On the eve of India’s 80th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu delivered a heartfelt and forward-looking address that blended deep reverence for the freedom struggle with an optimistic vision for a developed India by 2047.
Speaking from the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President greeted citizens with “Namaskar” and reminded the nation that the Tricolour remains the proudest symbol of hard-won freedom. “On the 15th of August 1947, Bharat Mata was liberated from the shackles of subjugation. Every citizen became an architect of the destiny of Independent India,” she said.
President Murmu paid rich tributes to the architects of modern India — Mahatma Gandhi, Dr B.R. Ambedkar, and especially Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the “Lauh Purush” who integrated more than 550 princely states. She also marked Vibhajan Vibheeshika Smriti Divas, solemnly remembering the lakhs who suffered during Partition, and underlined that their resilience continues to inspire the nation.
Looking ahead, the President outlined the remarkable transformation of the past decade: more than 25 crore people lifted out of poverty, nearly 59 crore Jan Dhan accounts (over 32 crore held by women), free food security for over 80 crore citizens, and healthcare coverage of up to ₹5 lakh for 60 crore people under Ayushman Bharat. She celebrated India’s digital revolution — the world’s largest real-time digital payment system — and the unprecedented expansion of highways, railways, waterways and airways.
Women’s empowerment featured prominently. From Drone Didis boosting farm productivity to fighter pilots and the eight gold medals won by Indian women at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Murmu highlighted a new era of Nari Shakti. The target of 3 crore Lakhpati Didis has already been achieved, and the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam of 2023 promises 33% reservation in legislatures.
Youth power received special praise. With 65% of the population under 35, India is witnessing a surge of innovators, start-up founders and space scientists — including a recent rocket launch by a team with an average age of just 28. Reforms to make public examinations fairer and more transparent were flagged as a priority to protect the dreams of students.
On national security, the President recalled the valour displayed during Operation Sindoor and the observance of Kargil Vijay Diwas. She described the decisive action against terrorism and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as firm steps in the national interest. The near-elimination of Naxalism and the festive energy now visible in former conflict zones such as Bastar were presented as major achievements.
Environmental responsibility and cultural pride were interwoven throughout the speech. Quoting a moving Santali song by Pandit Raghunath Murmu about a grieving parrot and a dying tree, the President urged citizens to protect both nature and human values through campaigns like “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE).
She closed with the timeless words of Telugu poet Gurajada Apparao: “A nation is not just its land, a nation is all its people.” With this inclusive spirit, President Murmu called upon every Indian to work together to transform Swatantra Bharat into Viksit Bharat.
“Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!” she concluded, leaving the nation inspired and united on the threshold of its 80th year of freedom.