This tree secretes bright red “dragon’s blood” and science explains why (Image source: Wikipedia)

First impressions reveal that this tree has almost a surreal quality to it, a tree that seems to bleed bright red when its bark is sliced. This is no mythological setting; it is actually a natural occurrence found in the Dracaena, or dragon tree, species of trees. The bright red liquid that drips from the tree is known as dragon’s blood, and it has long fascinated mankind. Though ancient civilisations believed it to have something to do with dragons and magic, and that it possessed healing properties, current scientific research has revealed that the dragon’s blood is actually a component of the tree’s survival mechanism. Scientists are currently analysing the chemical composition of the dragon’s blood because of its long history of use in traditional medicine. The dragon tree continues to be a fascinating example of how traditional natural resources can lead to both mythological and scientific exploration.

What exactly is “dragon’s blood”

Despite the ominous name, dragon’s blood is not actually blood, but rather a plant resin.When the bark of a Dracaena tree is damaged, the tree secretes a red, thick resin that dries in the air. This resin is very similar to a natural bandage. The resin covers the injured area, protecting it from infection, insects and microorganisms. It effectively serves as a protective barrier for the tree.

Why does the resin turn red

The red pigment in dragon’s blood is a result of bioactive compounds in plants, which include phenols and flavonoids.A scientific study published in Science Direct, titled “Morpho-anatomical basis of dragon’s blood secretion in Dracaena draco stem”, investigated the chemical properties of the resin of the Dracaena tree. The study showed that the resin is made up of chemicals that have been demonstrated to have antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. These chemicals safeguard the tree against bacteria, fungi, and other environmental conditions. The red pigment is just an indicator that the tree is activating its chemical defence mechanism.

What science says about its medicinal properties

The use of dragon’s blood in traditional medicine has been for the healing of wounds, inflammation, and dermatological conditions, and current research is validating these traditional uses.A study published on PubMed, titled “Dragon’s Blood from Dracaena Worldwide: Species, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology”, discussed the interaction of some plant resins, such as those with high phenolic content like dragon’s blood, with human tissues. The study concluded that these substances have been found to influence the regulation of inflammation, tissue repair, and antioxidant activity at the cellular level. This explains why dragon’s blood was traditionally used to treat cuts and wounds, not for its magical properties, but because of its ability to facilitate healing.Notably, the researchers emphasise that while the laboratory data is encouraging, dragon’s blood should not be used as a replacement for current medical treatment.

Where dracaena trees grow

Dracaena trees are found in arid and rocky areas, where wounds caused by wind, animals, or adverse environmental conditions are prevalent. The most well-known variety, Dracaena cinnabari, is found on the island of Socotra, while other varieties are found in Africa and Asia.In this extreme environment, the ability to produce a quick-acting protective resin is essential for the tree’s survival. Dragon’s blood prevents water loss and provides an unfavourable environment for microbes, which is a very smart adaptation.

Why scientists are still studying dragon’s blood

Today, dragon’s blood is being researched for possible uses in:

Scientists are particularly fascinated by the way plants such as Dracaena can create very effective protective agents that do not harm the plant itself, and how this information can be used to develop new materials or drugs.

Myth meets modern science

Dragon’s blood may have gotten its name from myths and legends, but it is not just that. It is a very advanced plant defence mechanism that is full of chemicals that protect the tree and, possibly, human tissue under certain circumstances.The Dracaena tree teaches us that sometimes the most mysterious events in nature can be explained by very practical biological processes that are hidden behind the veil of mystery.

How to remove pet hair from clothes using a simple wet wipe (Image source: AI-Generated)

Anyone who lives with pets will know how stubborn pet hair is: it clings to clothes, blankets, and couch covers, even after repeated washing. Still, there’s one less-known laundry trick that many pet owners can utilise: popping a wet wipe into the washing machine. This tiny step helps to loosen pet hair and trap it so that your clothes and fabrics emerge from a cycle both clean and fur-free. It works because the wet wipe creates some minor surface friction and develops a mild anti-static effect while in the wash, which aids in helping hair lift off fabrics and into the washer filter or drain rather than sticking around. It’s inexpensive, quick, and uses items you likely already have at home, and no special tools or products are required. Let’s break down why this hack works and how you can use it effectively the next time you wash pet-hair-covered laundry.

