New Delhi, Aug 14: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday described the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan as a “decisive step” in the national interest, “especially the farmers”.
She also invoked Kargil Vijay Diwas and Operation Sindoor while outlining India’s security priorities in her address on the eve of the 80th Independence Day.
“Suspension of the IWT with the country that harbours terrorism is a decisive step in the interest of our nation, especially the farmers,” Murmu said.
The President’s remarks came while recalling the country’s response to terrorism and the “unmatched valour” of the armed forces.
“We take pride in our tradition of overcoming the forces hostile to humanity, for upholding truth and justice. On July 26, we observed Kargil Vijay Diwas. Earlier, on the May 7, we commemorated the completion of one year since the launch of Operation Sindoor. We remembered the unmatched valour of our Armed Forces,” she said.
“That historic operation against terrorism demonstrated the capability of the Indian armed forces to act with precision. It sent a clear and firm message to terrorists and those who support them, that no matter where they hide, they will have to face the consequences of their actions,” Murmu said.
She then linked the security response to the decision on the IWT, calling its suspension a decisive step in the national interest, particularly for farmers.
The President said India takes pride in its tradition of overcoming forces hostile to humanity and upholding truth and justice.
She also said making India Naxal-free was a major achievement after Naxalism had posed a serious challenge to the nation for decades.
“Today, enthusiasm prevails in the areas once affected by Naxalism. All-inclusive development is underway in these regions. A large number of players took part in the Bastar Olympics, and many artists showcased their talent in BastarPandum, which were enjoyed by large number of people,” she said.
Murmu also highlighted India’s cultural and historical heritage, saying 12 forts built to safeguard national pride and associated with the Maratha military tradition were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List last year.
“And, this year, Sarnath, the site of Bhagwan Buddha’s first sermon, has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. On the one hand, Bharat Bhoomi has monuments of spirituality associated with Bhagwan Buddha. It also has symbols of our impressive ability to fight for preserving our pride and glorious traditions, on the other,” she said.
The President opened her address by greeting citizens on the eve of Independence Day and said the country was about to enter the 80th year since Independence.
She said all Indians, both in the country and abroad, celebrate the national festival with joy, with the tricolour serving as the symbol of freedom.
“On August 15, 1947, Bharat Mata was liberated from the shackles of subjugation. Every citizen became an architect of the destiny of Independent India,” Murmu said.
She said the true meaning of freedom lay in ensuring that all citizens could utilise opportunities to fulfil their aspirations and work towards making India the foremost nation in the world.
Murmu credited students and teachers, scientists and engineers, doctors and healthcare workers, workers and farmers with contributing to nation-building.
She also acknowledged sportspersons, craftspersons and artists, intellectuals, workers in private and public sectors, people’s representatives, judicial officials, civil servants, investors, social workers and SafaiMitra.
“Numerous citizens engaged in various other activities, and every citizen who faithfully discharges the Fundamental Duties enshrined in our Constitution, are active partners in our nation-building process,” she said.
The President specially commended soldiers of the three armed forces and police personnel for their unwavering dedication to duty.
She also praised the Indian diaspora and officials serving in Indian embassies for enhancing the country’s prestige and honour globally.
Murmu said India was moving towards building Viksit Bharat by the centenary year of Independence in 2047.
“Guided by the spirit of Antyodaya, it is our resolve to ensure that the fruits of development reach every individual,” she said, adding that India was moving forward by embracing its rich heritage and the ideals of the freedom movement while pursuing modern development.
She invoked the Ved-Vakya, ‘VayamRashtreJagriyam’, saying it inspires citizens to always remain ready to serve the nation.
Recalling the freedom struggle, Murmu said people with diverse ideologies had been united by the common goal of India’s Independence.
During the Swadeshi Movement, VandeMataram became a song of the masses, she said, while recalling the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar.
“I humbly bow to all those great sons and daughters of Bharat Mata whose ideals guided our country to its freedom and its progress thereafter,” she said.
Referring to August 14 as Vibhajan Vibheeshika Smriti Divas, Murmu said the country solemnly remembered the lakhs of Indians who lost their lives in violence resulting from Partition or were forced to endure displacement.
“Lakhs of people had to become refugees due to communal violence and endure the horrors of partition. Yet, they did not give up their identity,” she said.
She said that at the time of Independence, India faced not only the grave consequences of Partition but also the extraordinary challenge of unifying more than 550 princely states with the newly independent country.
Murmu paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, saying he had ended the system of kingdoms and integrated the princely states into independent democracy.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, I pay my respectful tributes to the sacred memory of the sculptor of the unity of modern India, Lauh Purush Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,” she said.
Turning to democracy and the Constitution, the President said the Constitution framed by the people of India rested on the foundation of people’s participation.
