General News
Murmu Sets 2047 Vision, Hails Indian Youth, Women and Armed Forces as Nation Marks 80th Independence Anniversary
By Iyojo Ameh
President of India Droupadi Murmu has called on citizens to deepen their commitment to inclusive development, national unity, social justice and environmental protection as the country prepares to celebrate its 80th Independence Day.
In her address to the nation on Friday, August 14, on the eve of the anniversary, Murmu said India’s independence must go beyond political freedom to ensure that every citizen has the opportunity to fulfil their aspirations and contribute to the country’s emergence as a leading global nation.
The President paid tribute to millions of Indians whose contributions have sustained the country’s democratic and developmental journey, commending students, teachers, scientists, engineers, doctors, healthcare workers, farmers, workers, sportspersons, artisans, artists, entrepreneurs, civil servants and social workers.
She also recognised the sacrifices and dedication of the Indian Armed Forces, Armed Police Forces and police personnel in safeguarding national security, as well as the contributions of the Indian diaspora and diplomatic officials in advancing India’s interests abroad.
India’s 2047 Development Vision
Murmu said India was advancing towards its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, the centenary of independence, with the principle of Antyodaya—ensuring that the benefits of development reach the last person—at the heart of the national agenda.
She said India was seeking to balance rapid modernisation with its cultural heritage and the ideals of the freedom struggle.
According to the President, the ancient Vedic exhortation, “Vayam Rashtre Jagriyam,” meaning a collective commitment to the nation, remained relevant as citizens worked together to build a stronger India.
Murmu recalled the unity that characterised the independence struggle, noting that people with different ideologies came together around the common objective of securing freedom.
She paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Savitribai Phule, Jyotiba Phule and other national figures whose contributions, she said, continued to inspire India’s democratic and social transformation.
President Remembers Partition Victims
The President also remembered millions of people affected by the 1947 Partition as India observed Vibhajan Vibheeshika Smriti Divas on August 14.
She described Partition as one of the country’s most painful historical experiences, recalling the deaths, displacement and communal violence that accompanied the division of the subcontinent.
Murmu said survivors endured enormous hardship but preserved their identity and rebuilt their lives.
She also recalled the challenge of integrating more than 550 princely states into independent India, crediting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with playing a decisive role in the process.
She described Patel as the “sculptor of the unity of modern India.”
Social Welfare and Economic Transformation
Murmu highlighted what she described as rapid and inclusive economic and social development across India.
She said more than 25 crore people had been lifted out of poverty, while the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana had brought nearly 59 crore people into the formal banking system.
More than 32 crore of the beneficiaries were women, she said.
The President also cited the provision of free food grains to more than 80 crore people and healthcare coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually for about 60 crore people under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
She said initiatives such as Kisan Samman Nidhi and Kisan Credit Cards had strengthened support for farmers and those engaged in allied activities, including dairy, poultry, fisheries and beekeeping.
Digital India Drives Growth
According to Murmu, India’s digital infrastructure had become a major engine of economic transformation, with digital payments increasingly common among rural traders and street vendors.
She said more than half of the world’s real-time digital transactions were taking place in India, describing the country’s digital transformation as an example for the international community.
Technology, she added, had also improved the transparency and efficiency of government welfare programmes by enabling benefits to reach intended beneficiaries more directly.
Murmu further highlighted investments in highways, waterways, railways and aviation, saying improved connectivity was creating new opportunities for businesses, generating employment and strengthening investor confidence.
India Maintains Economic Momentum
Against the backdrop of global conflicts and economic uncertainty, Murmu said India had maintained its economic momentum.
She described India as the fastest-growing major economy and said projections indicated that its growth rate was expected to remain more than twice the global average.
The President credited the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan with strengthening the foundations of India’s economic development and national security.
She also highlighted progress in renewable energy and India’s contribution to global environmental action, noting that the country had achieved some Sustainable Development Goals ahead of the 2030 deadline.
Women Emerging as Key Drivers of Development
Murmu devoted significant attention to the achievements of Indian women in education, sports, agriculture, defence, entrepreneurship and public leadership.
She noted the growing participation of women in diverse sectors, from Drone Didis supporting agricultural productivity to women taking on senior combat-related positions in the Armed Forces.
The President cited India’s performance at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where women won eight of the country’s 13 gold medals.
She said more than 10 crore women were members of Self-Help Groups and that the target of creating three crore Lakhpati Didis had been achieved.