How to use a wet wipe in the washing machine to remove pet hair

Here’s a simplified way to make this work for you:

This trick is best used on lighter pet hair or regular laundry items. For heavy pet shedding, the wet wipe trick might be combined with lint remover tools.

Why this wet wipe hack works

This basic laundry works due to the following reasons:

This doesn’t replace a lint roller or pet hair brush. You still have to use them. It just greatly enhances washing results on clothes with stubborn hair.

When this hack isn’t enough

For extremely hairy fabrics, such as heavy blankets or pet beds, you may still need to:

It is also important to keep in mind that the wet wipe trick is best used as a complementary hack, rather than a complete replacement for deeper pre-cleaning when hair loads are very high.

Does this hack work for all fabrics

The outcome for this hack may vary depending on the fabric. It works best on:

Heavily textured fabrics such as fleece or wool may require pre-cleaning.

A dull kitchen knife, in addition to being very inconvenient, can, in fact, be very unsafe to use. When knives get dull, you have to apply much pressure in order to slice through the vegetable you are chopping, and this, in turn, can make the knife slip, leading to injuries. It is thought that a dull knife has to be professionally sharpened or even replaced if it has gotten too dull. The good news, in this case, is that the majority of dull knives can be sharpened or fixed in the comfort of your own home without having to spend a lot of money or even go out to purchase expensive equipment. Knowing how to sharpen dull knives in the comfort of your home can, in fact, help you take better care of your kitchen knives. Sharpening dull knives at home is an easy, inexpensive, and worthwhile endeavour. With routine maintenance and appropriate technique, your household knives are sure to become sharp, safe, and efficient at all times, thus making your culinary experiences delightful.

Why do kitchen knives become dull, and how to fix them

Knives lose their sharpness gradually, a process which may occur without you noticing. Using knives on hard surfaces, improper knife storage, and washing knives can also reduce their sharpness. Cutting knives on marble, glass, or a granite board, and storing knives in an untidy manner in drawers, among others, may result in knives losing their sharpness.The best way to sharpen dull knives is by using a whetstone. The stone should be soaked in water for about 10-15 minutes. The dull knife should be placed at an angle of about 15-20 degrees and drawn slowly along the surface of the stone from the bottom to the top. The process should be repeated on both sides. This technique, although it takes a long time, is effective in sharpening very dull knives.

Your tea mug can act like a knife sharpener. Simply invert your tea mug, and with the unglazed ring on the base, sharpen your knife as you would on a stone. The unglazed ring is rough enough to act as a makeshift sharpening stone.Honing does not sharpen a knife; it only aligns the knife’s edge. Honing a knife using the honing rod straightens the knife’s edge. Hold the honing rod upright and draw the knife down the length while at an angle, switching sides as you draw the knife down the honing rod. This is the best approach if the knife is not too dull and just requires honing.Sandpaper is also an option, though only when nothing else is available. Place fine-grit sandpaper (around 1000–2000 grit) on a flat surface. You then run the blade over the sandpaper gently, moving it with a constant angle. While not ideal for frequent use, it can help restore some sharpness temporarily.

Bad habits can undo all your sharpening efforts very quickly. Small changes in how you use knives can keep them sharp longer.

Why a dull knife can be a safety hazard in the kitchen

Though the dull knife in itself might appear to pose no serious threat, it does contribute to the risk of accidents in the kitchen.If the knife is dull, this will require more pressure to cut the food. Applying pressure to the knife increases the chances of the knife slipping off the place it is cutting, leading to injuries on your fingers and hand. Another implication of using dull knives is the discomfort they may lead to, especially when handling them over a long period of time. This will, therefore, make cooking more complicated, leading to safety hazards, and this is where the importance of sharp knives is seen.

How to keep knives sharp for longer

Preventing this problem is far simpler than continually trying to resharpen dull knives. This involves the use of wooden or plastic chopping boards, a knife block or magnetic knife strip for storage, as well as regular honing. Hand washing and drying also help in maintaining the knives.

