Prez Murmu stresses 'Viksit Bharat' goal by 2047, lauds youth and women empowerment in 80th Independence Day Eve address: Top Quotes
New Delhi, August 14
President Droupadi Murmu, who addressed the Nation, on Friday on the eve of 80th Independence Day, underscored that "public examinations become gateways to opportunities for our students," emphasizing that the government is undertaking comprehensive reforms to make the examination system entirely transparent, secure, and trustworthy.
Highlighting students as the architects of India's future, the President stressed that safeguarding their academic present and future requires joint, concerted efforts from both the government and society. Her address broadly outlined India's rapid strides toward achieving 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, touching upon key milestones in women-led development, economic growth, and inclusive governance.
Highlighting the core ideals of justice, inclusivity, and public participation, she noted that the true essence of freedom lies in enabling every citizen to fulfill their aspirations. Reviewing India's economic and infrastructural strides, President Murmu pointed out that the nation continues to remain the fastest-growing major economy in the world, backed by landmark digital transformations and extensive modern infrastructure.
She commended the contributions of farmers, workers, armed forces, scientists, and the vibrant startup ecosystem driven by the country's youth. Emphasising women-led development, President Murmu spotlighted monumental achievements in empowerment, including the success of self-help groups, the Lakhpati Didi initiative, and the historic Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.
She also reaffirmed India's commitment to environmental preservation through initiatives like the LiFE mission, while underscoring a foreign policy anchored in global peace, dialogue, and the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
Here are some of the key quotes from her addressOn the Vision of Viksit Bharat and Inclusive Development"We are moving ahead towards building Viksit Bharat by the centenary year of our Independence in 2047. Guided by the spirit of Antyodaya, it is our resolve to ensure that the fruits of development reach every individual. Embracing our rich heritage and the ideals of the freedom movement, we march ahead on the path of modern development. The Ved-Vakya, 'Vayam Rashtre Jagriyam' inspires us to always remain ready to serve the nation."
On True Meaning of Freedom"The true meaning of freedom lies in ensuring that all citizens are able to utilise opportunities to fulfil their aspirations, and work towards the goal of making India the foremost nation in the world."
On Public Examinations and Reforms
"Our students are the architects of India's future. Just as the government and society must remain united to ensure national security, everyone must contribute through joint and concerted efforts to safeguard the present and future of our students. Public examinations become gateways to opportunities for our students. The Government is undertaking comprehensive steps to reform these examinations. The objectives of these reforms are to completely curb the use of unfair means in public examinations, make the examination system more transparent, more secure, and more trustworthy for the youth.""Through the Government'ss initiatives and emerging economic activities, a wide range of new avenues are opening up for the youth. By exploring such new opportunities, our young people can embark on new paths to success."
On the Mass Appeal of Vande Mataram"During our freedom struggle, people with diverse ideologies were united by one common goal - India's Independence. During the Swadeshi Movement, the song Vande Mataram became a song of the masses."
On Cultural Identity and Development"History of the world bears witness to the fact that development rooted in a strong sense of cultural identity is both rapid and sustainable. Today, there is a growing awareness in the country that a sense of cultural pride bolsters the inner strength of the nation."
On Environmental Consciousness"A nation is not just its land, a nation is all its people... The message of this song is that all people must remain committed to preserving nature and human values. A lush green tree symbolizes the moral ideals and wellbeing of human society."
On Youth and Potential
"Sixty-five per cent of our country's population is below the age of 35. This young population is our most valuable asset. The youth of our country are talented, committed, and skilled."
On National Vision and People's ParticipationShe invoked the words of the great nationalist writer, Gurajada Apparao, who wrote in Telugu. "Desamante matti kaadoy, desamante manushuloy. (A nation is not just its land, a nation is all its people.) It is my belief that with the participation of the society and efforts of the Government, people in every village, each town, and all households across India will become healthier, happier, and prosperous."
On Foreign Policy Foundation and Principles"National interest is the foundation of our foreign policy. Peace, cooperation, dialogue, and the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam are the pillars of our foreign policy."
On Global Engagement and Economic Cooperation"We have entered into Free Trade Agreements with many countries to enhance economic cooperation and strengthen mutual relations. We are playing a leading role among the countries of the Global South. Our country has grown in stature on the global stage."
On Multilateralism and International Order"We believe in a rules-based international order. Our endeavour is to ensure that the global community receives appropriate representation in the United Nations and other multilateral organizations."On Balanced Diplomacy and Acting as a Bridge"Amid complex global circumstances, India is playing the role of a bridge in the world. Even nations engaged in conflict express their trust in India on important issues, consistently giving priority to balance, impartiality, and humanitarian considerations." On Amplifying the Voice of the Global South"India has amplified the voice of the Global South across the world, forging new partnerships and reinforcing long-standing relationships across regions including Africa and Latin America, while strengthening presence on international platforms like BIMSTEC, G20, BRICS, and SCO."On Economic Self-Reliance and Women-Led Development"Also, women's participation is increasing across diverse sectors from the Drone Didi who contributes to enhancing agricultural productivity, to the Fighter Combat Leader in the Air Force... Our women are increasingly achieving economic self-reliance. More than 10 crore women are members of Self Help Groups."
