President Murmu Calls for Inclusive Growth, National Unity as India Marks 80th Independence Year
Oru Leonard
NEW DELHI, August 14, 2026 — President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, has called on Indians to strengthen national unity, promote inclusive development and uphold the values of the Constitution as the country prepares to celebrate its 80th Independence Day.
In her address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day, President Murmu paid tribute to the freedom fighters who secured India’s independence and commended citizens across various sectors for their contributions to nation-building.
She said the true meaning of freedom lies in ensuring that every citizen has opportunities to fulfil their aspirations and contribute to India’s emergence as a leading nation.
The President commended students, teachers, scientists, engineers, healthcare workers, farmers, workers, sportspersons, artists, entrepreneurs, civil servants and social workers, among others, for their roles in advancing the country.
She also praised the Indian Armed Forces, Armed Police Forces and police personnel for their dedication to national security, while recognising the contribution of the Indian diaspora and diplomatic officials to India’s global standing.
President Murmu said India is progressing towards the goal of becoming a developed nation, or Viksit Bharat, by 2047, when the country will mark the centenary of independence.
She said the government and citizens must ensure that the benefits of development reach every section of society, guided by the principle of Antyodaya and India’s rich cultural heritage.
Reflecting on India’s freedom struggle, the President recalled the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and other freedom fighters, saying their ideals continue to guide the nation’s development.
She also paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for his historic role in integrating more than 550 princely states into independent India.
President Remembers Partition Victims
President Murmu observed August 14 as Vibhajan Vibheeshika Smriti Divas, remembering the victims of the violence and displacement that accompanied the 1947 Partition.
She paid tribute to the lakhs of Indians who lost their lives or were forced to leave their homes, noting their resilience in preserving their identity despite the trauma of displacement.
She also stressed the importance of public participation in strengthening India’s democracy, saying the Constitution is founded on people’s participation and guarantees equality of status, opportunity and dignity.
According to her, the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary each have clearly defined responsibilities, while the justice system must ensure that no citizen is denied timely justice because of lack of resources.
Poverty Reduction, Digital Growth
Highlighting India’s development achievements over the past decade, President Murmu cited progress in poverty reduction, financial inclusion, food security, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure.
She said more than 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty, while nearly 59 crore people have joined the banking system through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, including more than 32 crore women.
She added that free food grains are being provided to more than 80 crore people, while around 60 crore people have access to healthcare coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
The President also highlighted support for farmers through the Kisan Samman Nidhi and Kisan Credit Cards.
She described India’s digital infrastructure as a major achievement, noting that digital payments have become widespread even among small rural businesses and street vendors.
According to her, more than half of the world’s real-time digital transactions take place in India, demonstrating the country’s growing leadership in digital technology.
She further pointed to the expansion of highways, waterways, railways and airports as key drivers of enterprise, employment and investor confidence.
India’s Economy, Global Role
President Murmu said India’s economy continues to grow despite global instability and conflicts, describing the country as the world’s fastest-growing major economy.
She said economic projections indicate that India’s growth rate is expected to remain more than twice the global average.
The President also highlighted the contribution of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan to India’s economic progress and national security.
On foreign policy, she said India’s national interest remains its foundation, with peace, cooperation, dialogue and the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam guiding the country’s international engagement.
She said India is strengthening economic partnerships through Free Trade Agreements, playing a leading role among Global South nations and advocating for a rules-based international order and greater representation for developing countries in multilateral institutions.
Climate Action and Cultural Heritage
President Murmu called for greater responsibility towards protecting natural resources for future generations.
She urged citizens to support environmental initiatives such as Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam and Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), stressing that environmental protection is deeply rooted in India’s cultural traditions.
She also linked India’s cultural heritage with sustainable development, saying the country’s traditions of knowledge, science, art, spirituality and ethical conduct continue to strengthen its national identity.
Women and Youth at the Centre
The President highlighted the growing participation of women in education, sports, agriculture, entrepreneurship and national leadership.
She noted that women won eight of India’s 13 gold medals at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, describing the achievement as evidence of India’s growing women’s sporting power.
She said more than 10 crore women are members of Self Help Groups, while the target of creating three crore Lakhpati Didis has been achieved, with a new target now set to create three crore additional Lakhpati Didis.
President Murmu also noted that women account for about two-thirds of entrepreneurs who have received financial assistance under the MUDRA scheme.
She welcomed the enactment of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in 2023, which provides for 33 per cent representation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
On the youth, she said about 65 per cent of India’s population is below the age of 35, describing the country’s young population as its most valuable asset.
She praised young Indians for driving innovation, entrepreneurship, space exploration and the country’s expanding start-up ecosystem.
The President called for concerted efforts to protect the interests of students and strengthen the integrity of public examinations.
She said reforms were being undertaken to eliminate unfair practices and make examinations more transparent, secure and trustworthy.
She also highlighted the expansion of the Khelo India programme and increased investment in sports, saying the initiatives are contributing to improved performances by Indian athletes internationally.
At the same time, she called for greater societal sensitivity towards senior citizens, noting that about six crore people aged 70 and above can access free healthcare coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually.
President Murmu paid tribute to the Armed Forces while recalling Kargil Vijay Diwas and the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor.
She said Operation Sindoor demonstrated the capability of India’s Armed Forces to conduct precise operations against terrorism and sent a strong message to terrorists and their supporters.
She also described the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan as a decisive step taken in India’s national interest, particularly for farmers.
The President welcomed the progress made towards making India free of Naxalism, saying areas previously affected by extremism are now witnessing development and greater social and sporting activities.
She cited the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum as examples of growing participation and cultural expression in regions once affected by Naxal violence.
President Murmu also celebrated India’s cultural and historical achievements, noting that 12 forts associated with the Maratha military tradition were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2025, while Sarnath, the site associated with Bhagwan Buddha’s first sermon, was included in the list this year.
She concluded by urging citizens to remain committed to national development, social harmony, environmental protection and the values that have guided India’s journey since independence.
As India marks the beginning of its 80th year of independence, President Murmu said the country’s future would depend on the collective efforts of its citizens to build a prosperous, inclusive and developed nation by 2047.