Kashmir wore a fresh blanket of snow on Tuesday as renewed snowfall across the Valley forced the closure of the Srinagar–Jammu national highway and disrupted flight operations.Flight operations at Srinagar International Airport were suspended on Tuesday after continuous snowfall and adverse weather conditions rendered the runway unsafe for aircraft movement, officials said.Airport authorities confirmed that persistent snow accumulation affected runway conditions, making it unavailable for safe take-offs and landings. As a precautionary measure and in the interest of passenger safety, all incoming and outgoing flights to and from Srinagar were cancelled for the day.As many as 50 flights to and from Srinagar International Airport were cancelled on Tuesday due to snowfall in Kashmir, as PTI reported. The cancellation of flights left hundreds of tourists, who were scheduled to return home after spending the weekend and the Republic Day holiday in the Valley, stranded.Srinagar airport shared the following update on social media:

“Due to unfavorable weather conditions and continuous snowfall in Srinagar, the runway is currently not available for safe air operations. In view of passenger safety, all flights arriving at and departing from Srinagar for today have been canceled. The airline and airport authorities are continuously monitoring the weather situation, and as soon as conditions improve and the runway is deemed safe for operations, flight arrivals and departures will resume. Passengers are requested to contact their respective airlines for the latest status of their flights and to stay updated with information issued by official sources. We apologize for the inconvenience caused and are grateful for the cooperation and understanding of passengers.”Officials said operations would resume only after weather conditions improve and the runway is cleared and certified safe for aircraft movement.The airport further shared, “In view of adverse weather conditions at Srinagar Airport and prevailing operational constraints, airlines have cancelled certain flights for today as per the attached list. Passengers are advised to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest updates and alternate arrangements.” Check the list of cancelled flights as shared by the airport.

We live in a fast-paced, digital world where people are often stressed and have less time or patience to preserve long-term relationships. And so, casual relationships have become the norm, and divorces have become common, too. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, many couples often get occupied with bills, kids, or work deadlines. And they easily lose the initial spark they had in their relationship/ marriage. But, can this be changed? What’s the secret to long-lasting marriages?Popular Indian spiritual guru Premanand Maharaj once said, “Love means finding your happiness in someone else’s joy.” And rightly so!This quote isn’t just poetic; it’s simple yet profound. It’s a secret that helps keep the spark alive in your marriage. Imagine celebrating your partner’s promotion not out of duty, but because their win make you happy. That’s the magic Premanand Maharaj describes— a love that grows on mutual joy and support!

This quote shows how genuine love dissolves selfishness. Instead, it merges two people into one– they are a team for a time. And so, their happiness is also intertwined with each other, rather than their own personal gains. Based on empathy and care, this love nurtures lasting bonds and spiritual progress.Premanand Maharaj ji also emphasises on the fact that true happiness in marriages comes from surrender, not from score-keeping. In a world which is obsessed with “what’s in it for me,” his advice flips the script and teaches one to love one’s partner unconditionally.

How this mindset helps reignite the spark

Think about your early dating days or the honeymoon phase of your marriage: Your partner’s laugh made your heart race; their achievements felt like yours. But over time, routines dull this. But Premanand Maharaj ji tells us to prioritise their joy, and this will create a loop of positivity in your relationship. It’s not about ignoring your needs— it’s about abundance. Their happiness becomes yours, weaving emotional threads that time can’t fray.On the contrary, selfishness erodes the spark in relationships.

How to practice this in your life daily

1. Practice active listening to your partner.2. Celebrate their wins– big or small.3. Let go of control.4. Be grateful to have them in your life.5. Forgive them often; they are human too.What are your views on this? Tell us in the comments below.

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams, recently retired from NASA, was spotted enjoying a falooda in Kozhikode, Kerala. The video of her casually savoring the local dessert with strangers has gone viral, highlighting her grounded nature despite her remarkable achievements in space exploration.

From floating in zero gravity to sitting down for a chilled dessert in Kerala, Sunita Williams’ latest moment has the internet smiling.The Indian-origin astronaut, who recently retired from NASA, was spotted at a small falooda shop in Kozhikode – and the video has been making the rounds ever since. In it, she’s dressed simply in a peach T-shirt, chatting with people around her, and happily digging into a tall glass of falooda.For those unfamiliar, falooda is a classic Indian cold dessert drink made with sweet milk, vermicelli noodles, basil seeds, rose syrup and ice cream. It’s messy, colourful, and wildly comforting – the kind of treat you usually save for a hot evening or a celebration.

The clip was shared by the outlet, Falooda Nation, and quickly crossed close to four million views. “An unreal moment we’ll never forget,” they wrote, clearly still in shock. “From space to our store – we’re so proud we got to serve her.”The comments section turned into a love fest almost instantly.Someone wrote, “The one who taught me to dream as high as the sky.” Another joked, “Reserve that table forever,” while a third pointed out how effortlessly grounded she seemed despite everything she’s achieved.And that’s what struck people the most. Here’s a woman who has lived aboard the International Space Station, walked in space, led missions – and yet looks perfectly at home enjoying a local dessert with strangers.Williams wrapped up her NASA career after 27 years, with three space missions and several records to her name. NASA chief Jared Isaacman called her a trailblazer who shaped the future of space exploration and opened doors for the next generation.But for the internet this week, she wasn’t an astronaut or a legend.She was just Suni, enjoying a falooda in Kozhikode – and somehow, that felt even more special.

Robert Browning was one of the most iconic poets of the Victorian era. He was a master of the dramatic monologue and was able to look into people’s minds like no one else. He was born in 1812 and died in 1889. He had a life full of literary successes, a passionate marriage, and a style that mixed hope with harsh truth. His father worked as a bank clerk and loved books, and his mother was a musician who encouraged his creativity. His dad taught him Latin, Greek, and the classics at home, which sparked a lifelong interest in history and Renaissance figures. He had given up on formal schooling by the time he was a teenager and was writing poetry inspired by Shelley and Keats. His first book, Pauline: A Fragment of a Confession (1833), was full of teenage angst, but critic John Stuart Mill said it was too self-indulgent. Browning learned his lesson and stopped writing in a confessional style and started using objective voices. Next, he tried writing plays (Strafford, 1837), but poetry was more appealing. Paracelsus (1835) hinted at genius by looking into a Renaissance doctor’s soul-struggle, but Sordello (1840) confused readers with its many references to medieval Italy. Browning spent time in London, went to Russia and Italy for short trips, but stayed with his parents until love changed everything.In 1845, Browning wrote to Elizabeth Barrett, a sick poet who was stuck in her father’s house. This was fate. Letters flew, secret meetings followed, and they ran away to Italy in 1846. It was all very scandalous. They did well in Pisa and Florence. Their son Pen was born in 1849, and Elizabeth’s health got better in the Tuscan sun. Browning wrote Christmas Eve and Easter Day (1850), which was about faith and doubt, while she was also writing Aurora Leigh. Their home was full of art, politics (they supported Italian unification), and endless talking. He was heartbroken when Elizabeth died in 1861 from lung problems. The books that followed were-Men and Women (1855), it had amazing monologues like “My Last Duchess,” which was a Duke’s creepy brag about killing his wife, and “Porphyria’s Lover,” which was about an obsession that made someone snap their neck. His signature trick was to let readers judge warped minds by showing souls through jagged speech.One of his most famous lines are “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made. Our times are in his hand who saith, ‘A whole I planned, youth shows but half; Trust God: See all, nor be afraid!”These lines are from Robert Browning’s poem “Rabbi Ben Ezra” They are among the most quoted lines and appear romantic at first glance but have a deep Biblical connotation. The best is yet to come underlines that aging not as decline but a phase where wisdom reveals the divine plan hidden in the hurried sketch of youth. The early years are just a prologue, full of impulses and half-formed dreams. Browning, whose wife Elizabeth Barrett Browning died young, was a brilliant optimist. Written in 1864, during Browning’s own later successes, these words are still a timeless cure for midlife dread. They are whispered at weddings and carved into tombstones, showing how poetry can change how we think about death as a beautiful opportunity.

