President Droupadi Murmu, in her 79th Independence Day eve address, affirmed India’s path to becoming a developed nation by 2047. Highlighting economic growth, defence strength, social progress, AI innovation, and women’s empowerment, she praised national unity, Operation Sindoor, and reforms driving inclusive development during the Amrit Kaal.
President Droupadi Murmu today asserted that India is well on the path of becoming a developed economy by 2047. In her address to the nation on the eve of the 79th Independence Day, President Murmu attributed this to the all-round economic growth complemented by social sector initiatives. She said the nation is marching ahead during the Amrit Kaal and every citizen is contributing to the best of their ability. President Murmu expressed belief that youth, women and the communities that had for long remained on the margins will lead to Viksit Bharat.
The President termed the killing of innocent citizens in the Pahalgam terror attack as cowardly and utterly inhuman. She said India responded in a decisive manner and with steely resolve by launching Operation Sindoor which showed that country’s armed forces are prepared to meet any eventuality. President Murmu lauded armed forces for destroying terrorist hubs across the border with strategic clarity and technical capability. She hailed Operation Sindoor, saying it will go down in history as an example in humanity’s fight against terrorism.
President Murmu stated that India’s unity was most noticeable during this Operation, and it was a befitting response to those who wanted to divide the country. She pointed out that India’s unity was on display also in the multi-party delegations of the Members of Parliament that reached out to various nations to explain India’s position. The President said the world has taken note of India’s stance that it will not be the aggressor, but also not hesitate to retaliate in defence of the country.
The President Murmu opined that Operation Sindoor was also a test case of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission in the defence sector. She noted that nation’s indigenous manufacturing has achieved the critical level that makes India self-sufficient in meeting many of its security requirements. She emphasized that these are landmark achievements in India’s defence history since Independence.
The President highlighted that India is the fastest growing economy among the major economies in the world, with a GDP growth rate of 6.5 percent in the last fiscal. She said that even amid stress in the global economy, demand at home is pacing ahead and inflation has remained under control and exports are rising. She added that all key indicators show the economy in the pink of health and credited this to carefully calibrated reforms and sagacious economic management. She noted that a large number of people have been pulled out of poverty through good governance. She expressed satisfaction that income inequality is reducing and regional disparities are disappearing. President added that the States and regions, earlier known for weaker economic performance, are now showing their true potential and catching up with the front-runners.
President Murmu mentioned that the National Highway network under the Bharatmala Pariyojana has been expanded and strengthened. She said the Railways have also innovated, introducing new types of trains and coaches equipped with latest technologies. She stated that the inauguration of the rail link in Kashmir valley is a major accomplishment.
President Murmu noted that in view of rapid urbanization, government has been paying special attention to improving the conditions of the cities, including expanding metro rail facilities. She added that the government considers the basic amenities of life as rightful claims of the citizens and Jal Jeevan Mission is making progress in providing tap water supply to rural households.In her address, President Droupadi Murmu underlined that healthcare sector has undergone a paradigm shift with a variety of initiatives under Ayushman Bharat. This scheme has already provided cover to more than 55 crore people.
The President said government has extended this benefit to all senior citizens of the age of 70 years and above, regardless of their income. Touching upon the subject of Digital India, President said nearly all villages have 4G mobile connectivity, and the remaining few thousands will be covered soon. She added that this has made large-scale adoption of digital payment technologies possible, in which India has become a world leader in a short span.
The President remarked that Artificial Intelligence is the next stage of technological advancement and has already entered into people’s lives. The government has launched the India-AI mission to strengthen the country’s AI capabilities. It is also helping to build AI models that answer to India’s specific requirements. President Murmu stressed that in order to become a global-AI-hub by 2047, India’s focus will remain on making the best use of advances in technology for the common people, to improve their lives by improving governance.
The President said, the country celebrated ‘National Handloom Day’ on 7th of August to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement launched in 1905. President Murmu emphasised that the idea of Swadeshi has been inspiring national endeavours like Make-in-India initiative and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. She urged everyone to resolve to buy and use Indian products.
President Murmu observed that National Education Policy has brought in far-reaching changes, aligning learning with values, and skills with tradition. She remarked that employment opportunities are booming and Government has created the most conducive ecosystem for those with entrepreneurial aspirations.
President said that India’s Space programme has witnessed unprecedented expansion fueled by young minds. She also expressed confidence that Shubhanshu Shukla’s space journey to the International Space Station has fired a whole generation to dream bigger. She added that it will prove extremely helpful for India’s upcoming human space flight program, ‘Gaganyaan’.
Speaking about country’s progress in sports and games, President Murmu expressed confidence that India will establish itself as a global sporting powerhouse under the vision contained in the National Sports Policy 2025. She said sports are among important indicators of excellence, empowerment and potential. She expressed pride that a nineteen-year-old girl and a thirty-eight-year-old woman from India were the finalists in the FIDE Women’s World Cup for chess championship.
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President Murmu noted that the gender gap in employment has also been reducing. She said that with ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’, the empowerment of women is no longer a slogan but a reality. She noted that people belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes and other communities are shedding the tag of the marginalised. She noted that India is moving ahead at a faster pace towards realizing its true potential.
The President highlighted that India had the oldest republics in the world and it is rightly acknowledged as the mother of democracy. She said that the country built democratic institutions that strengthened the practice of democracy. She added that the nation prizes its Constitution and democracy above everything else. President Murmu urged everyone to take steps to protect the environment. She said that people must also change in order to respond to the challenge of climate change.
