Through “Macaulay's conspiracies”, a sense of “inferiority” was instilled among the people of India during the colonial period, and now, for the first time since Independence, the Indian government has shown the courage to “strike a blow” on this, President Droupadi Murmu said on Wednesday (January 28, 2026).
Addressing a joint sitting of both the Houses of Parliament, which marked the start of the Budget Session, she said, for the country to reach the goal of 'Viksit Bharat', as much importance is required to be given to national self-respect and cultural pride as to modern development.
“From the cultural perspective, India is among the richest nations in the world. My government is working to transform this heritage into a source of strength for the country,” Ms. Murmu said.
In her address, she also made a reference to British official Macaulay and his policies during the colonial rule in the 19th century.
“Through Macaulay’s conspiracies, a sense of inferiority was instilled among the people of India during the colonial period. Now, for the first time since Independence, my government has shown the courage to strike a blow on this,” the President said.
