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In her fourth Independence Day Eve address to the nation, President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday reflected on the country's developmental strides, its resolute response to terrorism, and the imperative of environmental stewardship. In an Independence Day Eve speech that blended pride in national achievements with solemn recognition of recent challenges, President Murmu lauded the swift and decisive response of the nation's Armed Forces through Operation Sindoor following the brutal killing of innocent holidaymakers in J&K's Pahalgam on April 22.
Operation Sindoor will go down in history as an example in humanity's fight against terrorism: President Murmu
Describing Operation Sindoor a landmark in India's defence history, President Murmu said: “Our armed forces, with strategic clarity and technical capability, destroyed terrorist hubs across the border.”
She also emphasised that the nation's unity was its greatest strength, visible not only in the public's response but also in the multi-party parliamentary delegations that engaged with foreign governments to explain India's position.
"Operation Sindoor was also a test case of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission in the defence sector. The outcome has proved that we are on the right path. Our indigenous manufacturing has achieved the critical level that makes us self-sufficient in meeting many of our security requirements. These are landmark achievements in India’s defence history since Independence," said the President.
August 15 etched in our collective memory: President Murmu
During the long years of colonial rule, generations of Indians dreamt of the day of independence, said the President.
"Men and women, old and young, from all parts of the country, yearned to throw away the yoke of foreign rule. Their struggle was marked by robust optimism, which has continued to propel our progress since Independence too. As we salute the tricolour tomorrow, we will also be paying homage to the memory of all freedom fighters whose sacrifices won India Independence on the 15th of August, 78 years ago," said President Murmu.
'Four pillars of our democracy'
The President highlighted four values as the four pillars in the Constitution upholding the nation's democracy: justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
"These are our civilisational principles that we re-discovered during the Freedom Struggle. At the heart of them all, I believe, is the notion of human dignity. Every human being is equal, and everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. Everyone should have equal access to healthcare and education. Everyone should have equal opportunity. Those who had been traditionally at a disadvantage needed to be given a helping hand," said the President.
"Keeping these principles foremost in mind, we started a new journey in 1947... In the 78 years since then, we have made extraordinary progress in all fields. India is well on the way to becoming a self-reliant nation and is moving ahead with great confidence," said President Murmu.
Key indicators show economy in pink of health: President Murmu
In the economic field, our achievements are all the more noticeable, noted the President.
With a GDP growth rate of 6.5 per cent in FY25, India is the fastest growing among the major economies in the world, she said.
"Even amid stress in the global economy, demand at home is pacing ahead. Inflation has remained under control. Exports are rising... This is as much due to carefully calibrated reforms and sagacious economic management as due to the hard work and dedication of our workers and farmers," said the President.
A large number of people have been pulled out of poverty through good governance, she said, adding: "The government has been running a series of welfare initiatives for the poor and also for those who have risen above the poverty line but are still vulnerable, so that they do not fall below it again."
President lauds can-do spirit of nation's business leaders, small & medium industries, traders
Our business leaders, small and medium industries and traders have always exhibited a can-do spirit; what was needed was removing the bottlenecks in the path of wealth creation, said the President.
"That is so visible when it comes to infrastructure development over the past decade. We have expanded and strengthened the National Highway network under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. The Railways too have innovated, introducing new types of trains and coaches equipped with latest technologies. The inauguration of the rail link in Kashmir valley is a major accomplishment. Rail connectivity with the valley will boost trade and tourism in the region and open new economic possibilities. This engineering marvel at Kashmir is a historic milestone for our country," said President Murmu.
The country is rapidly urbanising, and, hence, the government has been paying special attention to improve the conditions of the cities, she said.
"We are moving ahead towards that future with sustained good governance, and zero tolerance for corruption. Here I am reminded of an important statement by Mahatma Gandhi. He had noted, and I quote: 'Corruption and hypocrisy ought not to be inevitable products of democracy.' Let us pledge to realise Gandhiji’s ideal and weed out corruption," said the President.
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