Maryam Ali found her son missing on a Monday morning in early February, his bed empty, the duvet folded at the edge,two pairs of trainers tidy against the wall. Some of his clothes, a red Nike T-shirt, a grey tracksuit hoodie and track bottoms, and his brown leather satchel hung from the door hooks. She breathed in sharply, to smell his smell, his breath, the lingering remnants of his deodorant, somehow reaching for and feeling his presence.She knew he had been in the room just hours ago. Outside, it was an overcast day, the persistent drizzle making the daylight dim and unfriendly. The air still bore the piercing sting of winter. The cold hush that descended on Homecroft Street, on the outer edges of Walthamstow, didn’t lift all day. Maryam’s flat was one of eight in a pale brick block built in the 1990s; the morning’s gauzy mist hadn’t cleared yet, leaving blue folds pinned to the thresholds and doors of the ground-floor flats. At the lower end of the street, Maryam’s oldest friend and neighbourhood shopkeeper, Tony, was absently running a ragged mop up and down his glass front with one hand, the other clutching his first rollie of the day.Closing her eyes as she stood in Dil’s doorway, Maryam went back over the weekend, searching for anything unusual or untoward. Had she missed anything out of the ordinary? It had been a normal, uneventful weekend, like most they had. He had spent much of the day in his room on the computer, working or playing, she presumed, while she’d gone grocery shopping, cooked two dishes, watched some TV and done the laundry. As usual, she had waited for him to emerge in the evening so they could eat together—her only wish and demand of him. She had long given up asking him to get out more, spend fewer hours in front of the machine—a part of her secretly relieved he was home much of the time. She didn’t have to wait for him to get home safe at night from trips out in the city with the boys. It had been soporific, predictable, like most weekends. She reported him missing two days later, her younger sisters, Zarrine and Saffina, insisting they must go to the police. At first, Maryam tried to ignore the suggestion. What is wrong with the two of you? He’s done something silly, fought with his girlfriend and is embarrassed about it. That’s all. I told him I don’t ever want to see his face again if he’s rude to her. Maryam knew she wasn’t making much sense but said it nonetheless to keep her sisters, or herself, from contemplating other questions.‘Baji, it’s alright, we get it, we understand, but we can’t keep it a secret, can we? When was the last time Dilly spent two full nights out? Night-spend with that smelly Andy doesn’t count, innit? There’s no one left to call now, I even rang Aunt Kulsum’s, not that Dil’s ever going to be found in the same postcode as tangy Taz …’ Zarrine said in one breath.‘We’ve got to go down to the station, Baji. I spoke with Uncle Sharief too, and he said the same thing. I know it sounds scary, but it’s the right thing to do. We have no way of finding him without their help, do we? I know you don’t like the coppers much, nor do I, God knows what they’ll think … but we must go,’ Saffina, one year older than Zarrine, said.‘We have nothing to worry about, yeah? Dilly doesn’t fit the profile—’ Zarrine cut in and then quickly made a solemn face as her older sister’s eyebrows rose. Saffina came forward and put an arm around Maryam. ‘You know what Zee means, Baji, come on, let’s just get it over with. You, I mean we, need help. Dilly needs help … How about this? We’re doing it for him, for silly Dilly … Wonder where he’s fucked off to, careless twit!’ Love, solidarity, bottled-up anxiety hung in the air.Love, solidarity, bottled-up anxiety hung in the air. It was another cloudy day, the air cold and the light muted and pale. February had made London quieter, sadder, but also clearer somehow; one saw more of its bare form, its vast skeletonof endless terraces, housing estates, tower blocks, train stations, motorways, and its old streets and town centres. By this time, many a New Year resolution had crumbled and unravelled, as unavoidable cares of the world—jobs and credit card debts, mortgages and rents, long overdue GP appointments and electricity bills, or, in the case of the three sisters, puzzling, nervewracking thoughts about a disappeared boy—had started to weigh heavy on the city’s people and weaken their resolve. Saffina was one such Londoner; she had just this week, the night of her older sister’s frantic, worrying call, gone back to her late-night G&T habit, helping her sleep for some hours. Maryam looked at her sisters one by one, as if to seek confirmation they were going to stand with her, by her side. ‘I am doing this for you, mind you. Once I go in, you know there’s no going back? His name will be in the records.’‘But that’s assuming the impossible, innit,’ Zarrine said, nodding to Saffina. ‘I know, I know what you mean, hun. There’s no way on earth Dil’s going to have anything to do with them lot, is he!’ The above extract has been taken from Mirza Waheed’s newly launched book Mariyam and Son and has been published with permission from Westland Publishers. Set in London, the fiction book follows Maryam Ali, a school chef and widow who finds her son missing one morning. She waits and waits and then finally files a missing person’s case with the police but gets told that her son might be involved in something much worse. Worried- Maryam retreats into the past, seeking answers for the present. Unexpectedly, she also finds herself forming a connection with Julian, the young family liaison officer assigned to her case – a bond complicated by his role in the machinery that watches her son.

