President of India, Droupadi Murmu, has called on Indians to remain committed to national unity, inclusive development, social justice and environmental protection as the country approaches the 80th anniversary of its independence.
In her address read by the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria to the Indian Community in Nigeria, in Lagos, President Murmu said the true meaning of freedom lies in ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to fulfil their aspirations and contribute to building India into a leading nation globally.
She commended students, teachers, scientists, engineers, healthcare workers, farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, sportspersons, artists, civil servants, social workers and members of the security forces for their contributions to national development.
The President also praised members of the Indian diaspora and officials serving in Indian diplomatic missions for enhancing the country’s image and standing internationally.
India targets developed-nation status by 2047
President Murmu said India was moving steadily towards the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, the centenary of its independence.
She said the government’s development agenda was guided by the principle of Antyodaya, which seeks to ensure that the benefits of development reach the most vulnerable sections of society.
According to her, India was combining its rich cultural heritage with modern development while drawing inspiration from the ideals of the country’s freedom movement.
The President paid tribute to freedom fighters, including Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, while recalling the contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to the integration of more than 550 princely states into independent India.
She also noted that August 14 is observed as Vibhajan Vibheeshika Smriti Divas, a day dedicated to remembering victims of the 1947 Partition and those who suffered displacement and communal violence.
Poverty reduction, welfare programmes highlighted
President Murmu highlighted what she described as significant progress in poverty reduction, financial inclusion, healthcare, food security and support for farmers.
She said more than 25 crore people had been lifted out of poverty, while nearly 59 crore people had joined the banking system through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana.
Of this figure, she said, more than 32 crore account holders were women.
The President further stated that more than 80 crore people were benefiting from free food rations, while about 60 crore people had access to healthcare coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
She also cited the Kisan Samman Nidhi and Kisan Credit Card schemes as important measures supporting farmers and people engaged in agriculture-related activities, including dairy, poultry, fisheries and beekeeping.
Digital infrastructure drives economic growth
According to President Murmu, India has developed one of the world’s largest digital infrastructures, with digital payments becoming increasingly common even among rural businesses and street vendors.
She said more than half of the world’s real-time digital transactions take place in India, describing the development as an example of the country’s digital transformation.
She added that digital technology had enabled the government to deliver welfare benefits more transparently while reducing barriers between citizens and public services.
The President also pointed to the rapid expansion of highways, waterways, railways and airports, saying modern infrastructure was creating opportunities for businesses, generating employment and strengthening investor confidence.
Economy remains resilient amid global instability
President Murmu said India’s economy continued to expand despite wars and instability in different parts of the world.
She described India as the fastest-growing major economy, noting that economic projections indicate that the country’s growth rate is expected to remain more than twice the global average.
She said the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative had strengthened the foundations of India’s economic progress and national security.
On the international front, she said national interest remained the foundation of India’s foreign policy, with peace, cooperation, dialogue and the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam guiding the country’s engagement with the international community.
She noted that India had entered into Free Trade Agreements with several countries and continued to play a leading role among nations of the Global South.
President Murmu also reiterated India’s support for a rules-based international order and greater representation for the global community in the United Nations and other multilateral institutions.
President urges stronger environmental protection
The President called for greater protection of natural resources, stressing that future generations had an equal right to the environment and resources available today.
She urged citizens to support initiatives such as Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam and Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), saying environmental conservation was deeply rooted in India’s traditions.
Using a Santali song by Pandit Raghunath Murmu as an illustration, she emphasised the importance of protecting trees, nature, human values and the cultural foundations of society.
Women’s empowerment gains momentum
President Murmu highlighted the growing participation of Indian women in education, sports, agriculture, defence, entrepreneurship and public life.
She said Indian women won eight of the country’s 13 gold medals at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
More than 10 crore women, she noted, are members of Self-Help Groups, while the government’s target of creating three crore Lakhpati Didis had already been achieved.
She said India was now working towards creating three crore additional Lakhpati Didis.
The President also noted that about two-thirds of entrepreneurs who had received financial assistance under the MUDRA Yojana were women.
She described the enactment of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in 2023, providing for 33 per cent representation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, as a major step towards greater female participation in political leadership.
Youth remain central to India’s future
President Murmu said 65 per cent of India’s population is below the age of 35, describing the country’s young population as its most valuable asset.
She praised young Indians for developing innovative solutions to challenges at the grassroots and for embracing entrepreneurship and job creation.
According to the President, India’s growing start-up ecosystem has provided new opportunities for young entrepreneurs, while Indian professionals are increasingly taking leadership positions in major global companies.
She also cited India’s recent achievements in space exploration, noting that one successful rocket launch was carried out by a young team with an average age of only 28.
The President urged families, schools and society to work together to protect the physical and mental wellbeing of young people.
Examination reforms, sports receive attention
President Murmu said the government was implementing comprehensive reforms to make public examinations more transparent, secure and trustworthy.
She said the reforms were aimed at eliminating the use of unfair means and protecting examination opportunities for students.
She also highlighted increased government investment in sports through the Khelo India programme, saying the initiative was strengthening India’s sports ecosystem from grassroots level to national competitions.
She expressed confidence that the improving performance of Indian athletes in international competitions demonstrated the impact of these investments.
Healthcare support for senior citizens
While highlighting India’s large youth population, President Murmu also drew attention to the growing number of senior citizens.
She said about six crore citizens aged 70 and above could access free healthcare services of up to ₹5 lakh annually.
She called on society to show greater sensitivity towards older people and ensure that they live with dignity, respect and a sense of belonging.
President praises armed forces, recalls Operation Sindoor
President Murmu paid tribute to members of India’s Armed Forces and security agencies, recalling the country’s observance of Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26.
She also referred to the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, describing the operation as a demonstration of the precision and capability of India’s Armed Forces in responding to terrorism.
According to her, the operation sent a strong message that terrorists and their supporters would face consequences for their actions.
She also described the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan as a decisive measure taken in India’s national interest, particularly in relation to the country’s farmers.
Naxalism challenge addressed
The President said the decline of Naxalism represented a major achievement for the country.
She noted that regions previously affected by Naxalism were now witnessing greater development and social activities.
She cited the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum as examples of initiatives through which residents of affected regions were participating in sports and showcasing their cultural talents.
Heritage and global recognition
President Murmu also celebrated India’s growing international recognition of its cultural heritage.
She noted that 12 forts associated with the Maratha military tradition were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List last year.
She added that Sarnath, regarded as the site where Bhagwan Buddha delivered his first sermon, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List this year.
The President said the heritage sites demonstrated the richness of India’s spiritual traditions as well as the country’s historic capacity to defend its sovereignty, cultural identity and national pride.
Concluding her address, President Murmu called on citizens to remain united and committed to the ideals of the Constitution, national development, social justice, environmental protection and the building of a prosperous India by 2047.