New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday addressed the nation on the eve of the 79th Independence Day. This is President Murmu’s fourth address on Independence Day eve. Speaking about the four pillars of democracy she said, "Our Constitution contains four values as the four pillars upholding our democracy. They are - justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. These are our civilisational principles that we rediscovered during the Freedom Struggle. At the heart of them all, I believe, is the notion of human dignity."
"Every human being is equal, and everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. Everyone should have equal access to healthcare and education. Everyone should have equal opportunity. Those who had been traditionally at a disadvantage needed to be given a helping hand," she added.
Lauds India's Economic Growth
Speaking about India's economic growth she said, "In the economic field, our achievements are all the more noticeable. With a GDP growth rate of 6.5 percent in the last fiscal, India is the fastest growing among the major economies in the world. Even amid stress in the global economy, demand at home is pacing ahead." She also said Inflation has remained under control and exports are rising. She further said that India's economy is in the pink of health.
Lauds Govt's Welfare Schemes
"A large number of people have been pulled out of poverty through good governance. The government has been running a series of welfare initiatives for the poor and also for those who have risen above the poverty line but are still vulnerable, so that they do not fall below it again. This is reflected in the rising expenditure on social services," she said.
She further said that Income inequality is reducing and regional disparities are also disappearing.
Speaking on the goverment's AI initiative she said,"Artificial intelligence is the next stage of technological advancement and has already entered our lives. The government has launched the India-AI mission to strengthen the country’s AI capabilities. It is also helping to build AI models that answer to India’s specific requirements. As we aspire to become a global-AI-hub by 2047, our focus will remain on making the best use of the advances in technology for the common people, to improve their lives by improving governance."
Lauded Operation Sindoor
Speaking on Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor she said,"This year we had to face the scourge of terrorism. Killing innocent citizens on holiday in Kashmir was cowardly and utterly inhuman. India responded in a decisive manner and with steely resolve. Operation Sindoor showed that our armed forces are prepared to meet any eventuality when it comes to guarding the nation. With strategic clarity and technical capability, they destroyed terrorist hubs across the border. I believe, Operation Sindoor will go down in history as an example in humanity’s fight against terrorism."
Urges Citizens To Protect Environment
She also urged citizens to protect the environment. "I would like to take this opportunity to urge all of you to do what you can, to protect the environment."