As India gears up for its 77th Republic Day in 2026, the nation celebrates its Constitution, the ‘Rule Book’ uniting 1.4 billion citizens.

There is a specific rhythm to the morning of January 26th. It starts with the distant sound of patriotic songs from neighborhood loudspeakers, the smell of winter chill in the air, and the anticipation of gathering around the TV to watch the parade.As we celebrate the 77th Republic Day in 2026, the sentiment goes deeper than just a holiday. It is a celebration of our “Rule Book” – the Constitution that binds 1.4 billion distinct voices into a single chorus. Whether you are looking for a deep quote for your status, a professional greeting for your boss, or a fun caption for that tricolor selfie, we have you covered.Here are over 75 unique wishes, messages, and quotes to help you express your pride this year.

The classics (Best for WhatsApp & SMS)

Simple, heartfelt, and perfect for mass forwarding without feeling “spammy.”1. Happy Republic Day 2026! May the tricolor always fly high and the spirit of India always stay in our hearts.2. Jai Hind! Let’s take a moment to cherish the freedom we live, the air we breathe, and the rights we enjoy.3. 76 years of the Constitution. Here is to the document that gave us our voice. Happy Republic Day to you and yours.4. Freedom in the mind, strength in the words, pureness in our blood. Pride in our souls, zeal in our hearts. Let’s salute our India.5. This January 26th, let’s promise to be better citizens. A great nation is built by great people.6. East or West, India is the best. A cliché because it’s true! Wishing you a very Happy Republic Day.7. Saffron, White, and Green. It’s not just a flag; it’s a feeling. Have a patriotic day ahead!8. Grateful for the past, working for the future. Happy 77th Republic Day!9. Let us remember the golden heritage of our country and feel proud to be a part of an ever-shining India.10. A thousand salutes to this great nation of ours. May it become even more prosperous. Happy Republic Day!11. Liberty is not a gift; it is a responsibility. Let’s handle it with care. Warm wishes on Republic Day.12. On this day, let’s recall the true heroes of India. The ones who gave up their today for our tomorrow.13. United we stand, divided we fall. Let’s renew our pledge to always stay united. Happy Republic Day.14. Mera Bharat Mahan. Today and every day.15. Wishing you a day filled with patriotic spirit. May you enjoy the parade and the pride!Golden Voices (20 Iconic Quotes)Words from the legends who shaped the destiny of the nation.16. “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it.” — Bal Gangadhar Tilak17. “Give me blood and I will give you freedom!” — Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose18. “Constitution is not a mere lawyers’ document, it is a vehicle of Life.” — Dr. B.R. Ambedkar19. “Citizenship consists in the service of the country.” — Jawaharlal Nehru20. “The sanctity of law can be maintained only so long as it is the expression of the will of the people.” — Mahatma Gandhi21. “Every Indian should now forget that he is a Rajput, a Sikh, or a Jat. He must remember that he is an Indian.” — Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel22. “I bow to the 1.25 billion citizens of this democracy.” — Narendra Modi23. “We believe in peace and peaceful development, not only for ourselves but for people all over the world.” — Lal Bahadur Shastri24. “If yet your blood does not rage, then it is water that flows in your veins.” — Chandra Shekhar Azad25. “Patriotism is religion and religion is love for India.” — Bankim Chandra Chatterjee26. “Let new India arise out of peasants’ cottage, grasping the plough, out of huts, cobbler and sweeper.” — Swami Vivekananda27. “Manpower without unity is not a strength unless it is harmonized and united properly, then it becomes a spiritual power.” — Sardar Patel28. “Freedom is not given, it is taken.” — Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose29. “Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.” — Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam30. “Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamare dil mein hai…” — Ram Prasad Bismil31. “A country’s greatness lies in its undying ideals of love and sacrifice.” — Sarojini Naidu32. “Revolution is an inalienable right of mankind. Freedom is an imperishable birthright of all.” — Bhagat Singh33. “Democracy is good. I say this because other systems are worse.” — Jawaharlal Nehru34. “The shots that hit me are the last nails to the coffin of British rule in India.” — Lala Lajpat Rai35. “Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.” — Dr. B.R. AmbedkarWarm Wishes for Friends & FamilyPersonal, emotional, and perfect for the family group chat.36. “To my family: We are free today because someone fought yesterday. Let’s teach the kids the value of this freedom. Happy Republic Day!”37. “Happy Republic Day, my friend! Let’s celebrate the spirit of brotherhood that binds us together, just like our nation.”38. “May the pride of