What Did President Droupadi Murmu Say About India's Youth and National Security?

President Murmu's Vision for India's Future

New Delhi: Emphasizing the role of students as the "architects of India's future," President Droupadi Murmu announced on Friday that the government is implementing extensive reforms in public examinations to eliminate paper leaks and dishonest practices, aiming for a transparent and reliable system.

In her address on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, she highlighted the importance of collective efforts from both government and society to ensure the safety and future of students.

"Public examinations serve as gateways to opportunities for our youth. The government is committed to reforming these examinations to eradicate unfair practices, enhancing transparency and security for the younger generation," she stated.

Her comments are particularly relevant in light of recent protests led by students and Gen Z activists, who are calling for systemic changes and swift legal actions following significant paper leak scandals in competitive exams.

She praised the entrepreneurial spirit among young people, noting that many are opting for job creation over job seeking.

"A growing number of our youth are choosing self-employment, contributing to a vibrant startup ecosystem in India. Global companies recognize the talent and commitment of Indian youth, often placing them in leadership roles," she remarked.

The President expressed confidence in the bright future of India's youth, who have enhanced the country's global reputation.

Addressing holistic development, she stated that the physical and mental health of the youth is crucial for the nation's future, urging families and society to motivate them.

She underscored the significance of sports in youth development and nation-building through the 'Khelo India' initiative.

"The Khelo India program is fostering a sports ecosystem nationwide, from grassroots to national levels. The government is making unprecedented investments in sports, leading to remarkable achievements by our athletes in international competitions," she added.

President Murmu also commended the bravery of the Indian Armed Forces, highlighting Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of the country's capability in executing precise counter-terrorism operations, sending a clear message that terrorists and their supporters will face consequences.

She recalled the anniversary of this military action alongside significant observances like Kargil Vijay Diwas, reaffirming India's commitment to overcoming threats to humanity.

"On July 26, we commemorated Kargil Vijay Diwas, and earlier on May 7, we marked one year since Operation Sindoor. This historic operation showcased the Indian Armed Forces' precision in counter-terrorism," she stated.

The operation served as a stern warning to adversaries, making it clear that they will face repercussions regardless of their hiding places.

The President also discussed strategic measures in counter-terrorism, describing the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with nations harboring terror networks as a significant step for the nation, particularly benefiting farmers.

Regarding internal security, she hailed the eradication of Naxalism as a monumental achievement after decades of struggle.

"For years, Naxalism posed a serious challenge to our nation. Achieving a Naxal-free India is a major milestone. Today, there is enthusiasm in areas previously affected by Naxalism," she noted, pointing to inclusive development efforts and local participation in events like the Bastar Olympics.

Highlighting India's rich civilizational heritage, she mentioned that Sarnath, the site of Lord Buddha's first sermon, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List this year, following the inclusion of 12 Maratha military forts last year.

She emphasized that India harmoniously balances monuments of deep spirituality with symbols of military strength.

In terms of foreign policy, she reiterated that peace, dialogue, cooperation, and the principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family) are fundamental to India's international relations.

"We advocate for a rules-based international order and strive for appropriate representation of the global community in the United Nations and other multilateral organizations," she stated, highlighting India's rising influence among Global South nations.

The President also addressed senior care, noting the increasing number of senior citizens in India. She mentioned that approximately six crore senior citizens aged 70 and above can access free healthcare services up to Rs 5 lakh annually under government initiatives, urging society to respect and uphold their dignity.

She expressed that the nation is steadily progressing towards becoming a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047, driven by economic resilience, extensive digital infrastructure, and empowered youth and women.

She emphasized that guided by the spirit of 'Antyodaya,' the nation's core resolve is to ensure that the benefits of development reach every individual, even amidst global economic challenges.

"Despite these trying times, our economy continues to advance as the fastest-growing major economy globally. Projections indicate that India's growth rate will exceed twice the average global growth rate.

"The 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' has further solidified the foundation of our economic progress and national security," she added.

Highlighting welfare achievements over the past decade, the President stated that over 25 crore individuals have been lifted out of poverty, and nearly 59 crore account holders have joined the banking system under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, with over 32 crore of these being women. Additionally, food security has been ensured for over 80 crore people through free rations.

Underlining India's technological advancements, she noted that the country has developed the world's largest and most efficient digital infrastructure, accounting for more than half of global real-time digital transactions.

Focusing on the demographic dividend, she stated that 65 percent of India's population is under 35, describing the youth as the nation's "most valuable asset."

She praised young entrepreneurs for fostering a robust startup ecosystem and acknowledged young innovators, referencing a recent space exploration achievement led by a team with an average age of just 28.

Women's empowerment was a central theme of her address. Celebrating achievements from rural self-help groups to high-altitude defense, she noted that the initial goal of creating three crore 'Lakhpati Didis' has been met, with the government now aiming to create three crore more.

"Our girls are excelling in education and various fields, from the Drone Didi enhancing agricultural productivity to the Fighter Combat Leader in the Air Force. In the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, women secured 8 out of India's total of 13 gold medals," she remarked.

The President also emphasized political inclusion, highlighting the enactment of the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' in 2023, which reserves 33 percent of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies, making Indian democracy more inclusive.

On sustainable development, she asserted that India is taking a leading role globally in environmental protection, having achieved several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 ahead of schedule.

Reciting a poem in Santali by Pandit Raghunath Murmu, she urged citizens to commit to preserving nature and human values, linking individual actions to national initiatives like 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' and 'Lifestyle for Environment' (LiFE).

The President also honored freedom fighters, Mahatma Gandhi, B R Ambedkar, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for uniting over 550 princely states. She solemnly remembered those who lost their lives or were displaced during partition, observed on August 14 as 'Vibhajan Vibheeshika Smriti Divas.'

She quoted Telugu writer Gurajada Apparao, stating, "A nation is not just its land; a nation is all its people," urging every citizen to wholeheartedly contribute to transforming independent India into a fully developed nation by 2047.