Murmu moved to tears as visually impaired children wish her on birthday

President Droupadi Murmu, who is on a three-day visit to Uttarakhand, was moved to tears on Friday (June 20, 2025) as a group of visually impaired children sang a song to wish her on her 67th birthday.

Ms. Murmu visited the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) here. Addressing the children, the President said she got emotional as they sang beautifully.

“I could not hold back my tears. They were singing so beautifully. They were singing from their heart,” she said.

The President said the talent possessed by the group reaffirmed her view that children born with disabilities are blessed with certain special abilities. She also encouraged them to move ahead with confidence, saying their success is certain.

Ms. Murmu asserted that the government policies are designed to empower people with disabilities and provide them equal opportunities to grow.

She commended everyone associated with the institute for working with dedication to empower children born with disabilities.

“India’s history is full of instances of human kindness and inclusiveness,” she said and asked the children to contribute to nation-building by getting empowered through education.

Addressing the children, Uttarakhand Governor Lt. Gen Gurmit Singh (retd) said the country is passing through a transformative phase.

“We are moving steadily towards achieving the vision of a strong India by 2047 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. You are an integral part of this journey of nation-building,” the Governor said.

“Thank you, dear fellow citizens, for wishing me on my birthday. Reading your messages leaves me with a deep sense of gratitude. Your kind words remain a source of inspiration and strength for me,” the President said in a post on X.

Extending birthday wishes, Vice-President Dhankhar said Ms. Murmu’s extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to the highest constitutional office, epitomising modesty, simplicity and sublimity, reflects the true spirit of our democracy.

“She has consistently set the highest standards throughout her journey in public service, as MLA, governor and now as the president of the largest democracy – a legacy worth emulation. I was honoured to personally greet her yesterday at Rashtrapati Bhavan. May this birthday bring her abundant health, happiness and joy, and may the Almighty bless her with continued strength to serve our nation,” he said in a post on X.

Prime Minister Modi also extended birthday greetings to the president and said her life, leadership continue to inspire crores of people across the country. “Her unwavering commitment to public service, social justice and inclusive development are a beacon of hope and strength for everyone. She has always worked to empower the poor and downtrodden. May she be blessed with a long and healthy life in service of the people,” he said.

Ms. Murmu thanked the Vice-President and the Prime Minister for the birthday wishes.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Ms. Murmu’s steadfast commitment to social justice, empowerment of the poor and inclusive growth continues to inspire the nation.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also conveyed his greetings in a post on X, saying she is a “great inspiration” for the country.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Naveen Patnaik also wished Ms. Murmu on her birthday.

In a post on X in Hindi, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said Ms. Murmu was the “symbol of service and simplicity”. “I pray to Lord Shri Jagannath for your long, healthy and glorious life,” Mr. Adityanath posted on X.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee also extended birthday greetings to the President. “May she be blessed with a long life, good health, and profound happiness as she continues to serve the nation with grace and dedication,” she said.

In his message, Odisha CM Mohan Majhi described Ms. Murmu as the symbol of women power and pride of Odisha. “Your life is an extraordinary example of struggle, dedication and success. Your journey from a common tribal family to Rashtrapati Bhavan is an inspiration for all people of India. Your simplicity, responsibility and dedication for the country are a model for all of us,” Mr. Majhi wrote on X. “May India continue to progress under her leadership,” he said.

Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik expressed warm birthday wishes to the president, praying for her good and long life.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said he hoped President Murmu’s unwavering dedication to the nation’s progress, welfare and justice continues to lead the country on the path of truth and virtuousness.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also wished Ms. Murmu on her birthday. “Wishing you a healthy and long life,” Mr. Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami wished the President a long and healthy life so that the country continues to get the advantage of her guidance.

“Her life has been full of struggles. Coming from a very humble background, she rose to positions of eminence and always worked for the uplift of the deprived sections,” the Chief Minister said.

The President arrived in Uttarakhand on Thursday (June 19, 2025). She would inaugurate a renovated President’s Retreat – renamed Rashtrapati Niketan – for the public here later in the day. She would also inaugurate and lay the foundation of various projects on its sprawling campus.

The President will leave for Delhi on June 21 after participating in a yoga demonstration programme at the Police Lines here on International Yoga Day.