Independence Day Eve Address: President Murmu Highlights Narrowing Income Gaps, India’s Confident Progress
President Droupadi Murmu, addressing the nation on the eve of Independence Day on Thursday, said India continues to be the fastest-growing major economy, with a GDP growth rate of 6.5% in the last fiscal year. She emphasized that domestic demand remains strong despite global economic pressures, inflation is under control, and exports are on the rise.
“All key indicators show the economy in robust health,” Murmu said, noting that good governance has lifted a large number of people out of poverty. She added that the government is implementing welfare schemes not only for those below the poverty line but also for individuals who have recently crossed it, ensuring they do not slip back into economic hardship.
“Economic inequalities are decreasing, and sectoral gaps are narrowing,” the President remarked.
Strong National Security Response
On national security, President Murmu addressed the challenges India faced from terrorism this year, describing the killing of innocent tourists in Kashmir’s Pahalgam in April as “cowardly and utterly inhuman.” She praised the armed forces’ decisive response through Operation Sindoor, stating:
“Operation Sindoor demonstrated that our armed forces are fully prepared to meet any eventuality. With strategic clarity and technical capability, terrorist hubs across the border were neutralized. This operation will go down in history as a landmark in humanity’s fight against terrorism.”
She linked the operation to the government’s self-reliance initiative, calling it “a test case for Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence capability,” and extended greetings to soldiers, police forces, and reserve officers for safeguarding citizens.
Empowerment of Women and Marginalised Communities
President Murmu highlighted the progress of historically marginalised communities, saying:
“Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes, and other communities are shedding the label of marginalised. The government has actively supported their social and economic aspirations through various initiatives.”
She also lauded the achievements of women, noting:
“Our daughters are our pride, breaking barriers in fields ranging from defence and security to sports. Recent chess successes, where a nineteen-year-old and a thirty-eight-year-old Indian woman reached the FIDE Women’s World Cup final, underline sustained global excellence across generations.”
India at the Forefront of Technology
The President emphasized India’s technological strides, particularly in information technology and digital infrastructure.
“Nearly all villages now have 4G connectivity, enabling widespread adoption of digital payments, in which India has emerged as a global leader. Artificial intelligence is the next frontier, and the government’s India-AI mission aims to strengthen national AI capabilities, including models tailored to India’s specific needs,” Murmu said.
