New Delhi, Jan 28 (NationPress) The Parliament's Budget Session commenced on Wednesday with President Droupadi Murmu addressing the joint session of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in New Delhi.

This ceremonial address signifies the start of a vital phase in the Parliamentary calendar, during which Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to unveil the Economic Survey on Thursday (January 29) and the Union Budget on Sunday (February 1).

As political leaders gathered in the national capital, President Murmu began her address with a tone of warmth and introspection.

She conveyed her happiness in addressing the joint session, recalling the past year as a significant chapter in India's narrative of rapid progress and rich cultural legacy.

Emphasizing the national celebrations of the 150th anniversary of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's timeless creation Vande Mataram, she honored its lasting influence and commended Parliamentarians for engaging in a special discussion on this occasion.

Looking forward, the President depicted 2026 as a crucial foundational year for the nation's ambitious journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat, or developed India.

She remarked that the conclusion of the first quarter-century of the new millennium has brought forth numerous victories, moments of national pride, and profound experiences.

Over the last decade, she noted, India has strengthened its foundation across all major sectors, laying a solid groundwork for future advancement.

The address also touched on the importance of historical remembrance in shaping the present and future.

President Murmu spoke poignantly about the nation's observance of the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, whose sacrifice continues to resonate.

She recalled the widespread tributes during the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, honoring his lasting legacy for tribal communities and the broader struggle for justice. Similarly, commemorations of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 150th birth anniversary have reinforced the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, while celebrations around Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika's birth anniversary filled the nation with music and a renewed sense of unity.

Through these reflections, the President emphasized that when a nation commemorates the contributions of its predecessors, it sparks inspiration in the younger generation, hastening the collective stride towards a developed and inclusive India.

Her remarks established an optimistic and unifying atmosphere for the session ahead, harmonizing pride in past milestones with determination for the journey that lies ahead.

Prior to the session, an all-party meeting held on Tuesday, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, set the stage for the proceedings.

Leaders from various political backgrounds shared their anticipated priorities and pledged cooperation to ensure smooth functioning. Among them, Congress indicated a focus on people-centric issues, including allegations of vote theft, the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, paddy procurement, and the revival of components of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.