A Tribute to Freedom Fighters: Honoring Sacrifices and Vision
Partition Remembrance: Reflecting on the Suffering and Resilience
Economic Milestones: India’s Growth to the Fifth-Largest Economy
Focus on Social Justice: Initiatives for Marginalized Communities
Empowering the Youth: New Schemes for Skilling and Employment
Climate Action Call: Urging Collective Effort for Sustainability
Achievements in Sports and Technology: Celebrating National Successes
Advancing Gender Justice: Efforts to Enhance Women’s Empowerment
Global Leadership: Reinforcing India’s Role on the World Stage
New Delhi, Srinagar: On the eve of the 78th Independence Day, President of India, Droupadi Murmu, extended her heartiest greetings to all citizens.
Expressing her delight at the nation’s preparations for this significant occasion, she remarked, “Witnessing the tri-colour unfurl on this occasion, be it at the Red Fort, at state capitals, or in local neighbourhoods, always thrills our hearts. It is an expression of the joy of being part of our great nation along with more than 1.4 billion fellow Indians.” She drew a parallel between the celebration of Independence Day and Republic Day with the joy of family festivals, emphasizing that these national days are celebrated as a collective family of citizens. The President said that on August 15, Indians across the country and abroad participate in flag-hoisting ceremonies, sing patriotic songs, and distribute sweets. She highlighted the involvement of young children in cultural events, stating that their words about the nation echo the sentiments of the great freedom fighters. “We realize that we are part of a chain that binds the dreams of those who participated in the freedom struggle and the aspirations of those who will witness the nation regaining its full glory in the years to come,” she said.
Reflecting on history, President Murmu acknowledged the sacrifices made by patriots during the struggle for independence, stating, “Patriotic and brave souls took immense risks and made supreme sacrifices. We salute their memory.” She paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, for unifying the diversity of traditions, and also honored leaders like Sardar Patel, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and many others who contributed to the freedom movement. She specifically mentioned tribal leaders such as Tilka Manjhi, Birsa Munda, Laxman Naik, and Phulo Jhano, acknowledging their contributions to the national re-awakening. She announced that the upcoming 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda would be an opportunity to further honor his legacy. On August 14, the nation observes Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas, a day to recall the horrors of partition. President Murmu reflected on this tragedy, noting that as the nation was divided, millions suffered forced migration and countless lives were lost. “A day before we celebrate Independence Day, we recall that unparalleled human tragedy and stand with the families that were torn asunder,” she said.
President Murmu also celebrated the 75th year of the Constitution, acknowledging the challenges faced by the newly independent nation and the importance of adhering to Constitutional ideals of justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity. She praised the historic record of nearly 97 crore eligible voters in the recent general elections, the largest electoral exercise in history. “The Election Commission of India should be congratulated for the smooth and flawless conduct of such a gigantic event,” she added, thanking all officials and security personnel who contributed to this achievement. Highlighting India’s economic growth, President Murmu noted that from 2021 to 2024, India has been one of the fastest-growing major economies, with an average growth rate of 8 percent annually. This progress, she said, has drastically reduced poverty and increased the nation’s stature in global affairs. She credited the tireless work of farmers, workers, planners, and visionary leaders for making India the fifth-largest economy in the world, with the potential to soon be among the top three. “Farmers, our Annadata, have ensured that agricultural production continues to beat expectations,” she remarked, acknowledging their role in making India self-reliant in agriculture. President Murmu discussed the government’s focus on promoting sectors like semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence, and startups, which have made India an attractive investment destination. She praised the improvements in infrastructure and the banking and financial sectors, which have set the stage for the next generation of economic reforms.
On social justice, President Murmu emphasized the government’s initiatives for the welfare of marginalized communities, such as PM-SURAJ and PM-JANMAN, which provide direct financial assistance and critical interventions for socio-economic improvement. She also highlighted the NAMASTE scheme, aimed at eliminating hazardous manual sanitation work. “Social justice is a top priority of the Government,” she asserted, stressing the importance of inclusion and the rejection of social hierarchies that stoke discord. The President also spoke about gender justice, noting the government’s efforts to empower women, including the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which aims to ensure real empowerment. She was particularly pleased with the improvement in the sex ratio at birth and the increased participation of women in the labor force. Addressing the challenge of climate change, President Murmu praised India’s progress in this area and urged citizens to make small but effective changes in their lifestyles to contribute to the cause. She also mentioned the adoption of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which she described as a tribute to the freedom fighters by removing colonial relics and ensuring justice for crime victims. Looking ahead, President Murmu emphasized the importance of the youth in shaping India’s future during the Amrit Kaal, the quarter century leading to the centenary of Independence. She highlighted the government’s initiatives to support skilling, employment, and opportunities for the youth, which she described as foundational contributions towards building a “Viksit Bharat.” In science and technology, President Murmu acknowledged India’s achievements in digital applications and space exploration, expressing her eagerness for the upcoming Gaganyaan Mission, which will be India’s first human spaceflight. She also praised the country’s progress in sports, particularly the Indian contingent’s efforts in the Paris Olympic Games, the cricket team’s victory in the T-20 World Cup, and the achievements of Indian chess prodigies. In her concluding remarks, President Murmu extended her greetings to the brave jawans of the Armed Forces, police, security personnel, judiciary, civil services, and the Indian diaspora. She recognized their contributions to safeguarding the nation’s freedom and enhancing its global standing. “With the nation all set to celebrate Independence Day, let me once again extend my greetings to you,” she said, conveying her best wishes to all citizens as they prepare to celebrate this momentous occasion.
