President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday, 27 August extended warm greetings to Indians across the country and the diaspora on the eve of Raksha Bandhan 2025, calling the festival an enduring symbol of protection, trust, and mutual responsibility rooted in India's ancient culture.

President's Message on Raksha Bandhan

In her message, President Murmu described Raksha Bandhan as an integral part of India's culture and tradition since ancient times. She noted that the rakhi thread, tied around the wrist with faith, has long been regarded as a sacred bond of protection. She cited the words found in ancient shlokas and mantras: 'Rakshe, Ma Chala, Ma Chala' — an imploration meaning 'May this bond of protection continue forever.'

The President emphasised that the festival has evolved into a broader social celebration, symbolising warmth, respect, and mutual responsibility not just between brothers and sisters, but across families, friendships, and communities at large.

Calling on citizens to renew their social bonds, President Murmu urged all to pledge to strengthen ties among families and communities, and to march forward with that spirit toward a Viksit Bharat.

IFS Officer Trainees Meet the President

In a separate engagement on the same day, President Murmu met with Officer Trainees of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) 2025 Batch and two diplomats from Bhutan, who are currently undergoing their induction training at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service in New Delhi.

Congratulating the trainees, the President reminded them that they would carry the privilege and responsibility of representing India on the world stage, advancing national interests, and deepening bilateral ties across the globe.

Diplomacy Must Serve India's Prosperity

President Murmu told the trainees that India's economic rise is opening new avenues for global engagement. She urged them to remain alert to emerging opportunities in investment, technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, and innovation, and to build partnerships that directly serve India's national interests.

She made clear that diplomacy must contribute directly to India's prosperity, adding that the guiding principle of every IFS officer's career should be 'Rashtrahit Sarvopari' — the nation's interest above all.

Engaging Beyond Government Offices

The President advised the incoming diplomats to look beyond formal government channels in their postings abroad. She said diplomats should also reach out to universities, businesses, researchers, innovators, cultural institutions, civil society, and local communities.

She also stressed meaningful engagement with the Indian diaspora, particularly encouraging young diaspora members to stay connected with India and identify opportunities to contribute to the country's development journey — a clear signal of the Viksit Bharat by 2047 agenda that now shapes India's foreign policy outlook.