this day fill your heart with joy. Enjoy the holiday, but don’t forget the history!”39. “Just like the colors of our flag, may your life be filled with Saffron (courage), White (peace), and Green (prosperity).”40. “Remembering our childhood days of waking up early for the flag hoisting at school. Miss those days! Happy Republic Day.”41. “Sending you warm wishes on the 77th Republic Day. Let’s meet up and celebrate our freedom with some good food!”42. “Proud to share this identity with you. We are Indians first, last, and always. Love to the family.”43. “This Republic Day, let’s take a pledge to keep our neighborhood clean and our society kind. Small steps!”44. “From our home to yours, wishing you a very spirited and Happy Republic Day 2026.”45. “Let’s salute the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and soldiers who made us realize the dream of an independent and unified India.”46. “Whatever our religion, in the end, we are all Indians. Wishing my best friend a very Happy Republic Day.”47. “May the tricolor always fly high in your home and in your heart. Have a great day!”48. “Let’s join hands to protect our nation from all the social evils that are plaguing it. Happy Republic Day 2026.”49. “Freedom has not come easy. It is because of the sacrifices of our freedom fighters, so never take it for granted.”50. “Here’s to the land of diversity. Happy Republic Day to the most diverse and crazy family I know!”The Corporate Edition (Office & LinkedIn)Professional, respectful, and safe for work.51. “Happy Republic Day. May the values of our Constitution—Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity—guide our organization to new heights.”52. “On this significant day, let’s celebrate the spirit of freedom and the power of democracy. Best wishes to all my colleagues.”53. “A nation is only as strong as its people. Let’s work together to build a stronger, self-reliant India. Happy Republic Day 2026.”54. “Wishing you a Happy Republic Day. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the opportunities this great nation provides us.”55. “Democracy is a habit of the heart. Let’s cultivate it in our workplace. Wishing you all a very Happy Republic Day.”56. “As we unfurl the national flag, let’s renew our commitment to excellence and integrity in our profession. Jai Hind.”57. “Happy Republic Day to our clients and partners. Here is to growing together in a free and prosperous India.”58. “Freedom allows us to dream; duty allows us to achieve. Let’s balance both. Happy Republic Day.”59. “Let us carry the spirit of the Republic into our daily work—innovating for a better tomorrow.”60. “Proud to be part of an organization that values the spirit of India. Wishing everyone a reflective holiday.”Short & Catchy (Social Media Captions)For Instagram, Twitter (X), and Facebook statuses.61. Current Mood: Patriotic. 🇮🇳 #RepublicDay202662. Bleeding Blue since 1950. Happy Republic Day!63. Saluting the spirit of India. 🧡🤍💚64. Vande Mataram. The vibe today is unmatched.65. My India, My Pride. #77thRepublicDay66. Celebrating the day the rulebook dropped. 📜 #Constitution67. United we stand. Jai Hind!68. Sare Jahan Se Acha. 🎶69. Feeling the goosebumps. That parade though! #RepublicDay70. One Nation, One Emotion. Happy Republic Day everyone.Slogans & One-LinersPunchy lines for posters or quick texts.71. Be the change you want to see.72. Freedom is our legacy. Independence is our gift.73. Respect the Flag. Respect the Land.74. Desh Bhakti is not just for one day.75. Live for the nation, not just in it.76. Aao Desh Ka Samman Kare. (Come, let’s honor the nation).77. Proud to be an Indian. Today and always.78. Happy 76th Republic Day! Let us remember our forefathers and countless freedom fighters who fought for our country and helped build our nation.79. Final thought: The beauty of Republic Day is that it belongs to everyone – from the soldier at the border to the student in the classroom. Pick the message that resonates with you, hit send, and let the spirit of the day ripple out. Happy Republic Day 2026!80. .Republic Day is a reminder of not just our rights, but also our duties as the citizen of this country. Happy Republic Day 2026!81. Wishing you all a very happy Republic Day, from our family to yours!82. Happy Republic Day 2026! Let’s work together to make our country proud and respect our culture and heritage more.83. Happy Republic Day 2026! It’s our privilege to be an Indian, to be born on this land, and to get the opportunity to serve our country, so let’s celebrate this day with true heart as a proud Indian.84. Happy 76th Republic Day and let’s honor the Indian Constitution and celebrate freedom.85. Happy Republic Day 2026! May our nation continue to shine with pride and progress.86. Wishing you a patriotic Republic Day filled with honor and joy.87. Let’s celebrate the spirit of India and the power of democracy. Happy Republic Day!88. May the tricolor always fly high with glory. Happy Republic Day 2026!89. Saluting our Constitution and the heroes who shaped our nation.