On Political Representation and Inclusive Democracy"Along with efforts for economic self-reliance of women, we are also seeing them in leadership roles in many fields. It is a remarkable achievement of our democratic republic that the number of women exercising their right to vote is growing. 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' has been enacted in 2023 with the purpose of reserving 33 percent representation for women in the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies."
On Grassroots Empowerment and Success"About two thirds of the entrepreneurs who have received financial assistance under 'MUDRA Yojana' are women. A target was set to create 3 crore Lakhpati Didis. This target has been achieved. Now our country is moving towards the goal of creating 3 crore new Lakhpati Didis."
On Girls' Performance and Progress in Education"It gives me immense pleasure to see our girls performing exceptionally well in the field of education. Also, women's participation is increasing across diverse sectors from the Drone Didi who contributes to enhancing agricultural productivity, to the Fighter Combat Leader in the Air Force."
On Social Reformers and Educational Legacy"Our country is celebrating the 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule. Mahatma Phule and Kranti-Jyoti Savitribai Phule made historic contributions to social justice, education, women's empowerment, and equality. Following their ideals, the upliftment of the deprived sections of society has been given priority at the national level during the past few years. New standards have been set in the area of women's education."
On Precision Actions Against Terrorism"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."
On Decisive Measures and National Security"Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with the country that harbours terrorism is a decisive step in the interest of our nation, especially the farmers."
On the Eradication of Naxalism"For decades, Naxalism posed a serious challenge to the nation. Making India Naxal free is a major achievement. Today, enthusiasm prevails in the areas once affected by Naxalism. All-inclusive development is underway in these regions."
On Maratha Military Architecture and Heritage"12 forts built to safeguard national pride, associated with the Maratha military tradition, have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List last year."
On Spiritual Heritage and Sarnath"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." On Dreaming Big and Extraordinary Contributions"Equality of status and of opportunity, along with the dignity of the individual, are among the cherished ideals of our Constitution. Today, people from ordinary backgrounds are making extraordinary contributions in many fields. This strengthens my belief that in today's Bharat, everyone can dream big and also realise such dreams."On Equal Access to Timely and Dignified Justice"It is the duty of every person associated with the judicial system to ensure that no one is 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." On Sports and Youth Achievements"Our talented youth are scaling new heights in the global sporting arena. With their dedication and stellar performances, they are bringing immense glory to the nation and inspiring millions to chase their dreams." "In the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, women have won 8 out of India's total tally of 13 gold medals. Our women are increasingly achieving economic self-reliance. More than 10 crore women are members of Self Help Groups. A target was set to create 3 crore Lakhpati Didis. This target has been achieved. Now our country is moving towards the goal of creating 3 crore new Lakhpati Didis. About two thirds of the entrepreneurs who have received financial assistance under MUDRA Yojana are women."On Economic Growth Amid Global Instability
"Indian economy projected to grow at over twice average global growth rate despite global warfare, instability."On Resilience and Global Standing"Over the past 11 years, the economic foundation of the country has grown significantly stronger. Despite various global crises, India has remained the fastest growing major economy in the world."
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a student preparing for competitive exams, the President's reassurance about transparent examination reforms gives me hope. The stress on safeguarding students' futures through joint efforts of government and society is exactly what we need. Also loved the mention of Gurajada Apparao's words - "Desamante manushuloy" - a nation is its people, not just land. Beautiful!
Happy Independence Day Eve to all! The President rightly highlighted women's achievements - from Drone Didis to Fighter Combat Leaders. My own sister is a MUDRA loan beneficiary and runs a small tailoring business now. These initiatives are genuinely changing lives at the grassroots level. Though I wish more attention was given to farmer income security, overall a forward-looking address.
Reading this from abroad and feeling proud of India's growing global stature. The emphasis on rules-based international order, amplifying the Global South's voice, and playing the role of a bridge in complex times shows mature diplomacy. Also appreciated the UNESCO recognition for Maratha forts and Sarnath - our heritage is finally getting its due on world platforms.
The vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 inspired by Antyodaya is reassuring. Appreciate the President highlighting the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and 33% women's reservation - a historic step for our democracy. But as a young professional, I'd love to see more concrete plans for job creation beyond the current startup ecosystem. Still, the emphasis on examinations reform gives us students confidence that merit will be rewarded fairly. 🙏
The President's statement on suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with a country
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.