In her address to the nation on the eve of the Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu on Monday stressed that the "citizens of India" is the most important identity that we have and it is above all other identities, such as caste, language, region, etc.
Murmu hailed India's economy and its place in the world. She said the Indian economy's resilience was a "beacon of hope for others" in the turbulent times. In an indirect reference to Ukraine War, she said the world is going through "delicate stage, as the pandemic has been followed by international events that have added to the air of uncertainty".
"Yet, the Government has been able to navigate the stormy waters very well. India has converted challenges into opportunities and has recorded high GDP growth," said Murmu ahead of the 77th Independence Day.
In a nearly 40-minute address, Murmu spoke on a range of subjects such as inflation, Indian economy, farmers, social security, communal harmony, India's standing in the world, etc.
Speaking on inflation, Murmu said the government as well as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) together controlled the inflation. She also touched upon the social security net in India, saying, "Inflation at the global level remains a cause for worry. But in India the Government and the Reserve Bank have managed to contain it. The government has succeeded in protecting the common people from high inflation while also providing a more extensive security cover to the poor. The world looks up to India for global economic growth."
Murmu said that India has not only gained its rightful place in the world but has also enhanced its standing. She also hailed India's presidency of the G-20 and highlighted India's role in world affairs. She said "India can nudge decision-making in trade and finance towards equitable progress" through its G-20 presidency.
Outlining India's approach to G-20 presidency, Murmu said, "As the G-20 represents two-thirds of the world population, this is a unique opportunity to help shape global discourse in the right direction. With the G-20 presidency, India can nudge decision-making in trade and finance towards equitable progress. Beyond trade and finance, matters of human development too are on the agenda. There are many global issues that concern all humanity and are not limited by geographical boundaries. I am confident that with India’s proven leadership in dealing with global issues, member-nations will be able to advance effective action on these fronts. What is notable in India’s presidency of G-20 is the way this diplomatic activity has been taken to the grassroots. There has been a first-of-its-kind campaign to encourage people’s participation."
Murmu also touched upon communal and social harmony and said that "citizens of India" is the most important India that we have.
"Each of us has many identities – apart from caste, creed, language and region, we are also identified with our families and professions – but there is one identity that is above all. That is our identity as citizens of India. Each one of us is an equal citizen; each one of us has an equal opportunity, equal rights and equal duties, in this land," said Murmu.
Calling India "mother of democracy", Murmu further said, "Let us move forward with the spirit of harmony and brotherhood to realise the dreams of our nation-builders."
Speaking on women, Murmu said today Indian women have made their special place in many such fields in which their participation was unimaginable a few decades ago. Highlighting the role of women freedom fighters, Murmu said women like Matangini Hazra, Kanaklata Baruah, Kasturba Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu, Ammu Swaminathan, Rama Devi, Aruna Asaf Ali and Sucheta Kriplani have set inspiring ideals for all future generations of women to serve the nation and society.
"I am happy to note that the economic empowerment of women is being given special focus in our country. Economic empowerment strengthens the position of women in the family and society. I urge all fellow citizens to give priority to women empowerment. I would like our sisters and daughters to overcome challenges with courage and move ahead in life. Development of women was among the ideals of our freedom struggle," said Murmu.
Talking about the National Education Policy (NEP), Murmu said it "has started making a difference". Terming it a "visionary policy", she said it will bring in unprecedented changes in the education secto.
Murmu said India's economic progress is powered by the dreams of its people, particularly the young generation for whom limitless opportunities have opened up.
"From start-ups to sports, our youth have explored new horizons of excellence," said Murmu.
Saying that "culture of greed" takes the world away from nature, Murmu drew the attention of scientists and policymakers towards the climate crises. She noted that tribal communities live close to the nature in harmony with it and said "their values and lifestyle offer invaluable lessons for climate action".
Appreciating recent projects of India in space research, Murmu referred to Chandrayaan-3, the Moon mission launched last month, and said it is only a stepping stone for our future space programmes and we have to go far ahead. Acknowledging the promotion of research and development, she said the government is setting up the Anusandhan National Research Foundation with an amount of Rs. 50,000 crore for the next five years.
