Firdousa Bashir, a talented Islamic calligrapher from Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, expressed her gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu for inviting her as a special guest on the 76th Republic Day, marking a triumphant moment in her journey that was marked by perseverance and eventual recognition. She said, "... I am thankful to the President of India for inviting me as a special guest... There were a lot of ups and downs but I did not leave calligraphy... My father is a labourer but is not well these days so he has to stay home... I did not get support initially but eventually I did get it from friends and family..."