President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday (April 14, 2026) urged people to rise above caste divisions and strive for an inclusive society, saying the country must prioritise narrowing the gap between “the haves and the have-nots”.
Speaking at the ‘Samajik Samrasta Mahotsav’ held to mark the birth anniversary of B. R. Ambedkar at Lok Bhavan in Gandhinagar, the President said caste distinctions should be treated as a legacy of the past and called on people to progress together as one society.
“Those who created the caste system are no longer there. We must move forward together and strengthen social harmony. In a way, there are now only two castes—the haves and the have-nots,” she said, emphasising the need to uplift those left behind.
Calling for unity, she said, “No one should think only of their own interest. We are all one. We are brothers and sisters.” She highlighted that India’s cultural ethos is anchored in compassion, equality, collective welfare and harmony.
“Rising above all divisions and standing united without discrimination is the true expression of social harmony,” the President said.
