President Droupadi Murmu has emphasised the unity of diverse identities among Indians and their equal citizenship, opportunities, rights, and duties. She urged the nation to embrace harmony and brotherhood during her address on the eve of the 77th Independence Day.
“In this land, each one of us is an equal citizen; each one of us has an equal opportunity, equal rights and equal duties,” she said, underscoring the significance of the momentous occasion of India’s Independence Day.
The President highlighted the intrinsic value of India’s democracy and the historic transformation brought about by breaking free from colonial rule. “India is the mother of democracy and since ancient times we had democratic institutions functioning at the grassroots. But long years of colonial rule wiped them out. On 15th August 1947, the nation woke up to a new dawn. We not only won freedom from foreign rule but also the freedom to rewrite our destiny,” she affirmed.
President Murmu also underlined the pivotal role of the Constitution in guiding the nation’s ideals, with its Preamble encapsulating the spirit of the freedom struggle. She called for embracing the essence of harmony and brotherhood as a means to fulfill the aspirations of the nation’s builders.
Honouring the contribution of women freedom fighters, she acknowledged the significant progress made by women in various fields, noting their growing participation and impact. “The development of women was among the ideals of our freedom struggle,” she asserted, emphasising the importance of empowering women economically, thereby enhancing their position in society.
Drawing attention to the urgent need to address climate change and global warming, President Murmu stressed the consequences of the “culture of greed,” which has led to recurring floods and droughts. She called for a collective effort to safeguard the environment.
Discussing India’s presidency at the G-20 summit, she highlighted the nation’s potential to influence equitable progress in trade, finance, and human development decisions. She expressed confidence in India’s proven leadership in dealing with global issues.
While acknowledging the uncertainties created by the pandemic and subsequent international events, the President lauded India’s resilience and its successful conversion of challenges into opportunities, resulting in substantial GDP growth. She extended gratitude to the nation’s farmers, whose contributions have significantly propelled economic growth.
President Murmu also addressed global inflation concerns and commended India’s effective measures to contain it, protecting common citizens while providing a robust security net for the vulnerable.
Praising the government’s multifaceted approach to progress - with a focus on enterprise and expanded welfare initiatives - she emphasized the sustained efforts to uplift the deprived sections of society.
As the first tribal woman to become the President, Murmu called on tribal communities to cherish their traditions while embracing modernity. She highlighted tailored programs to uplift their conditions and encourage their participation in the nation’s journey of progress. Regarding education, she acknowledged the transformative impact of the National Education Policy of 2020, which merges ancient values with modern skills, paving the way for a significant transformation of the education sector.
In the realm of space research, President Murmu appreciated India’s achievements, including the upcoming moon mission Chandrayaan-3. She envisioned these endeavors as stepping stones to even greater feats in the future. Concluding her address, she unveiled the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, a platform to foster research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, with a substantial allocation of Rs. 50,000 crore for the next five years.