NEW DELHI, AUG 14 (PTI): President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said India is moving steadi-ly towards the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, driven by economic resilience, massive digital infrastructure, and the empowerment of youth and women.
In her address to the nation on the eve of India’s 80th Independence Day, the President under-lined that the country’s core resolve, guided by the spirit of ‘Antyodaya’, remains ensuring that the fruits of development reach every individual, even amid global economic challenges. She said India’s economy continues to advance as the fastest-growing major economy in the world, with growth projections more than twice the average global rate. The ‘Atmanirbhar Bha-rat Abhiyan’, she added, has further strengthened the foundation of economic progress and na-tional security.
Highlighting key welfare milestones of the past decade, Murmu said more than 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty, nearly 59 crore citizens have joined the banking system under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (over 32 crore of them women), and food security has been ensured for more than 80 crore people through free rations.
Describing the youth as the nation’s most valuable asset, the President said students are the “ar-chitects of India’s future.”
She noted that the government is undertaking comprehensive reforms in public examinations to completely curb paper leaks and unfair means, making the system more transparent, secure and trustworthy.
She also highlighted the growing culture of job creation among young people, the expansion of India’s start-up ecosystem, and the remarkable achievements of young innovators and sports-persons under programmes such as Khelo India. On women’s empowerment, Murmu said the target of creating three crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ has been achieved and the government is now working towards creating three crore more. She pointed to the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ as a major step towards a more inclusive democracy.
The President also touched upon internal security achievements, including progress towards a Naxal-free India, the valour of the Armed Forces demonstrated in Operation Sindoor, senior care initiatives, environmental leadership, and India’s growing stature in global affairs under the ide-al of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.
She paid homage to freedom fighters and those who suffered during Partition, and urged every citizen to contribute to transforming independent India into a fully developed nation by 2047.