New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu, in her address to the nation on the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day, praised the country’s response to terrorism, emphasised technological and economic progress, and reaffirmed India’s commitment to constitutional values and inclusive development.
She described India’s journey since 1947 as “extraordinary,” moving from a state of poverty and displacement to becoming the world’s fastest-growing major economy. The President opened by saluting freedom fighters and acknowledging the trauma of Partition, now officially remembered as Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas.
She said Indian democracy, rooted in ancient traditions, had matured into a system founded on justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. “We prize our Constitution and our democracy above everything else,” she stated.
Defence readiness and Operation Sindoor
Referring to the recent terror attack in Kashmir, the President called it “cowardly and utterly inhuman.” She noted that India’s armed forces responded swiftly through Operation Sindoor, a campaign she described as a decisive counter-terror operation demonstrating clarity and self-reliance.
“Our armed forces destroyed terrorist hubs across the border,” she said. Murmu added that the global community recognised India’s firm stance, supported by multi-party delegations sent to explain the country’s position abroad.
She stated that Operation Sindoor also showcased India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities. “We are now self-sufficient in meeting many of our security needs,” she affirmed.
Economic strength amid global uncertainty
President Murmu said India had recorded 6.5% GDP growth during a time of global economic stress. “All key indicators show the economy in the pink of health,” she said. According to her, economic reforms, strong governance, and the work of farmers and labourers had contributed to this growth.
She pointed out that welfare programmes helped millions rise above poverty. Importantly, she noted that income inequality was reducing and regional disparities were shrinking. Previously underperforming states are now catching up with leading regions.
The President highlighted key infrastructure projects, including highway expansion under Bharatmala and innovations in railway services. She described the Kashmir rail link as a “historic milestone” for trade and tourism.
She also discussed urban development efforts under AMRUT and the broad expansion of metro services across cities. In rural areas, she said the Jal Jeevan Mission was improving tap water access. According to her, basic amenities must be treated as rights, not privileges.
Healthcare and digital leadership
Murmu described Ayushman Bharat as the world’s largest healthcare programme. It now covers over 55 crore people, including all citizens over 70, regardless of income. “Even the poor people and lower middle class now receive top-quality healthcare,” she said.
She also noted India’s digital transformation. Nearly all villages now have 4G connectivity, and digital transactions have surged. “India accounts for more than half of all digital transactions globally,” she stated.
The President called artificial intelligence the next frontier in innovation. She said the India-AI mission was building tools suited to national needs and aimed to make India a global AI hub by 2047.
She added that these developments aligned with broader goals. “We are working to improve both ease of doing business and ease of living,” she said. Murmu tied this to the spirit of Swadeshi, which inspired Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Murmu said India was on track to become a developed nation by 2047, with youth, women, and marginalised groups leading the way. “Our youth now have the freedom and environment to realise their dreams,” she said, pointing to changes under the National Education Policy.
She celebrated astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s recent mission to the International Space Station. It would, she said, inspire future space missions like Gaganyaan. She also praised the nation’s rising success in sports, particularly chess, with young Indian players gaining global dominance.
Women’s empowerment and social mobility
The President acknowledged women’s growing presence in defence, governance, and sports. She cited the FIDE Women’s World Cup final featuring two Indian players, aged 19 and 38, as proof of sustained excellence across generations. President Murmu added that the gender gap in employment was narrowing and that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam had made empowerment tangible.
She said Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes, and other historically excluded groups were shedding the label of marginalisation. Government efforts had helped them gain greater social and economic inclusion.
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, she said: “Corruption and hypocrisy ought not to be inevitable products of democracy.” She urged citizens to uphold clean governance and eliminate corruption from public life.
LIVE: President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the nation on the eve of the 79th Independence Day https://t.co/AiBSvUP5La
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 14, 2025
On the environment, she stressed the urgency of change. “To respond to climate change, we must also change,” she said. She urged Indians to rethink their relationship with land, water, and wildlife.
President Murmu ended her speech by saluting the armed forces, police, judiciary, civil servants, diplomats, and the Indian diaspora. She extended her warm greetings to all citizens on the occasion of Independence Day.
