President Droupadi Murmu, in her address to the nation on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, called upon citizens to work collectively towards building a developed India by 2047, while highlighting the country’s progress in inclusive development, digital infrastructure, women’s empowerment, youth participation, national security and environmental protection.
Addressing the nation on Thursday evening, the President extended her greetings to citizens in India and abroad and said that the Tricolour remains a symbol of the country’s freedom and aspirations.
President Murmu said the true meaning of freedom lies in ensuring that every citizen gets opportunities to fulfil their aspirations and contribute to making India a leading nation in the world. She praised students, teachers, scientists, healthcare workers, farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, sportspersons, artists, civil servants, social workers and security personnel for their contribution to nation-building.
The President said India is moving towards the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, guided by the principle of Antyodaya so that the benefits of development reach every citizen.
President recalls freedom struggle and Partition
Reflecting on India’s freedom movement, the President paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, Dr B R Ambedkar and other freedom fighters, noting that people with diverse ideologies had united around the common objective of independence.
On Vibhajan Vibheeshika Smriti Divas, observed on August 14, President Murmu remembered those who lost their lives or were displaced during Partition. She also recalled the challenge of integrating more than 550 princely states into independent India and paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for his role in the political integration of the country.
The President stressed that public participation has always been central to India’s democratic tradition. She said the Constitution guarantees equality of status and opportunity and dignity of the individual, while institutions of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary have distinct responsibilities towards citizens.
Poverty reduction, welfare and financial inclusion highlighted
Highlighting India’s development journey over the past decade, President Murmu pointed to rapid and inclusive growth, the integration of heritage with modern development and the removal of long-standing obstacles to development.
She said more than 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty, while nearly 59 crore people have joined the banking system through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, including more than 32 crore women.
The President said more than 80 crore people are receiving free foodgrains under the government’s food security measures, while around 60 crore people have access to healthcare coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh annually under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
She also highlighted the support being provided to farmers through PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi and Kisan Credit Cards.
Digital infrastructure and modern connectivity
President Murmu said India has developed the world’s largest digital infrastructure and noted that digital payments have become common even among small rural businesses and street vendors.
She said more than half of the world’s real-time digital transactions take place in India and that technology is helping the government deliver welfare benefits in a more transparent manner.
The President also highlighted the expansion of highways, waterways, railways and airways, saying modern infrastructure is creating opportunities for new enterprises, generating employment and strengthening investor confidence.
India remains resilient amid global uncertainty
Against the backdrop of warfare and instability in different parts of the world, President Murmu said India’s economy continues to move forward as the fastest-growing major economy.
She said the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative has strengthened the foundations of India’s economic progress and national security. She also highlighted India’s efforts in renewable energy and its progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals ahead of schedule.
On foreign policy, the President said national interest remains its foundation, with peace, cooperation, dialogue and the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam guiding India’s engagement with the world.
She said India’s Free Trade Agreements with various countries are aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, while the country continues to play an important role among the nations of the Global South.
Call for environmental protection
The President urged citizens to protect natural resources for future generations and emphasised that environmental conservation is deeply rooted in India’s traditions.
Referring to campaigns such as ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), she called for individual and collective efforts to protect nature.
Women and youth at centre of development
President Murmu highlighted the growing participation of women in education, sports, agriculture, defence and entrepreneurship. She said women had won eight of India’s 13 gold medals at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The President noted that more than 10 crore women are members of Self Help Groups and said the target of creating three crore Lakhpati Didis had been achieved. The country is now moving towards creating another three crore Lakhpati Didis, she said.
President Murmu also pointed to women’s increasing participation in entrepreneurship, noting that about two-thirds of beneficiaries who have received financial assistance under the MUDRA Yojana are women.
She said the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, enacted in 2023, seeks to provide 33 per cent representation to women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
With 65 per cent of India’s population below the age of 35, President Murmu described the country’s youth as its most valuable asset. She praised young entrepreneurs, innovators and professionals and said India’s startup ecosystem is creating new avenues for employment and enterprise.
Exam reforms and opportunities for youth
The President said students are the architects of India’s future and stressed the need to safeguard their opportunities.
Referring to public examinations as gateways to career opportunities, she said the government is undertaking comprehensive reforms aimed at curbing unfair practices and making examinations more transparent, secure and trustworthy.
President Murmu also called for greater attention to the physical and mental wellbeing of young people and highlighted the role of sports and the Khelo India programme in youth development and nation-building.
At the same time, she called for greater sensitivity towards senior citizens, noting that around six crore people aged 70 years and above can avail themselves of free healthcare services of up to Rs 5 lakh annually.
President highlights Operation Sindoor and national security
The President paid tribute to the armed forces on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas and recalled the completion of one year since the launch of Operation Sindoor.
She said the operation demonstrated the capability of the Indian Armed Forces to act with precision against terrorism and sent a firm message to terrorists and those supporting them.
President Murmu also described the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan as a decisive step in the national interest, particularly in the interests of farmers.
She also termed making India free from Naxalism a major achievement and said areas once affected by Left-Wing Extremism are witnessing development and greater participation in cultural and sporting activities.
Heritage and national identity
The President highlighted India’s achievements in preserving and promoting its cultural heritage, noting that 12 forts associated with the Maratha military tradition were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List last year, while Sarnath was added to the list this year.
She emphasised that India’s development must remain rooted in its cultural identity and heritage.
Concluding her address, President Murmu said the ultimate objective of building Viksit Bharat is the development and wellbeing of every Indian.
Quoting Telugu nationalist writer Gurajada Apparao, she underlined the idea that a nation is not merely its land but its people.
The President called for an inclusive spirit of patriotism and urged citizens to dedicate themselves to transforming Swatantra Bharat into Viksit Bharat.
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