By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
President of India, Droupadi Murmu, has called on citizens to strengthen national unity, uphold constitutional values and contribute to the building of a developed India by 2047, as the country marked its 80th Independence Day.
Murmu made the call in her Independence Day address to the nation in New Delhi on Saturday, August 15, 2026, where she commended citizens across various sectors for their contributions to national development.
She described India’s diversity as a source of strength and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters, including Mahatma Gandhi, Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The President said India’s freedom must translate into opportunities for every citizen to realise their aspirations, stressing that the ultimate goal should be to make the country a leading nation globally.
She said the government was pursuing the vision of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, guided by the principle of Antyodaya, which seeks to ensure that the benefits of development reach the last person.
Murmu highlighted several achievements recorded in recent years, including poverty reduction, financial inclusion, food security, healthcare coverage, agricultural support and infrastructure development.
According to her, more than 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty, while nearly 59 crore people have been brought into the banking system through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, including more than 32 crore women.
She also said more than 80 crore people were benefiting from free food rations, while 60 crore people had access to healthcare coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
The President noted that India had also witnessed rapid expansion in highways, waterways, railways and airports, saying the development was creating new enterprises, employment opportunities and greater investor confidence.
On technology, Murmu described India’s digital infrastructure as among the world’s largest and said digital payments had become commonplace even in rural communities and among street vendors.
She stated that more than half of the world’s real-time digital transactions take place in India, describing the country’s digital transformation as an example for the global community.
Murmu further said India’s economy had continued to grow despite global conflicts and instability, describing the country as the fastest-growing major economy.
She said the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative had strengthened the foundation of India’s economic progress and national security, while renewable energy development and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals had also gained momentum.
On foreign policy, the President said national interest remained its foundation, with peace, cooperation, dialogue and the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” serving as key pillars.
She said India was strengthening economic partnerships through Free Trade Agreements, playing a leading role among Global South countries and advocating a rules-based international order and greater representation for developing countries in multilateral institutions.
The President also stressed the need to protect the environment for future generations, urging citizens to support initiatives such as “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE).
She highlighted the growing role of women in India’s development, noting that women had secured eight of India’s 13 gold medals at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
According to Murmu, more than 10 crore women are members of Self Help Groups, while the target of creating three crore “Lakhpati Didis” had been achieved, with the country now working towards creating another three crore.
She also pointed to the increasing participation of women in entrepreneurship, noting that about two-thirds of entrepreneurs who had received financial assistance under the MUDRA scheme were women.
The President described India’s youth as the country’s most valuable asset, noting that about 65 per cent of the population was below the age of 35.
She commended young Indians for driving innovation, entrepreneurship and the country’s growing start-up ecosystem, while urging greater collective efforts to protect students and reform public examinations to make them more transparent, secure and credible.
Murmu also emphasised the importance of sports in youth development and nation-building, saying the Khelo India programme was helping to build a sports ecosystem from grassroots level to national competitions.
On national security, the President paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces and recalled Kargil Vijay Diwas and Operation Sindoor, saying the operation demonstrated the military’s ability to act with precision against terrorism.
She also described the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as a decisive step taken in the national interest, particularly in support of farmers.
Murmu declared that making India free from Naxalism was a major achievement, noting that areas once affected by the insurgency were now witnessing development and greater participation in sports and cultural activities.
She also celebrated India’s cultural heritage, noting that 12 forts associated with the Maratha military tradition were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in the previous year, while Sarnath, associated with the first sermon of Bhagwan Buddha, was included this year.
The President urged Indians to preserve the country’s rich heritage while embracing modern development, saying the two could progress together.
She concluded by calling on citizens to remain committed to constitutional values, national unity, social justice, environmental protection and inclusive development as India advances towards its centenary of independence in 2047.
