‘Viksit Bharat’ in Focus: President Droupadi Murmu Outlines India’s Vision on Eve of 80th Independence Day

NEW DELHI

On the eve of India’s 80th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu delivered a national address, celebrating the country’s progress toward the vision of a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. Grounded in the principle of Antyodaya—ensuring development reaches every individual—the speech highlighted key achievements in economic growth, social welfare, digital infrastructure, and national security.

Economic Resilience & Digital Transformation

President Murmu noted that despite global instability, India remains the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with projected growth rates expected to exceed twice the global average.

Key economic and digital highlights included:

• Digital Footprint: India now accounts for over half of the world’s real-time digital transactions.
• Self-Reliance: The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan continues to strengthen economic progress and national security.
• Infrastructure Growth: Unprecedented expansion across highways, railways, waterways, and airways is driving enterprise development and job creation.

Key Social Welfare Achievements

The President outlined significant milestones achieved across social welfare, poverty alleviation, and financial inclusion programs:

Women Leadership & Youth Empowerment

Emphasizing the vital role of women (Nari Shakti), President Murmu praised achievements ranging from rural Self-Help Groups—which have created 3 crore Lakhpati Didis—to leadership roles in defense and agriculture. She also pointed to the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, reserving 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for women, as a crucial step toward inclusive governance.

With 65% of the population under age 35, the President recognized India’s youth as its greatest asset, highlighting:

• A expanding startup ecosystem driven by young entrepreneurs.
• Successes in space exploration, including rocket launches led by teams averaging 28 years of age.
• Commitments to reforming public examination systems to ensure transparency, security, and fairness.

Cultural Heritage & Environmental Stewardship

Aligning modern development with cultural pride, the President noted recent international recognitions, including UNESCO World Heritage status for 12 Maratha military forts and Sarnath, the site of Bhagwan Buddha’s first sermon.

Quoting a Santali song by Pandit Raghunath Murmu, President Murmu urged individual and collective responsibility toward nature through initiatives like Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam and LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).

Defense, Security, and Foreign Policy

President Murmu honored the Armed Forces while highlighting key national security developments:

• Counter-Terrorism & Security: Commemorated Kargil Vijay Diwas and the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.
• Internal Security: Highlighted significant progress in making the nation Naxal-free, fostering development in previously affected regions such as Bastar.
• Global Diplomacy: Reaffirmed India’s foreign policy rooted in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), advocating for rules-based international order and stronger representation for the Global South in multilateral bodies like the UN.

President Murmu concluded her address by calling on all citizens to faithfully discharge their Fundamental Duties as active partners in nation-building.