She said public participation had always been inherent in the people of India, the cradle of democracy, and that citizens were continuing the tradition with renewed vigour.
“National campaigns are being implemented through active participation of the people. This is an inspiring achievement of our democracy,” Murmu said.
She said equality of status and opportunity, along with dignity of the individual, were among the cherished ideals of the Constitution.
People from ordinary backgrounds, she said, were making extraordinary contributions in many fields, strengthening her belief that everyone in today’s Bharat could dream big and realise those dreams.
Murmu said the Constitution clearly laid down the responsibilities of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.
Giving voice to the aspirations of people was the duty of their representatives in the legislature, she said, while the Executive was responsible for implementing policies serving the interests of the nation and its people.
She said those associated with the judicial system had a duty to ensure that no one was deprived of justice due to lack of resources. “All citizens, especially those belonging to deprived sections of the society, should have equal access to timely justice with dignity,” she said.
On India’s development over the past little more than a decade, Murmu said the country had witnessed rapid and inclusive development, priority to harmonising heritage and development, and removal of numerous decades-old obstacles to development.
She referred to the 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma JyotibaPhule and said Mahatma Phule and Kranti-JyotiSavitribaiPhule had made historic contributions to social justice, education, women’s empowerment and equality.
Following their ideals, she said, upliftment of deprived sections had been given priority at the national level during the past few years.
New standards had been set in women’s education, she said.
More than 25 crore people, according to Murmu, had been lifted out of poverty.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan DhanYojana, described by her as the world’s largest programme of financial inclusion, nearly 59 crore account holders had joined the banking system, including more than 32 crore women.
Food security had been ensured for more than 80 crore people through free rations, she said.
Under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana, free healthcare coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per year had been provided to 60 crore people, she said.
Kisan Samman Nidhi and Kisan Credit Cards, she added, had supported farmers involved in farming, dairy, poultry, fisheries and beekeeping.
Murmu said world history demonstrated that development rooted in a strong sense of cultural identity was both rapid and sustainable.
“There is a growing awareness in the country that a sense of cultural pride bolsters the inner strength of the nation,” she said.
She said India’s ancestors had passed on a rich legacy of learning, science, art and culture, spirituality and virtuous conduct, adding that the country was moving forward while harmonising heritage and development.
On technology, Murmu said India had developed the world’s largest and best digital infrastructure.
Digital payments, she said, were now common even in small rural shops and among street vendors, while more than half of the world’s real-time digital transactions took place in India.
“Together, the people of India and the Government have presented an example of digital revolution to the global community,” she said.
The government, she said, was using technology to provide welfare benefits to people transparently.
The country had also witnessed unprecedented expansion of modern infrastructure in highways, waterways, railways and airways, she said, adding that this was creating opportunities for new enterprises, generating employment and boosting investor confidence.
On the global situation, Murmu said warfare and instability in several parts of the world were affecting every country.
“Even in such trying circumstances, our economy is moving ahead as the fastest growing major economy in the world,” she said.
According to economic projections, she said, India’s growth rate was expected to be more than twice the average global growth rate.
The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, she said, had further strengthened the foundation of India’s economic progress and national security.
Murmu said India was also playing a leading global role in protecting the environment while pursuing modern development.
The country had achieved some of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 ahead of schedule, she said, adding that renewable energy development had gained unprecedented momentum over the past few years.
On foreign policy, the President said national interest was its foundation.
“Peace, cooperation, dialogue, and the ideal of VasudhaivaKutumbakam are the pillars of our foreign policy,” she said.
India had entered into Free Trade Agreements with many countries to enhance economic cooperation and strengthen mutual relations, she said.
The country was playing a leading role among nations of the Global South and had grown in stature on the global stage.
Murmu said India believed in a rules-based international order and was endeavouring to ensure that the global community received appropriate representation in the United Nations and other multilateral organisations.
“This endeavour of our country has been getting strong support from many countries,” she said.
Turning to environmental protection, Murmu said future generations had as much right over natural resources as the present generation.
“We must ensure that none of our actions result in the slightest encroachment upon the exercise of this right by future generations,” she said.
She called for efforts to leave richer bounties of nature for future generations, saying conservation of the environment was integral to India’s tradition.
The President cited a Santali song written by Pandit Raghunath Murmu: “Dare GujugKanNyelTe, Miru Cheney Rag BayahaDayaHayaGe; Gujug Kan Apowag Jati Dharam Dare, Chedag Babon Rag Bayaha Abo Ana NyelTe.”
She explained that the song describes an inconsolable parrot crying in grief after seeing a tree completely dried up.
“O my dear brothers! The parrot wails on seeing a dying tree. O my brothers! Why do we, human beings, not grieve when the tree of human culture is being destroyed?” she said, explaining the message of the song.
