At Diamond Jubilee celebrations in Kurukshetra, President highlights Haryana’s freedom fighters, women achievers, sporting excellence, agricultural strength and emerging infrastructure
Kurukshetra, President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday described Haryana as a land of extraordinary historical and cultural significance, praising its contribution to India’s freedom struggle, democratic development, social transformation, sports, science and national security. Addressing the state’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in Kurukshetra, marking 60 years of Haryana’s formation, she said the state had consistently produced individuals whose achievements had strengthened the country across generations. She also unveiled the Diamond Jubilee logo at the event.
Governor Prof. Asim Kumar Ghosh and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini were among those present.
Beginning her address with a reference to the spiritual legacy of the region, the President said the timeless message of the Bhagavad Gita had emerged from this land and continued to guide humanity through the ideals of selfless action and duty. She paid tribute to Haryana’s people for their role in India’s development and recalled the contributions of historical figures such as Rao Tula Ram, Sir Chhotu Ram, Pandit Nekiram Sharma and folk artist Dada Lakhmi Chand.
Highlighting lesser-known chapters of the freedom movement, President Murmu referred to Ambala’s Kashiram, who was associated with the establishment of the Ghadar Party alongside Lala Hardayal in San Francisco. After returning to India, he was hanged by the British in November 1915, she noted.
She also recalled Haryana’s participation in the Quit India Movement of 1942, pointing out that resistance was not confined to towns and cities but extended to rural communities, where even young girls came forward to participate in the struggle.
In a particularly inspiring reference, the President spoke about a 12-year-old girl from Rewari who reportedly joined the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930. The young girl used her entire childhood savings, accumulated by setting aside two paise every day, to purchase salt in defiance of British restrictions. President Murmu urged the state government to collect further historical information about this courageous episode and bring the story before the wider public.
Women’s achievements and changing social attitudes
The President highlighted Haryana’s contribution to women’s leadership, recalling that Sucheta Kriplani, born in the state, became India’s first woman Chief Minister. She also mentioned Shanno Devi, the first Speaker of the newly constituted Haryana Legislative Assembly, as an example of women’s early participation in democratic institutions. Astronaut Kalpana Chawla, she said, inspired generations of girls by reaching the frontiers of space.
Appreciating initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment and inclusion, Murmu referred to 50 per cent representation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions, reservation in the allocation of ration depots and the establishment of a Welfare Board for transgender persons.
She also recalled that the national ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign was launched from Panipat in January 2015. According to the figures cited in her address, the sex ratio at birth in Haryana improved from 871 girls per 1,000 boys in 2014 to approximately 915 in November 2025. She expressed hope that coordinated efforts by the state and central governments would help the state achieve greater gender balance and accelerate progress in maternal health and girls’ education.
Haryana’s daughters shine on international sporting platforms
Recognising the state’s sporting achievements, President Murmu said Haryana’s athletes had brought distinction to India at the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and world championships.
She named prominent athletes including Manu Bhaker, Saweety Boora and Jasmine Lamboria, while congratulating Manisha Bhanwala for winning gold at the 2026 World Wrestling Championships in Kazakhstan. She described the achievement as historic, noting that Manisha had become the first Indian woman wrestler to win the honour at the championship.
The President also praised Indian women athletes who won medals at the competition. Referring to the Commonwealth Games held earlier this year, she said five of the seven gold medals won by Haryana’s athletes had gone to women.
She singled out Rewari’s para-athlete Sharmila Dhanda for her gold-medal achievement, saying her success demonstrated how determination and courage could overcome physical challenges.
Agricultural contribution and modern infrastructure
Describing Haryana as an important pillar of the country’s food security, Murmu said the state’s agricultural productivity was approximately 50 per cent higher than the national average. Its contribution to foodgrain production, she noted, had helped strengthen India’s agricultural foundation.
She also welcomed the state’s progress in transport and infrastructure development, particularly the modernisation of its railway network. Referring to the hydrogen-powered train introduced between Jind and Sonipat, she described it as India’s first train of its kind and an important step towards technological advancement in public transport.
The President said Haryana was moving steadily towards its development goals with support from the Centre, while also making progress towards more inclusive growth and the dismantling of deep-rooted social prejudices.
A legacy of service to the nation
Murmu observed that Haryana had consistently contributed brave soldiers to the armed forces and continued to uphold its tradition of serving and protecting the country’s borders. She also noted that people from the state had received Padma honours for achievements in literature, folk art, social service, education, sports, para-archery and science.
Concluding her address, the President invoked the teachings of Lord Krishna, emphasising the balance of knowledge and action, strength and compassion, leadership and public welfare. She said these values should guide individuals and institutions working for Haryana’s progress.
As the state marks six decades of its formation, her message centred on preserving its historical legacy while advancing education, women’s empowerment, agriculture, infrastructure and inclusive development.
