“We are at our finest ever, but the best is yet to come,” Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu S. Kumaran said.

On 26 January, India marked the 74th year of its Republic Day. The momentous occasion celebrates the Indian Constitution, also known as the longest-written constitution in the world.

The Consitution of India is the supreme law of India which was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949. It came into effect on 26 January 1950.

India.gov.in states that the Constitution provides for a Parliamentary form of government which is federal in structure and accompanied by unitary features. The constitutional head of the Executive of the Union is the President and, as per Article 79, the council of the Parliament of the Union shall consist of two Houses known as the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of the People (Lok Sabha).

“We became a republic, by the people for the people,” Ambassador Kumaran said.

In the Philippines, the Indian Embassy celebrated with a flag-hoisting ceremony, cultural performance, and a special luncheon.

Kumaran added he is confident that the with the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, the relationship between India and the Philippines will achieve greater heights.

“Looking ahead, the India-Phl bilateral ties are really promising,” he said.

In 2022, India became the fifth largest economy in the world.

“It needs to be underlined that this achievement comes against the backdrop of high economic uncertainties around the world. Yet, guided by our able leadership and driven by our resilience we soon came out of the downturn and resumed the growth saga,” Kumaran said.

The Indian government announced that in 2023, the beneficiaries of its food security program will continue to get their monthly ration, free of cost.

India’s national education acknowledges the role of technology in expanding and deepening the learning process of its youth.

“As we have come to realize since the early days of Covid-19 is that technology offers life-changing possibilities. More and more people have been reaping the benefits of the Internet and are receiving a variety of services provided by the government,” Kumaran said.

India has been among the handful of pioneers in space technology. The government program that will carry astronauts into space is under progress.

“This will be India’s maiden human spaceflight yet, and as we reach out to the stars, we keep our feet on the ground.”

Kumaran also noted India’s Mars mission, Mangalyaan, was powered by a team of extraordinary women.

This year, India holds the presidency of the group of 20 nations.

“G20 represents about two thirds of the world’s population and around 85 percent of the global GDP. It is an ideal forum to discuss and find solutions to global challenges such as climate change. India has taken a commendable lead in this direction by giving a policy push to solar energy and electric vehicles at the global level,” he said.

The United Nations has accepted India’s suggestion and declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Coarse grains like millet are eco-friendly as they require less water to grow, and yet they provide high levels of nutrition.

In conclusion, Ambassador Kumaran said, “I appreciate every citizen who contributes to the nation’s progress. I also convey my greetings to the diaspora, the great ambassadors of India’s culture and civilization. I salute all the brave hearts of our Armed Forces, military forces, and police forces, who lay down their lives in the line of duty. I convey my blessings to all the dear children for their bright future.”