India, she added, was now pursuing the creation of another three crore women entrepreneurs with sustainable incomes.
Murmu also noted that women accounted for about two-thirds of entrepreneurs who had received financial assistance under the MUDRA Yojana.
She described the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, enacted in 2023 to provide for 33 per cent representation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, as a major step towards a more inclusive democracy.
Youth at the Centre of India’s Future
The President described India’s young population as one of its greatest strengths, noting that approximately 65 per cent of the population is below the age of 35.
She praised young Indians for developing innovative solutions to grassroots challenges and highlighted their growing contribution to the country’s start-up ecosystem.
Murmu also pointed to India’s expanding achievements in space exploration, citing a recent successful rocket launch by a young team whose average age was 28.
She said young Indians were increasingly embracing entrepreneurship and job creation, while Indian professionals were assuming leadership positions in major global companies.
“Students are the architects of India’s future,” she said in urging collective efforts to protect their educational and career prospects.
Murmu stressed the need to eliminate examination malpractice and unfair practices, saying comprehensive reforms were being undertaken to make public examinations more transparent, secure and trustworthy.
She also encouraged young people to explore emerging sectors and new employment opportunities while stressing the importance of their physical and mental wellbeing.
Sports and Senior Citizens
The President said sports were increasingly serving as instruments of youth development and nation-building.
She cited the Khelo India programme as an example of efforts to build a sports ecosystem from the grassroots to the national level, saying increased investment was contributing to improved international sporting performance.
Murmu also called for greater sensitivity towards the welfare and dignity of senior citizens.
She noted that approximately six crore people aged 70 and above could access free healthcare services of up to ₹5 lakh annually, while urging society to ensure that older citizens remained respected and valued.
Armed Forces and Operation Sindoor
Murmu paid tribute to the Armed Forces, recalling Kargil Vijay Diwas and the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor.
She said the operation demonstrated the Armed Forces’ ability to conduct precise operations against terrorism and sent a strong message to terrorists and their supporters that they would face consequences for their actions.
The President also described India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with a country she accused of harbouring terrorism as a decisive measure taken in the national interest, particularly in relation to farmers.
She said India’s tradition of confronting forces hostile to humanity and defending truth and justice remained a source of national pride.
India Moves Towards a Naxal-Free Future
Murmu described India’s progress towards becoming Naxal-free as a significant national achievement.
She said areas previously affected by Left-Wing Extremism were experiencing renewed enthusiasm and inclusive development.
The President cited the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum cultural festival as examples of initiatives showcasing the talents, aspirations and cultural identity of communities in regions once affected by Naxalism.
Heritage, Environment and Global Leadership
Murmu said India’s cultural and historical heritage was receiving increasing international recognition.
She noted that 12 forts associated with the Maratha military tradition had been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in the previous year, while Sarnath, associated with Bhagwan Buddha’s first sermon, was included in the list this year.
She said the sites represented complementary dimensions of India’s civilisational heritage—its spiritual traditions and its historical struggles to preserve national identity and cultural values.
On foreign policy, Murmu said India’s national interest remained its foundation, while peace, cooperation, dialogue and the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam continued to guide the country’s international engagement.
She said India had entered into Free Trade Agreements with several countries to deepen economic cooperation and bilateral relations and continued to play a leading role among countries of the Global South.
The President reiterated India’s support for a rules-based international order and greater representation for the global community in the United Nations and other multilateral institutions.
She also urged citizens to protect natural resources for future generations, warning that development must not undermine the rights of those who would inherit the country.
Murmu linked environmental protection to India’s cultural traditions and used a Santali song by Pandit Raghunath Murmu to illustrate humanity’s responsibility to protect nature and uphold cultural and moral values.
She called on citizens to support initiatives such as Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam and Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), stressing that individual and collective action was essential to preserving the environment.
A Call to Build the India of 2047
As the country prepares to mark 80 years of independence, President Murmu urged Indians to carry forward the ideals of the freedom struggle while embracing innovation, economic development, social justice and environmental responsibility.
She said the journey towards 2047 would require the participation of every citizen and reaffirmed her vision of an India where development reaches all sections of society, opportunities are accessible to everyone and the country’s rich heritage continues to coexist with modern progress.
The President’s address placed youth, women, social inclusion, national security, economic growth, environmental protection and cultural heritage at the centre of India’s next phase of development, as the country looks towards its centenary of independence in 2047.
