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President of India’s address to the Nation on the eve of 78th Independence Day
I extend to you all my heartiest Independence Day greetings. I am delighted to see the nation prepare to celebrate the 78th Independence Day. 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.
Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas
• Today, on 14th August, the nation is observing Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas, a day to recall partition horrors. As the great nation was divided, millions had to suffer forced migration, lakhs of people lost their lives. A day before we celebrate Independence Day, we recall that unparalleled human tragedy and stand with the families that were torn as under.
• We are celebrating the 75th year of the Constitution. The journey of the newly independent nation was not without obstacles. Remaining firm on the Constitutional ideals of justice, equality, liberty and fraternity, we are on the mission to enable India to reclaim its rightful position on the global stage.
Fastest-growing major economies
• From 2021 to 2024, India has been among the fastest-growing major economies, with an average growth rate of 8 percent annually. This has not only put more money in the hands of people, it has also drastically reduced the number of people living below the poverty line.
• As for those who continue to suffer from poverty, all efforts are being made not only to provide a helping hand to them, but also to bring them out of it.
• For example, the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, launched in the initial phase of Covid-19, continues to provide free ration to about 80 crore people, which also ensures that those who have recently come out of poverty are not forced back into it.
Fifth largest economy in the world
• It is a matter of pride for all that India has become the fifth-largest economy in the world, and we are also poised to become one of the top three economies soon. This has been made possible only by tireless hard work of farmers and workers, by the farsightedness of planners and wealth-creators, and by visionary leadership.
Next generation of economic reforms
• Farmers, our Annadata have contributed immensely to making India self-reliant in agriculture and feeding our people.
• Infrastructure has received a boost in recent years. Strategic planning and effective institutions have helped expand the network of roads and highways, railways as well as ports.
• Considering the great potential of futuristic technology, the Government has vigorously promoted a range of sectors, such as semiconductors and Artificial Intelligence, while also creating an ideal ecosystem for startups which will propel their growth. It has made India an even more attractive investment destination.
• With greater transparency, the banking and financial sector has become much more efficient.
Social justice is a top priority
• Social justice is a top priority of the Government, and it has taken a number of unprecedented initiatives for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other marginalised sections of society.
• Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan, that is, PM-SURAJ, for example, aims to provide direct financial assistance to the people from the marginalised communities.
• The Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan or PM-JANMAN has taken the form of a mass campaign for critical interventions to improve the socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, that is, PVTGs.
Women’s welfare and empowerment
• I am glad to note that the Government has given equal importance to women’s welfare and women’s empowerment.
• The budget allocation for this purpose has more than tripled in the last decade.
• Their participation in the labour force has increased.
• The most heartening development on this front has been the significant improvement in the sex ratio at birth.
• A variety of special government schemes have also been designed keeping the women at the centre.
• Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is aimed at ensuring real empowerment of women.
Climate change has become a reality
• Climate change has become a reality. It is all the more challenging for developing nations to change their economic paradigm. Yet, we have already made more progress in that direction than expected.
• India is proud to be at the forefront of humankind’s battle to save the planet from the worst effects of global warming.
Adopting the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
• Speaking of justice, let me also mention here that in adopting the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita from July this year, we have removed one more relic of the colonial era.
• The new code is oriented towards ensuring justice for the victims of crime instead of focusing on punishment alone. I see this change as a tribute to the freedom fighters.
National Education Policy
• Cultivating the young minds and creating a new mindset that takes the best of the traditions and contemporary knowledge is our priority.
• To this end, the National Education Policy, launched in 2020, has already started showing results.
Rashtrapati Ji’s speech motivates us to keep working to build a prosperous and developed India: PM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi said that President’s speech on the eve of Independence Day motivates us to keep working to build a prosperous and developed India. Shri Modi also shared full text of the address of President Smt. Droupadi Murmu on the eve of 78th Independence Day. Sharing the X post of President of India, the Prime Minister said; “An inspiring address by Rashtrapati Ji on the eve of our Independence Day. It motivates us to keep working to build a prosperous and developed India.”
• To harness their talent, the Government has come up with initiatives to facilitate skilling, employment and other opportunities for them.
• The Prime Minister’s package of five schemes for employment and skilling will benefit 4.1 crore youth over five years.
• Under a new initiative of the Government, one crore youth will be doing internship in leading companies over five years.
Achievements in field of digital applications
• Our achievements in the field of digital applications are being used as templates in other countries.
• In recent years, India has made unprecedented advances in space exploration.
• Along with you all, I also eagerly look forward to the launch of the Gaganyaan Mission next year, which will take a team of Indian astronauts into space aboard India’s first human spaceflight.
Development of sports infrastructure
• The Government has rightly prioritised the development of sports infrastructure, and it is showing results.
The Indian contingent put up its best efforts in the recently concluded Paris Olympic Games.
• In cricket, India won the T-20 World Cup, to the great joy of a large number of fans.
• In chess, our prodigies have made the country proud. This is said to be the beginning of an Indian era in chess.
• In badminton, tennis and other sports, our youngsters are making a mark on the world stage.