New Delhi: On the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation with a message of optimism and confidence about India’s progress towards becoming a self-reliant and developed nation by 2047. Highlighting the country’s economic resilience and growth, she emphasized the transformative journey India has made since gaining independence.
India’s Remarkable Economic Progress Since Independence
President Murmu reflected on India’s challenging beginnings at the time of independence when the country was mired in poverty after years of foreign rule. “After the long years of foreign rule, India was in utter poverty at the time of Independence. But in the 78 years since then, we have made extraordinary progress in all fields,” she remarked. This progress, she noted, has set the nation confidently on the path of self-reliance.
Strong Economic Indicators and Controlled Inflation
Underlining the country’s robust economic health, the President pointed out that India’s GDP grew by 6.5% in the last fiscal year, making it the fastest-growing major economy globally. Despite global economic uncertainties, domestic demand remains strong, inflation is under control, and exports are rising steadily. These factors collectively signal that India’s economy is “in the pink of health.”
Reforms, Economic Management, and Farmers’ Dedication
The President attributed this economic momentum to a combination of carefully calibrated reforms, prudent economic management, and the hard work and dedication of farmers across the country. She said, “The all-round economic growth complemented by social sector initiatives has placed India well on the path of becoming a developed nation by 2047.”
Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation Efforts
Acknowledging the government’s efforts in inclusive growth, Murmu highlighted the success of numerous welfare programs aimed at lifting millions out of poverty. She also noted efforts to support those who have risen above the poverty line but remain vulnerable. “Income inequality is reducing. Regional disparities are also disappearing,” she said, expressing optimism about states with historically weak economic performance now catching up with leading regions.
Infrastructure Development and Wealth Creation
President Murmu praised business leaders, small and medium industries, and traders for their “can-do spirit,” emphasizing that removing bottlenecks in wealth creation has been key to India’s progress. She pointed to the significant expansion of the national highway network and the introduction of new trains and coaches by Indian Railways as tangible examples of infrastructure development over the past decade.
Kashmir Rail Link: A Historic Engineering Marvel
Among major accomplishments, the President underscored the inauguration of the rail link in the Kashmir Valley as a landmark achievement. She said this new connectivity would boost trade and tourism and open fresh economic opportunities, calling it a “historic milestone for India.”
Vision for Amrit Kaal and Beyond
Concluding her address, President Murmu called upon all citizens to contribute their best as India marches ahead during the Amrit Kaal, the 25-year period leading up to the centenary of independence. She expressed confidence that India’s journey towards becoming a developed and self-reliant nation would be realized with the collective efforts of its people.