The message, she said, was that everyone must remain committed to preserving nature and human values.
“A lush green tree symbolizes the moral ideals and wellbeing of human society,” Murmu said.
She called for individual and collective efforts to protect the environment in the spirit of campaigns such as ‘EkPedMaaKeNaam’ and ‘Lifestyle for Environment’, or LiFE.
The President then highlighted the growing participation and achievements of women.
She said it gave her immense pleasure to see girls performing exceptionally well in education and noted that women’s participation was increasing across diverse sectors, from Drone Didi, who contributes to agricultural productivity, to Fighter Combat Leaders in the Air Force.
In the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, women won eight of India’s total tally of 13 gold medals, she said.
Murmu said women were increasingly achieving economic self-reliance, with more than 10 crore women being members of Self Help Groups.
A target had been set to create three crore Lakhpati Didis, and that target had been achieved, she said.
“Now our country is moving towards the goal of creating 3 crore new LakhpatiDidis,” she said.
About two-thirds of entrepreneurs who had received financial assistance under the MUDRA Yojana were women, Murmu said.
Along with economic self-reliance, women were also increasingly occupying leadership positions in many fields, she said.
The President said it was a remarkable achievement of the democratic republic that the number of women exercising their right to vote was growing.
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam had been enacted in 2023 with the objective of reserving 33 per cent representation for women in the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies, she said.
“Achieving the objectives of this Act will enhance women’s role in leadership and make our democracy more inclusive,” Murmu said.
The President also placed strong emphasis on India’s youth.
She said 65 percent of the country’s population was below the age of 35 and described the young population as the country’s most valuable asset.
“The youth of our country are talented, committed, and skilled,” she said.
Murmu said she had seen innovative and practical solutions developed by young people to address challenges at the grassroots level.
“This reflects the dedication of our youth to society and the nation,” she said.
A new phase of space exploration, she said, had been ushered in through a recent successful rocket launch by a young team whose average age was only 28 years.
Many young people, she said, were embracing a culture of job creation through self-employment.
The participation of young entrepreneurs had created a strong start-up ecosystem, while major global enterprises were impressed by the talent and dedication of Indian youth and were entrusting them with leadership roles.
“Such young achievers have enhanced the reputation of India’s youth power across the world. Our younger generations strengthen my faith in India’s bright and prosperous future,” she said.
Murmu described students as the architects of India’s future and said government and society must remain united to safeguard their present and future.
Public examinations, she said, were gateways to opportunities for students and the Government was undertaking comprehensive reforms to make examinations more transparent, secure and trustworthy while completely curbing unfair means.
She said government initiatives and emerging economic activities were opening a wide range of new avenues for youth.
“By exploring such new opportunities, our young people can embark on new paths to success,” she said.
Physical and mental wellbeing of youth, Murmu added, formed the cornerstone of India’s future, with families and society also sharing responsibility for motivating young people.
Sports, she said, were being adopted as a medium for youth development and nation-building.
Under Khelo India, the sports ecosystem was being developed across the country from grassroots to national level, while the Government was making unprecedented investments to promote sports.
“These efforts are yielding good results. In international sports tournaments, there has been a remarkable leap in the performance and achievements of our sportspersons,” she said.
While India had the world’s largest young population, the number of senior citizens was also rising, Murmu said.
The government had taken several initiatives to improve their quality of life.
About six crore senior citizens aged 70 years and above could avail themselves of free healthcare services of up to Rs 5 lakh per year, she said.
“Society as a whole should be sensitive towards senior citizens, fostering a sense of belonging towards them and upholding their self-respect,” Murmu said.
Concluding the security-related portion of her address, the President reiterated that India took pride in overcoming forces hostile to humanity and upholding truth and justice.
She recalled Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed on July 26, and the completion of one year since the launch of Operation Sindoor, commemorated on May 7.
She said the country had remembered the unmatched valour of its armed forces.
Murmu said Operation Sindoor had demonstrated the capability of the Indian Armed Forces to act with precision and sent a clear and firm message to terrorists and their supporters that “no matter where they hide, they will have to face the consequences of their actions.”
The President said the development and wellbeing of every Indian was the real objective of building Viksit Bharat.
Quoting Telugu nationalist writer Gurajada Apparao, she said: “Desamunupreminchumanna, manchiannadipenchumanna; Desamantemattikaadoy, desamantemanushuloy.”
She explained the essence of the lines as:
“Love your country, foster goodness; A nation is not just its land, a nation is all its people.”
Murmu said it was her belief that with the participation of society and efforts of the government, people in every village, town, and household across India would become healthier, happier, and prosperous.
“With this all-inclusive spirit of patriotism, let us devote ourselves to the sacred national goal of transforming Swatantra Bharat into Viksit Bharat,” she said.
