The President of India, Droupadi Murmu graces the opening of Amrit Udyan Summer Annuals Edition, 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on August 14, 2025.
New Delhi: As India stood on the cusp of its 79th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu delivered a stirring call to action, urging every citizen to safeguard the environment by embracing sustainable practices and rekindling their bond with rivers, mountains, and wildlife to confront the pressing challenge of climate change. In a heartfelt address from the capital, she wove a narrative of India’s remarkable journey since 1947, celebrating its democratic spirit, economic strides, inclusive growth, and resolute stand against terrorism, while rallying the nation to champion self-reliance through Indian-made products.
Murmu underscored the urgency of environmental stewardship, calling for a shift in habits and perspectives to preserve the planet’s natural balance for future generations. This clarion call framed her vision for a sustainable India, seamlessly tied to the nation’s broader aspirations.
From the ashes of colonial poverty, India has risen to global prominence, achieving a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 6.5% last fiscal year, outpacing major economies, President Murmu said. Despite global headwinds, domestic demand thrives, inflation remains steady, and exports are climbing, fueled by strategic reforms, prudent management, and the tireless work of farmers and labourers. Welfare initiatives have “lifted millions” from poverty, narrowed income gaps, and levelled regional disparities, with once-lagging states now surging forward.
In the digital age, she said, India’s strides are unmatched, with nearly all villages connected via 4G, making the country a global leader in digital payments, handling over half the world’s transactions. This powers a dynamic digital economy and seamless Direct Benefit Transfers. The India-AI mission is pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) tailored to national needs, aiming to position India as a global AI hub by 2047, with technology geared toward enhancing lives and governance.
President Murmu envisioned a developed India by 2047, driven by youth, women, and marginalised communities. The National Education Policy (NEP), job growth, and the Gaganyaan space mission, highlighted by astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s recent trip to the International Space Station, are empowering youth.
She also referred to women who are excelling in defence and sports, supported by the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Initiatives for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and the Backward Classes are fostering their progress, she said.
Murmu condemned a recent terrorist attack in Kashmir, praising Operation Sindoor, which destroyed terrorist hubs across the border, as a testament to India’s self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. National unity, reinforced by multi-party parliamentary delegations, underscored India’s global stance against terrorism. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, she called for zero tolerance for corruption to uphold a clean democracy.
The President celebrated National Handloom Day on August 7, linking it to the Swadeshi Movement of 1905 and urging citizens to buy Indian products under the Make-in-India initiative and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. She evoked the historic weight of August 15, a day etched in memory, honouring the freedom fighters whose sacrifices won independence 78 years ago. She also marked Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas on August 14, paying solemn tribute to the millions who endured the violence and displacement of Partition.
India’s democratic legacy shone brightly in her address, with the President hailing the nation as the “mother of democracy.” The Constitution of India, adopted post-independence, granted universal adult franchise to all, transcending gender and religion, she noted. Its pillars—justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity—are anchored in human dignity, ensuring equitable access to healthcare, education, and opportunities, particularly for those long marginalised.
Murmu also talked about the Bharatmala Pariyojana, expanding the National Highway network and Indian Railways rolling out cutting-edge trains and coaches. According to her, the rail link to the Kashmir valley, a marvel of engineering, promises to spark trade and tourism. She noted that urban progress under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) has brought water and sewerage to more homes, while metro rail networks have multiplied. The Jal Jeevan Mission is piping tap water to rural households, and the Ayushman Bharat scheme, covering over 55 crore people, now extends to seniors aged 70 and above, ensuring healthcare reaches the poor and middle class, she said.
President Murmu said the National Education Policy (NEP), thriving job markets, and the Gaganyaan space mission—highlighted by astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s recent journey to the International Space Station—are igniting young dreams. Women are shattering ceilings in defence and sports, bolstered by the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Initiatives for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and the Backward Classes are unlocking their potential.
She closed with warm greetings to soldiers, police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), judiciary, civil servants, Indian officials abroad, and the diaspora, wishing all a vibrant Independence Day.
– global bihari bureau
