Indian President’s Independence Day Eve Address Highlights Economic Growth, Operation Sindoor, and Vision for Development

Indian President Droupadi Murmu, in her address to the nation on the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day, paid homage to freedom fighters; recalled the pain of Partition; reaffirmed commitment to constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity; highlighted India’s economic growth and welfare achievements; called for unity in the face of terrorism; and urged citizens to protect the environment.

Image Source: Rashtrapati Bhavan

She noted that India, the “mother of democracy,” had successfully transitioned to universal adult franchise after independence, building strong democratic institutions. 

Observing Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas earlier in the day, she said the country must remember the violence and displacement of Partition and pay tribute to its victims.

Reviewing 78 years of progress, the President cited a GDP growth rate of 6.5% in the last fiscal year, steady inflation control, rising exports and reduced inequality. 

She credited welfare initiatives with lifting large numbers out of poverty, expanding infrastructure through projects like Bharatmala and the Kashmir Valley rail link, improving urban amenities under AMRUT and Jal Jeevan Mission, and transforming healthcare with Ayushman Bharat coverage for over 55 crore people, including all senior citizens above 70.

President Murmu pointed to India’s global leadership in digital transactions, the rollout of 4G to nearly all villages, and adoption of AI through the India-AI Mission, aiming to make the country a global AI hub by 2047. 

She linked economic reforms with improved ease of living, and tied Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat to the historic Swadeshi spirit.

LIVE: President Droupadi Murmu's address to the nation on the eve of the 79th Independence Day https://t.co/AiBSvUP5La

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Calling youth, women and historically marginalised communities the driving forces of India’s Amrit Kaal journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047, she highlighted the National Education Policy, a conducive start-up ecosystem, advances in the space programme including Shubhanshu Shukla’s ISS mission, and achievements in sports. 

She lauded Indian women’s success in defence, security and chess, and cited reduced gender gaps in employment.

Addressing national security, the President condemned the killing of civilians in Kashmir as “cowardly and utterly inhuman” and praised the armed forces’ decisive cross-border strikes in Operation Sindoor as proof of India’s strategic clarity and defence self-reliance. 

She said the operation demonstrated the maturity of indigenous defence manufacturing and underscored unity across political lines, with multi-party parliamentary delegations explaining India’s position abroad.

President Murmu urged citizens to combat corruption, quoting Mahatma Gandhi that it should not be an inevitable product of democracy. She appealed for collective action against climate change, calling for changes in habits and a renewed relationship with the environment.

Concluding, she extended Independence Day greetings to the armed forces, police, central armed police forces, judiciary, civil services, Indian missions abroad, and the diaspora, expressing confidence that every Indian will contribute energetically to the nation’s prosperity and happiness.