The President’s address underscored the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and redefining governance standards in the country, creating a vision for a more equitable and prosperous future for all citizens.She emphasised that this occasion is a collective celebration of joy and pride for all citizens and remarked that while 75 years may seem like a brief moment in the life of a nation, it has been a significant period for India, marked by the revival of its long-dormant spirit and its journey to reclaim its rightful status among the world’s civilisations.Reflecting on India’s historical journey, she urged citizens to remember the brave souls who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s freedom, highlighting the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, whose contributions to the freedom movement are now receiving due recognition.The President praised the early 20th-century freedom fighters for uniting the nation in a well-organised independence movement and credited iconic figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, and Babasaheb Ambedkar for helping India rediscover its democratic values.”Justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity are not just modern concepts; they have always been integral to our civilisational heritage,” she asserted, noting that skeptics of the Constitution’s future were proven wrong.Murmu highlighted the inclusive nature of the Constituent Assembly, which represented diverse communities across the nation, including 15 women members who played pivotal roles in shaping the country’s democratic framework.”When women’s equality was a distant goal in many parts of the world, Indian women were actively engaged in the nation’s destiny,” she said.The Constitution, according to the President, has evolved into a living document that serves as the foundation of India’s collective identity and has guided the nation’s progress over the past 75 years.Shifting focus to present-day advancements, she highlighted the government’s emphasis on physical infrastructure development, which has laid the groundwork for sustained growth.She commended the innovative use of technology in finance, noting that digital payment systems and direct benefit transfers have enhanced inclusion and transparency in the economy.The health of the banking system has improved due to reforms like the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, which significantly reduced non-performing assets in commercial banks.Looking towards the future, the President underscored the importance of education in shaping the next generation.The government has increased investments in the education sector, resulting in substantial improvements in learning quality and digital inclusion, especially in regional languages.Murmu noted that women teachers have played a crucial role in this educational transformation, with over 60 percent of new teachers being women As India marches confidently towards the future, the President affirmed that the dreams of today’s youth, particularly young women, will shape the nation by the time it celebrates a century of independence.She expressed hope that future generations will recognise the pivotal role of the Constitution in guiding their journey.Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, she reiterated the importance of morality in governance and civic life, stating, “If Swaraj was not meant to civilize us, it would be nothing worth.”The President called for a renewed commitment to Gandhiji’s ideals of truth, nonviolence, and compassion – not just towards fellow humans but also towards nature.She urged all citizens to reaffirm their dedication to realising the dreams of a prosperous, inclusive, and morally conscious India as the country looks forward to its future.
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