In her address to the nation on the eve of India’s 78th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu underscored the government’s commitment to social justice, inclusion, and economic growth. She highlighted the importance of affirmative action as a crucial tool for fostering inclusion and rejected tendencies that stoke discord based on social hierarchies.
Commitment to Social Justice
President Murmu affirmed that social justice remains the top priority for the government, with a focus on uplifting marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. She emphasized the need to strengthen affirmative action, ensuring that India’s diversity and plurality move forward cohesively. The President pointed out the government’s efforts to provide reservation in government jobs and higher education for these communities, as well as initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) and the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan, which are designed to offer direct financial assistance and improve the socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
Economic Progress and Infrastructure Development
President Murmu praised India’s economic achievements, noting that the country has been one of the fastest-growing major economies, with an average growth rate of 8% from 2021 to 2024. This rapid growth has significantly reduced poverty and put more money in the hands of the people. The President also lauded initiatives like the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, which continues to provide free ration to about 80 crore people, ensuring that those who have recently escaped poverty are not pushed back into it.
She highlighted India’s emergence as the world’s fifth-largest economy and expressed optimism that it will soon become one of the top three economies globally. This economic success, she said, has been made possible by the hard work of farmers, workers, planners, and wealth creators, as well as by visionary leadership. Infrastructure development has been a key focus, with significant expansions in the network of roads, highways, railways, and ports. The government has also promoted sectors like semiconductors and Artificial Intelligence, creating a thriving ecosystem for startups and making India an attractive investment destination.
Global Leadership and Inclusivity
Reflecting on India’s growing stature on the global stage, President Murmu noted the country’s successful G-20 Presidency and its role as the voice of the Global South. She expressed the nation’s intent to use its influence to promote world peace and prosperity.
The President also recalled Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s call for transforming political democracy into social democracy. She emphasized that the spirit of inclusion is integral to India’s social life, and that any tendencies promoting discord based on social hierarchies must be firmly rejected.
Welfare Initiatives and Future Reforms
President Murmu highlighted several welfare initiatives aimed at marginalized communities, such as the NAMASTE scheme, which aims to mechanize sanitation and eliminate the hazardous practice of manual sewer and septic tank cleaning. She also mentioned the importance of greater transparency in the banking and financial sector, which has become more efficient and set the stage for the next generation of economic reforms.
Conclusion
In her address, President Murmu presented a vision of an inclusive and economically robust India, where social justice and affirmative action are central to the nation’s progress. As the country continues to grow and assert its leadership on the global stage, the government remains committed to ensuring that all citizens, especially the marginalized, share in the benefits of this progress.