President Droupadi Murmu’s Address to the Nation on the Eve of 79th Independence Day: A Vision for a United, Empowered, and Self-Reliant India. 

New Delhi:

On the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day, the President of India,  Droupadi Murmu, addressed the nation, delivering a powerful and inspiring speech that reflected on India’s journey of freedom, highlighted recent national achievements, and laid out a vision for the future based on unity, self-reliance, and inclusive growth.

Remembering the Struggles and Honoring the Legacy

President Murmu began by extending warm Independence Day greetings to citizens across the country. Recalling the sacrifices of freedom fighters, she noted that the 15th of August is etched in the collective memory of every Indian, symbolizing the long-cherished dream of freedom from colonial rule.

She also paid tribute to those affected by the Partition of India, acknowledging the pain and suffering caused by violence and displacement. The nation observed Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas earlier today in memory of those dark times.

Celebrating Indian Democracy: The World’s Oldest Ethos

Highlighting India’s democratic strength, President Murmu reflected on the country’s successful transition to democracy post-Independence, emphasizing the universal adult franchise and the enduring relevance of the Constitution, built upon the foundational pillars of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

She called India the “Mother of Democracy”, stressing that human dignity is at the heart of the nation’s civilisational values, and reaffirmed the state’s duty to uplift the disadvantaged and provide equal access to healthcare, education, and opportunities.

Economic Growth and Social Welfare: The Twin Engines of Progress

Touching upon India’s robust economic performance, President Murmu noted that India recorded a GDP growth rate of 6.5%, making it the fastest-growing major economy despite global headwinds. She credited prudent reforms, good governance, and the resilience of Indian workers and farmers for the nation’s economic momentum.

She highlighted various social welfare schemes, such as:

• Ayushman Bharat (benefitting over 55 crore people),
• Jal Jeevan Mission (rural tap water access),
• AMRUT (urban transformation),
• Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), and
• Increasing investments in social services.

She emphasized that poverty levels are falling, regional disparities are narrowing, and income inequality is reducing.

Infrastructure & Digital Transformation

The President lauded major strides in infrastructure and digital connectivity:

• Expansion of National Highways under Bharatmala,
• New railway link to Kashmir Valley – a milestone for trade and tourism,
• Rapid expansion of metro rail networks,
• Near-complete 4G connectivity in villages, and
• India’s leadership in digital payments and AI-driven innovation through the India-AI Mission.

She projected India’s digital economy as a rising contributor to the GDP and a foundation for improved governance and service delivery.

Empowering the Margins: Youth, Women & Marginalized Communities

With a clear focus on inclusion, President Murmu stated that youth, women, and marginalized communities will lead India towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, during the Amrit Kaal.

She hailed:

• The National Education Policy for integrating values and skills,
• The growing startup ecosystem and job creation,
• Women’s rising role in defence, sports, and leadership,
• The success of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam,
• Progress made by Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes with active government support.

India’s Achievements in Space, Sports, and Defence

The President celebrated the historic space journey of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station, viewing it as a catalyst for India’s Gaganyaan human space mission and a source of inspiration for future generations.

In sports, she highlighted India’s dominance in chess, especially the performance of women players at the FIDE Women’s World Cup, calling it a symbol of sustained excellence across generations.

In the defence sector, she lauded Operation Sindoor, a decisive counter-terrorism operation in response to attacks in Kashmir. She praised the armed forces’ readiness and emphasized that India’s defence self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat has reached a crucial level, making the country capable of meeting its strategic needs independently.

A Call to Unity, Integrity, and Environmental Responsibility

She urged the nation to uphold unity and national integrity, reminding citizens of Mahatma Gandhi’s warning:

“Corruption and hypocrisy ought not to be inevitable products of democracy.”

President Murmu made a heartfelt appeal to weed out corruption, protect natural resources, and face the challenges of climate change by reimagining our relationship with nature.

A Salute to the Nation’s Guardians

In closing, the President expressed deep appreciation for soldiers guarding borders, police forces, civil services, judiciary, Indian diplomats, and the global Indian diaspora for their tireless dedication and contributions.

Conclusion: A Vision for Viksit Bharat

President Murmu concluded her address with optimism and conviction, declaring that India stands on a strong foundation of democracy, development, and dignity for all, and is marching confidently towards becoming a developed, inclusive, and self-reliant nation by 2047.

“With sustained good governance, commitment to equality, and national unity, every Indian will be a contributor to our shared future — a future that belongs to all of us,” she said.