On the eve of the 77th Republic Day, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment organized an interaction programme with beneficiaries invited as Special Guests to witness the Republic Day Ceremony, 2026. The event was held at the Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial, New Delhi, bringing together participants from 17 States and Union Territories.

A total of 244 beneficiaries attended the programme, including 151 participants under the Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNT Communities (SEED), 42 beneficiaries under SMILE–Transgender, and 51 beneficiaries under SMILE–Beggary. The Special Guests were invited in recognition of their inspiring journeys and progress achieved through the welfare schemes of the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment.

The programme was chaired by the Hon’ble Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, who interacted with the beneficiaries and listened to their experiences and success stories.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Virendra Kumar reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development and social justice. He emphasized that the presence of beneficiaries from marginalized communities in national celebrations reflects the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.”

During the interaction, beneficiaries shared how the Government’s schemes have brought meaningful and transformative changes in their lives by promoting dignity, social inclusion, self-reliance, and sustainable livelihoods.

As part of the programme, the Hon’ble Minister also presented support kits and interacted individually with several beneficiaries, encouraging them to continue their journey towards empowerment and economic independence.

The event served as a platform to celebrate achievements emerging from these schemes and to further motivate beneficiaries toward long-term socio-economic progress.

The programme was also attended by Shri Sudhansh Pant, Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, along with senior officials of the Ministry.

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