaac Herzog on this auspicious occasion.
On the eve of Christmas, President Droupadi Murmu sends warm greetings to the people and expresses a hope that the world will see an increase in trust and forgiveness among individuals and nations. This will lead to a closer relationship among people of different backgrounds and beliefs, promoting peace and unity.
A tragic accident occurred off the coast of Mumbai on Wednesday where a Navy speed boat crashed into a ferry, resulting in the death of thirteen individuals and the rescue of over 100 others. The Indian Navy has launched a rescue operation, with multiple boats and helicopters involved in the search for survivors. President Droupadi Murmu expressed her condolences to the families of those affected and the Indian Navy has confirmed that the accident was caused by an engine malfunction during an engine trial.
On this Vijay Diwas, President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh honored the brave soldiers who fought in the 1971 war, securing a historic victory for India and leading to the creation of Bangladesh. Their sacrifices and unyielding spirit continue to inspire generations and serve as a source of national pride. As the nation remembers and pays homage to the fallen heroes, political leaders reaffirmed the unwavering courage and dedication of India's armed forces.
As India celebrates Constitution Day on November 26, President Droupadi Murmu delivered a joint address to both Houses of Parliament, marking 75 years of the adoption of India's Constitution. In her speech, she highlighted the government's efforts towards the welfare of all sections of society, especially the weaker sections. This day is observed every year as a tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution, on his 125th birth anniversary.