VICE-PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF THE NEW YEAR

As we welcome the New Year 2026, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to my brothers and sisters in India and across the world. 

The year 2025 will be remembered as a year of renewed confidence, collective resolve and national pride. From safeguarding our sovereignty and security to strengthening India’s global standing across diverse fields, the nation moved forward with unity of purpose and clarity of vision. 

Operation Sindoor underscored India’s determination to protect its citizens and sent a strong message to terrorists and their sponsors that justice and security will prevail, and that any threat to our sovereignty will be met with firm and resolute action.  

During the year, Parliament enacted historic legislations reflecting the nation’s determined march towards Viksit Bharat, while also witnessing significant deliberations, including the commemoration of the 150th year of VandeMataram. 

The nation solemnly observed several landmark occasions, including the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji; the 150th birth anniversaries of Bhagwan Birsa Munda Ji and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ji; the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee; and the 100th birth anniversary of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji. 

The year also witnessed major cultural, spiritual and civilisational milestones. The Dhwajarohan ceremony at the Ram Mandir and the grand Mahakumbh drew global attention to India’s living heritage.

 Adding to this pride, Diwali was inscribed on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO, reaffirming the universal values of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and dharma over adharma.

 Initiatives such as Kashi Tamil Sangamam further strengthened India’s cultural unity and civilisational bonds.

 India’s achievements in science, technology and space during 2025 further strengthened its position as a global innovation hub.

 Under the leadership of the ISRO, the successful SPADEX mission demonstrated satellite docking capabilities, while the LVM 3-M6 launch showcased India’s growing heavy-lift capacity.

 The mission of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station marked a significant step in India’s expanding human spaceflight ambitions.

 In the field of sports, 2025 brought many moments of national pride.

Our Men’s Cricket Team lifted the ICC Champions Trophy, while the Indian Women’s Cricket Team created history by winning the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup for the first time.

 India also won both the men’s and women’s titles at the Kho Kho World Cup.

India’s daughters and para-athletes continued to inspire the nation through outstanding performances at major international championships.

 Individual excellence was exemplified by Divya Deshmukh emerging as the Women’s Chess World Cup Champion and Sheetal Devi clinching the para-archery world title, while collective achievement was reflected in India’s victory at the Women’s Blind T20 World Cup.

 As we step into 2026, I call upon the youth of India, the custodians of the nation’s future, to take the following five pledges for Bharat Mata on this New Year:

 1.    To remain completely free from drugs and all forms of addiction, and to lead lives rooted in discipline, clarity and purpose.

2.    To adopt technology responsibly and ethically, using innovation and digital tools for nation-building and inclusive development.

3.    To focus on physical and mental health, by embracing yoga, sports and an active, balanced lifestyle.

4.    To uphold constitutional values, integrity and social harmony, and to strengthen the foundations of India’s democracy.

5.    To contribute selflessly to the progress of the nation, through service, excellence in work and commitment to the ideals of Bharat.

 Guided by these values, inspired by the energy of our youth and rooted in our rich cultural ethos, India will continue its determined march towards the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

 May the New Year bring peace, prosperity and progress to each one of us.

 I wish you all a healthy, wealthy and Happy New Year 2026.