New Delhi, Aug 2026 : President Droupadi Murmu, in her address to the nation on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, highlighted India’s rapid economic and social transformation over the past decade and called upon citizens to work collectively towards making the country a developed nation by 2047.
Emphasising the theme of “Vikas and Virasat” — development and heritage, the President said India has made significant progress despite uncertainties in the global environment. She urged citizens to strengthen their commitment to building a prosperous, inclusive and globally influential India.
President Murmu highlighted the government’s focus on infrastructure development, saying improved connectivity and modern infrastructure have helped attract investment, generate employment and strengthen economic activity. She also pointed to India’s growing network of free trade agreements and the expanding startup ecosystem driven largely by young Indians.
With around 65 per cent of the population below the age of 35, the President said the youth have a crucial role in shaping the country’s future. She described India’s young population as a major strength and said the country’s journey towards a “golden future” would be steered by its youth.
Focus on poverty reduction and financial inclusion
The President underlined the progress made in social welfare and poverty alleviation. She said more than 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty, while the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has brought nearly 59 crore people into the formal banking system.
Of these account holders, more than 32 crore are women, reflecting the growing role of financial inclusion in women’s empowerment.
She also highlighted the government’s initiatives for women, farmers, youth and economically weaker sections. Referring to the women’s reservation law, President Murmu said greater representation of women in political institutions would further strengthen India’s democratic foundations.
The President also spoke about the achievements of Indian women and girls in sports and other fields, including their success in international competitions and their increasing presence in traditionally male-dominated professions such as fighter aviation.
Operation Sindoor and national security
President Murmu described Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, as a demonstration of the Indian armed forces’ ability to respond to terrorism with precision.
Recalling the commemoration of the operation’s first anniversary, she paid tribute to the armed forces and said the operation sent a strong message to terrorists and those supporting them that they would face consequences regardless of where they operated.
She also described India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty as a decisive step in the national interest, particularly in the interests of farmers, in response to Pakistan’s support for terrorism.
The President paid tribute to the victims of Partition and recalled the contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in integrating more than 500 princely states into the Indian Union. She said remembering the painful chapters of history should strengthen the country’s resolve to preserve unity and harmony.
Youth, education and transparency
The President also addressed concerns among young people over irregularities in competitive examinations and recent paper-leak incidents. She assured the youth that efforts were being made to eliminate such malpractices and improve transparency and credibility in the examination system.
She said young Indians must be provided with an environment where their talent, hard work and aspirations can translate into opportunities.
Sports and the fight against Maoism
President Murmu praised India’s expanding sports ecosystem and credited initiatives such as Khelo India and increased government investment for the country’s improved performance in international competitions.
She also described the elimination of Maoism from large parts of the country as a major achievement. The President said former Left-Wing Extremism-affected regions were now witnessing a new phase of inclusive development.
Referring to the Bastar Olympics, she said the participation of a large number of sportspersons and the showcase of local artistic talent demonstrated the changing aspirations of communities that had earlier been affected by violence.
Heritage and environment
The President stressed that economic development must go hand in hand with environmental conservation. She called for responsible use of natural resources so that future generations inherit a healthy and sustainable environment.
She also emphasised the growing sense of cultural pride among Indians, saying respect for heritage strengthens the nation’s confidence and inner resilience.
“Vikas and Virasat” should therefore move together, she said, with modernisation complemented by preservation of India’s rich cultural traditions.
Jan Bhagidari as a national strength
President Murmu said Jan Bhagidari, or people’s participation, has always been central to India’s democratic tradition. She called for greater citizen involvement in national development and welfare initiatives.
She said India’s progress cannot be achieved by government efforts alone and requires active participation from citizens, communities, businesses, youth and civil society.
Earlier, extending greetings on the occasion of Parsi New Year Navroz, President Murmu conveyed her warm wishes to Parsi communities in India and abroad.
Concluding her Independence Day message, the President called upon citizens to work together to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. She said India’s achievements over the past decade provide a strong foundation, but the country’s next phase of development will require unity, innovation, social inclusion, cultural confidence and collective determination.
Her message placed equal emphasis on economic growth, national security, social welfare, women’s empowerment, youth participation, environmental protection and cultural heritage, presenting these as interconnected pillars of India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
