President Droupadi Murmu hosted the traditional ‘At Home’ reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the evening of India’s 77th Republic Day. Key dignitaries included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Guests enjoyed North Eastern cultural art, cuisine and celebrated contributions from various fields.
In the above context, an image is being widely shared on social media in which Droupadi Murmu is seen folding hands in front of PM Narendra Modi, while he appears to look in a different direction.
The image is shared with a caption suggesting that PM Modi did not respect the President of India.
A social media user shared the image with a caption that reads, “This great man doesn’t even respect the President. Do you think this behaviour is good?”
On a Google reverse image search, we found that the same image was shared by former President Ramnath Kovind on January 26, with a caption, “Delighted to attend the ‘At Home’ reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan hosted by Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji on the occasion of Republic Day. It was a pleasure to meet Mr Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ms Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.”
We further found that the video of the event was shared on the official YouTube channel of the President of India on January 26.
The video was shared with a caption that reads, “President Droupadi Murmu hosted ‘At Home’ reception on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Chief Guests of the Republic Day Celebration, President of the European Council Mr António Costa and President of the European Commission Ms Ursula von der Leyen, attended the reception. Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Former President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Chief Justice of India Shri Justice Surya Kant, Speaker Lok Sabha Shri Om Birla, Union Ministers, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and in Lok Sabha, eminent citizens who have made remarkable contributions in different fields and beneficiaries of various developmental programmes of the Government were also present on the occasion. The guests enjoyed the vibrant artistic and cultural elements as well as the cuisine of the North Eastern states of India.”
In the video, at around the 1:26 timestamp, we can see PM Modi folding hands and greeting Droupadi Murmu. Then, the President goes on to greet other people.
Highlights from the day were also shared by Hindustan Times on January 26. The image was shared with a caption that reads, “President Droupadi Murmu hosted the traditional ‘At Home’ reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day today! The event was attended by President of the European Council Antonio Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and several other distinguished guests from India and abroad.”
We further found the event was also shared live by The Hindu. And in this video, we can see PM Modi sharing the podium with Murmu. However, the video of Murmu folding hands in front of PM Modi was not there. But there were video clips of PM Modi folding his hands and greeting people.
We further found a screenshot of PM Modi folding hands in front of President Droupadi Murmu was shared by Janmabhumi on February 8. The report reflects on the author’s experience attending a Republic Day reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, called ‘Ashtalakshmi,’ by invitation of President Droupadi Murmu. It describes cultural performances, regional traditions from India’s Northeast, and the honour of participating in the prestigious event alongside dignitaries, including the Prime Minister, highlighting unity and cultural diversity.