New Delhi, August 14 (HS) : On the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu delivered a stirring and wide-ranging address to the nation, paying tribute to the courage of the armed forces, the resilience of the people, and the country’s march toward self-reliance and inclusive progress.

Acknowledging that the nation had endured the pain of terrorism this year, she lauded the Indian Army’s decisive response through ‘Operation Sindoor’, describing it as “a symbol of India’s strategic capability and its defence self-reliance.”

Recalling the tragic killing of innocent civilians in Kashmir — which she called a “cowardly and inhuman act” — the President said the attack deeply pained the entire nation. “India responded with steely resolve and decisive action. Operation Sindoor demonstrated that our armed forces are fully capable of confronting any challenge,” she declared, calling the mission a historic milestone in humanity’s fight against terrorism. She praised the military for destroying cross-border terror bases with precision, discipline, and indigenous technology.

President Murmu hailed the nation’s unity as India’s strongest answer to forces seeking division, noting that it was reflected even in foreign policy, as multiparty parliamentary delegations abroad spoke with one voice in support of the nation. The world, she stressed, had seen clearly that India is not an aggressor, but will never hesitate to act decisively to protect its citizens. She called Operation Sindoor a successful test of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, underscoring that India is increasingly self-reliant in defence manufacturing.

Economic Strength and Infrastructure Milestones

Reflecting on the nation’s economic trajectory, President Murmu noted that India registered 6.5% GDP growth in the previous fiscal year, making it the world’s fastest-growing major economy. From a country grappling with poverty at independence, she said, India over the last 78 years has achieved extraordinary progress in every sector.

Acknowledging the contributions of farmers, workers, and entrepreneurs, the President said good governance and targeted reforms have lifted millions out of poverty while narrowing regional inequalities. She cited the Bharatmala project, the modernisation of Indian Railways, and the completion of the Kashmir Valley rail link as symbols of strong infrastructure and national integration — projects she said will invigorate trade, tourism, and regional development.

“Basic amenities are every citizen’s right,” she asserted, highlighting urban transformation under the AMRUT Mission, the Jal Jeevan Mission, and the rapid expansion of metro rail services. In healthcare, she hailed the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which has provided protection to over 550 million people.

Digital Leadership and AI Ambitions

The President celebrated India’s Digital Revolution, noting the country’s leadership in global digital payments — “over half of the world’s online transactions take place in India” — and the success of Direct Benefit Transfers in ensuring transparency and efficiency in welfare delivery.

Pointing to the recently launched India-AI Mission, she said India is on track to become a global hub for artificial intelligence by 2047, with AI models designed to serve the nation’s unique needs, improve governance, and enrich citizens’ lives.

People at the Heart of Progress

President Murmu identified youth, women, and formerly marginalised communities as the three pillars of a modern and progressive India. She highlighted how Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and traditionally disadvantaged communities are now empowering themselves, stepping into the mainstream, and shedding labels of marginalisation.

Praising young achievers, she referred to astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s accomplishments and the upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. She also lauded India’s growing stature in sports, particularly in chess, and reiterated the government’s goal under the National Sports Policy 2025 to make India a global sporting powerhouse.

Women’s Empowerment – A Reality, Not a Slogan

Calling the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam a landmark moment, President Murmu said women’s empowerment in India had moved beyond rhetoric to tangible reality. She proudly noted the presence of two Indian women in the Chess World Cup finals as a testament to rising female excellence.

She connected the Swadeshi Movement, promoted by Mahatma Gandhi, to today’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat campaigns, urging citizens to support indigenous products and local enterprises.

Call for Integrity, Sustainability, and Shared National Effort

Citing Mahatma Gandhi, she stressed that “corruption and arrogance must never be accepted as inevitable consequences of democracy” and urged citizens to embrace zero tolerance for graft. She called for collective action in the Amrit Kaal to ensure India’s transformation into a developed nation — “Sabka Saath, Sabka Prayas”.

Emphasising environmental stewardship, she urged lifestyle and attitudinal changes to combat climate change so that future generations inherit a healthy, thriving planet. “We must leave behind a world where life can flourish in its natural form,” she said.

President Murmu concluded by extending special appreciation to soldiers, police, and paramilitary personnel guarding the nation’s frontiers, as well as members of the judiciary, civil services, the Indian diaspora, and officials in overseas missions. She ended with a heartfelt appeal to all citizens to participate actively in the nation-building journey, reaffirming:

“August 15 is not merely a date — it is the embodiment of India’s national spirit and the dreams of millions who struggled and sacrificed for freedom.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar