Republic Day 2026 Speech
26 January 2026
Distinguished guests, senior officials of the Government of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, distinguished Ambassadors, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in São Tomé and Príncipe, senior officials of the Government of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, Representatives of the United Nations and multilateral organizations, fellow diplomats, members of the press, and dear members of the Indian community in São Tomé,
Boa noite, Namaskar, good evening and a very warm welcome to today’s event when we all have gathered to celebrate the Republic Day of India.
Although India became an independent country on 15 August 1947, which is celebrated as the Independence Day, today was the day when India gave effect to its Constitution in 1950. Since then, on every Republic Day, India celebrates the empowerment of its citizens to select their own government, cherishes the rights and duties of its citizens, upholds the ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity and celebrates its immense cultural diversity.
The governing principle of the Indian Constitution is “Of the People, For the People and By the People” which signifies that the power is vested in the hands of the citizens of India.
Our Constitution is the foundational document of the largest republic in world history. The ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in our Constitution define our Republic. The framers of the Constitution provided a strong bedrock for the spirit of nationalism and the unity of the country through constitutional provisions.
The distinguishing character of our Republic brings together more than 1.4 billion of Indians to live as one family. For this largest family in the world, co-existence is not an imposition of geography but a source of happiness.
Such momentous occasions as today are good opportunities for us as a Nation to retrospect and plan our future direction accordingly. If we look at the year since the last Republic Day, there is much to be pleased about.
Since 7th November last year, celebrations marking 150 years of the composition of our national song 'Vande Mataram' are being organised. ‘Vande Mataram’, composed by the venerable Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay is India’s lyrical national prayer. This song which is a prayer to the divine form of Mother India, instils patriotism in every Indian.
Dear friends, India is the world’s fastest growing major economy. Despite global uncertainties, India is recording continuous economic growth. We are moving towards achieving our goal of becoming the world’s third-largest economy in the near future.
The country has the world's largest young population. What gives us special pride is that our youth possess immense talent. Our young entrepreneurs, sports-persons, scientists, and professionals are infusing new energy into the country and making their mark on the global stage. Our youth are the flag bearers of our nation's development journey. The impressive success demonstrated by start-ups in India is mainly driven by its young entrepreneurs.
Protection of the environment is a high priority today. I am proud that India has steered the global community in many areas related to the environment. A lifestyle in harmony with nature has been a part of India's cultural tradition. This lifestyle is the basis of our message to the global community: ‘Lifestyle for Environment’, or ‘LiFE’. Let us make efforts to ensure that Mother Earth's precious resources remain available for future generations.
In our tradition, we have been offering prayers for peace to prevail in the entire universe. The future of humanity can remain secure only if there is peace in the whole world. In an atmosphere marked by conflicts in many parts of the world, India is spreading the message of world peace.
Speaking about our bilateral relations, India and Sao Tome & Principe have always been cordial partners. Our bilateral ties have been growing since the establishment of a resident India embassy in this country. Both our countries share strong democratic traditions and a broad-based developmental agenda. We look forward to strengthening our existing bilateral linkages with Sao Tome & Principe, especially in the fields of health, agriculture, education and capacity building.
During the past one year, India’s bilateral relations with STP proceeded in the right direction. In April 2025, Government of India gifted 6 school buses to the friendly country of Sao Tome & Principe. This assistance by the Government of India re-affirms India’s commitment to the Global South cooperation. It reinforced the school transport fleet of Sao Tome and Principe, making school education more accessible providing safer commute for students and reducing education costs for families. It is indeed gratifying to come across school buses from India, plying on the roads in the capital city of Sao Tome, with school children and the pictures of flags of both India and Sao Tome and Principe.
On the visits front, in September 2025, H.E. Mr. Nelson Mário de Carvalho Rosa Cardoso, Honorable Minister of Infrastructure and Natural Resources participated in the 7th Regional Committee Meeting for the Africa Region organized by the International Solar Alliance.
In December 2025, H.E. Ms. Isabel Maria Correia Viegas de Abreu, Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Higher Education attended the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage held in New Delhi, India. During the Session, Tchiloli, was included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and we, as Indians, are happy that this moment of honour and recognition for the friendly Sao Tome & Principe had happened in India.
In December 2025, H.E. Mr. Celso Vaz do Nascimento Matos, Honorable Minister of Health, led a delegation from STP to attend the 2nd WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit held in New Delhi. I am hopeful that soon there will be positive outcomes as a result of this visit.
India continues to provide capacity building support to Sao Tome & Principe. During the past year, 17 officials from Sao Tome & Principe, including 3 diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the capacity building courses in India.
In a few days’ time, a cultural troupe from Sao Tome & Principe would be participating in the 39th International Suraj Kund Cultural Fair which will be held in India. This certainly will bring further recognition and platform for the Sao Tome & Principe culture at the world stage.
Dear friends, Yoga has been one of the best contributions of India to the world. It was indeed an honour when the Minister of Health, Mr. Celso Nascimento Matos, the Minister of Environment, Youth and Sustainable Tourism, Ms. Nilda Borges da Mata and the Secretary General, Ministry of Education, Ms. Eurídice Medeiros, along with other Yoga enthusiasts, participated in the 11th International Day of Yoga held in Sao Tome during June last year.
I would like to thank the Guest of Honor for gracing our event with his presence. I am deeply grateful to all the distinguished senior officials, my diplomatic colleagues, and all our friends for their presence today. I am sincerely grateful to all of you for dedicating your valuable time to my country, India, and for honoring today's event with your presence.
Muito obrigado.
