President promises secure exams amid student anger
Against the backdrop of rising concerns among students and competitive examination aspirants and related protests, President Droupadi Murmu in her address to the nation on the eve of the country’s 80th Independence Day on Friday said the Government is taking comprehensive steps to reform public examinations to completely curb paper leaks and unfair means, making the system transparent, secure, and trustworthy, as they are the “architects of India’s future.” Her remarks assume significance in the backdrop of recent nationwide Gen Z and student-led protests demanding systemic overhauls, fast-track investigations, and stringent legal action following high-profile paper leak irregularities in competitive examinations.
The President stressed that just as Government and society remain united to ensure national security, everyone must contribute through joint and concerted efforts to safeguard the present and future of students.
Highlighting the spirit of enterprise among young citizens, she said youths are increasingly embracing a culture of job creation rather than job seeking.
“Many of our youth are embracing the culture of job creation as they pursue the path of self-employment. The participation of young entrepreneurs has led to the creation of a strong start-up ecosystem in our country. Major global enterprises are impressed by the talent and dedication of Indian youth and entrust them with leadership roles,” she added.
President Murmu also lauded the “unmatched valour” of the Indian Armed Forces, saying Operation Sindoor demonstrated the country’s capability to execute precision counter-terror operations and sent a firm message that terror elements and their backers will face consequences regardless of where they hide.
She recalled the anniversary of the military action alongside historic observances like Kargil Vijay Diwas, reaffirming India’s tradition of overcoming forces hostile to humanity.
The President also highlighted the strategic measures accompanying the counter-terror posture, describing the decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with the nation harbouring terror networks as a “decisive step in the interest of our nation, especially the farmers.”
On internal security, she termed the eradication of Naxalism a monumental achievement for the country after decades of struggle. Highlighting the nation’s civilisational heritage, the President said that Sarnath, the site of Lord Buddha’s first sermon, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List this year, following the listing of 12 Maratha military forts last year.
Addressing foreign policy, she reiterated that peace, dialogue, cooperation, and the ideal of <Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam></i> (the world is one family) remain the bedrock of India’s international relations.
The President also touched upon senior care, pointing out that alongside the world’s largest young population, India is also seeing a rise in senior citizens and noted that about six crore senior citizens aged 70 and above can now avail of free healthcare services up to Rs 5 lakh per year under Government initiatives, urging society to remain sensitive and uphold their dignity.
She stressed that guided by the spirit of <Antyodaya></i>, the core resolve of the nation remains ensuring the fruits of development reach every individual, even as global warfare and instability present severe economic headwinds worldwide. “<Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan></i> has further strengthened the foundation of our economic progress and national security,” she said.
Highlighting internal welfare milestones over the past decade, the President said that more than 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty and added that nearly 59 crore account holders have joined the banking system under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, with over 32 crore of these account holders being women, while food security has been ensured for over 80 crore people through free rations.
Underlining India’s technological leap, she pointed out that the country has developed the world’s largest and best digital infrastructure, accounting for more than half of global real-time digital transactions.
Highlighting the demographic dividend, the President said that 65 per cent of the country’s population is below the age of 35, describing the youth as India’s “most valuable asset.”
Women’s empowerment remained a central theme of her address. Celebrating achievements ranging from rural self-help groups to high-altitude defence, she said that the initial target of creating three crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ has been achieved, with the Government now pushing towards a goal of creating three crore more.
