On the eve of the 75th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu delivered a comprehensive address to the nation, touching upon a myriad of pivotal themes that shape India’s present and future. She commenced by highlighting the significance of democracy, stating that the Preamble of the Constitution, beginning with the words “We, the People of India,” underscores the essence of democracy.
Drawing attention to India’s historical role as the “mother of democracy,” she emphasized the country’s rich democratic tradition, older than the Western concept itself. President Murmu then reflected on the monumental ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of the idol of Lord Shri Ram in the newly constructed Ayodhya Ram Temple. She positioned this event as a landmark in India’s continuous rediscovery of its civilisational heritage, emphasizing that the temple’s construction followed due judicial processes and showcased people’s faith in the judicial system.
Moving on to women’s empowerment, the President hailed the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill as a significant step towards gender equality. She expressed optimism that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, with its focus on women’s empowerment, would revolutionize governance processes, aligning administrative priorities more closely with the needs of the masses.
Shifting to economic matters, President Murmu proudly asserted India’s highest GDP growth rate among major economies in recent years. She instilled confidence in the nation, predicting a continuation of this performance in 2024 and beyond, aligning with the transformative period of ‘Amrit Kaal.’
Addressing the era of unprecedented technological changes, the President acknowledged the integration of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning into daily life. She underscored the youth’s role in exploring new frontiers and called for the removal of hurdles impeding their potential.
President Murmu also lauded India’s achievements in space exploration, citing missions like the Moon mission, Solar explorer Aditya L1, and the upcoming man-mission Gaganyaan. Recognizing India’s amplified voice on the global stage, she credited the G20 Summit for bolstering the country’s emergence as a prominent representative of the Global South in international discourse.
Shifting focus to sports, President Murmu expressed confidence in the improved performance of Indian sportspersons at the Paris Olympics. She celebrated the impressive contributions of Indian sportswomen to the country’s medal tally, particularly highlighting the historic success at the Asian Games. Transitioning to education, the President commended the New Education Policy (NEP) for its emphasis on bridging the digital divide, aligning with the transformative technological advancements.
In her concluding remarks, President Murmu acknowledged the government’s commitment to social welfare, emphasizing the expansion and redefinition of welfare schemes. She envisioned a future where India would stand out as a country where homelessness is a rarity.
The President’s address, encapsulating democracy, cultural heritage, gender equality, economic growth, technological advancements, global influence, sports achievements, educational reforms, and social welfare, painted a holistic vision for India’s future. The quotes reflected a strategic and inclusive roadmap, showcasing President Droupadi Murmu’s commitment to steering the nation towards progress and prosperity in its 75th year of independence.