During Republic Day 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen subtly captivated onlookers with her attire. She wore a maroon, high-collared jacket featuring intricate gold zari work, reminiscent of Banarasi silk, paired with crisp white trousers. This sartorial choice symbolized a quiet gesture of respect and cultural connection between Europe and India.

Republic Day 2026 was all about pomp, power, and perfectly timed protocol. But if you were paying attention, there was also a little fashion moment quietly stealing the show on Kartavya Path.India welcomed not one, but two European leaders this year – Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and António Luís Santos da Costa, President of the European Council. Both were here on a state visit from January 25 to 27 and joined President Droupadi Murmu to watch the grand parade on the morning of the 26th.

Santos da Costa played it safe and sharp in a classic dark suit – exactly what you’d expect on a chilly Delhi morning. But von der Leyen? She quietly turned heads.

And not just because she was a foreign dignitary standing front and center.She wore a high-collared jacket in rich maroon, with metallic gold details that shimmered in the morning sun. At first glance, it was regal. But look closer, and it was clear: she was wearing India. The fabric looked like Banarasi silk, a textile that’s basically woven history. The intricate zari work, gold threads forming dense, floral patterns, made it feel ornate but not overdone. It was strong, elegant, and unmistakably Indian. The outfit was designed by Rajesh Pratap Singh.She paired it with crisp white trousers that let the jacket shine without competition. Accessories? Almost none. Just small gold studs that echoed the gold in her jacket. Minimal, smart, effortless.It wasn’t flashy. It didn’t scream for attention.But it said something. Loudly.At a parade that’s all tradition and national pride, her outfit felt like a quiet handshake between Europe and India. Diplomacy, yes – but also respect, thoughtfulness, and a nod to shared culture, stitched into fabric.And while fashion was quietly making its mark, the parade itself carried meaning too. The European Union had a contingent marching alongside Indian armed forces, led by Colonel Frederik Simon Spruijt on a ceremonial Gypsy, representing the EU Military Staff chief Michiel van der Laan.Still, the image that lingered wasn’t the bands, the floats, or even the military drills. It was von der Leyen, wrapped in Indian silk, standing tall on India’s grandest avenue.Fashion doesn’t always shout. Sometimes, it just quietly tells a story – of respect, connection, and history shared across borders.