New Delhi: On the eve of India’s 78th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu delivered a heartfelt and inspiring address to the nation, emphasizing the values of unity, progress, and social justice. As the nation prepares to celebrate this significant milestone, President Murmu extended her warmest greetings to all citizens, highlighting the importance of the day as a moment of national pride and reflection.
In her speech, President Murmu expressed the collective joy felt by over 1.4 billion Indians as the tricolour is unfurled across the country, symbolizing the strength and unity of the nation. She likened the celebration of Independence Day to a family festival, where the entire nation comes together to honor the sacrifices of the freedom fighters and celebrate the achievements of the present generation.
President Murmu paid tribute to the brave souls who fought for India’s independence, recalling the immense sacrifices made by patriotic leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh, and Chandrashekhar Azad. She also acknowledged the contributions of tribal leaders such as Tilka Manjhi, Birsa Munda, and Phulo-Jhano, emphasizing that the nation’s freedom was won through the collective efforts of all communities. The President highlighted the government’s decision to celebrate the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, further honoring the contributions of tribal leaders to the national reawakening.
On the occasion of Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas, observed on August 14, President Murmu urged the nation to remember the horrors of partition, which led to the forced migration of millions and the loss of countless lives. She called for unity and solidarity as the nation continues to heal from this unparalleled human tragedy.
As India marks the 75th year of its Constitution, President Murmu praised the nation’s steadfast commitment to the ideals of justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity. She commended the Election Commission of India for successfully conducting the world’s largest electoral exercise earlier this year, with nearly 97 crore eligible voters participating in the general elections. The President highlighted that India’s smooth and flawless conduct of elections strengthens democratic forces globally.
President Murmu lauded India’s rapid economic progress, with the nation emerging as one of the fastest-growing major economies, averaging an 8 percent growth rate annually from 2021 to 2024. She celebrated India’s achievement of becoming the fifth largest economy in the world and expressed confidence that the nation is poised to become one of the top three economies soon. The President attributed this success to the hard work of farmers, workers, planners, and visionary leaders, while also emphasizing the importance of social justice.
President Murmu stressed the government’s commitment to the welfare of marginalized communities, citing initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) and the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) as critical interventions to uplift Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other vulnerable groups. She also highlighted the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme, which aims to eliminate hazardous manual scavenging.
In her address, President Murmu emphasized the importance of gender justice, celebrating the government’s efforts to empower women through increased budget allocations, improved labor force participation, and initiatives like the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. She also called for collective action to combat climate change, urging citizens to make small but effective changes in their lifestyles to contribute to the cause.
President Murmu concluded her speech by looking ahead to the Amrit Kaal, the ongoing period leading to the centenary of India’s independence. She emphasized the vital role of youth in shaping the nation’s future and highlighted government initiatives to facilitate skilling, employment, and opportunities for young people. The President also expressed her excitement for the upcoming Gaganyaan Mission, which will mark India’s first human spaceflight.
In her final remarks, President Murmu extended her gratitude to the Armed Forces, police, security personnel, judiciary, civil services, and the Indian diaspora for their contributions to the nation. She urged all citizens to reject divisive tendencies and to work together as a cohesive nation to achieve the dream of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
