President Murmu recalls horrors of partition, says social justice top priority of Modi government

India's President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on Wednesday (August 14) on the eve of the 78th IndependenceDay. "Modi government has taken numerous initiatives for the welfare of SC, ST, and marginalised sections. Social justice is top priority of Modi government," President Murmu said.

The president wasscheduled to confer thegallantry and service medals to personnel from the police and other security and combat forces on August 14, including a President’s Medal for Gallantry (PMG) and 213 Medals for Gallantry (GM).

President Droupadi Murmu's I-Day eve address: Top points

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1. President Murmu recalled the horrors of the Partition today on August 14. "Lakhs had to migrate forcibly and lose lives during this period. We stand united with them today who were forcibly separated from their loved ones," the president said.

2. President Murmu, in a poignant reflection of her origins as a tribal, referred to freedom fighter Birsa Munda as 'Bhagwan Birsa Munda'. "All sections of society participated in this national movement. Tilka Majhi, Birsa Munda were some who belonged to the tribal community whose efforts in this struggle are being recognised and appreciated now," President Murmu said.

3. "Indians participate in this celebrations of freedom in our country and abroad. Children take part in cultural activities and. When we hear kids talk about victories we can hear and reminisce about the deeds of those who contributed towards the Indian freedom struggle through them," President Murmu said.

4. "The celebration of Independence with 140 crore Indians expresses our joy to be a part of this nation. We celebrate this with other citizens as relatives of this family which is our nation."

5. President Murmu also reflected on India's performance in the world of sports. "The world of sports is another arena in which the country has made great progress in the last decade. The Government has rightly prioritised the development of sports infrastructure, and it is showing results. The Indian contingent put up its best efforts in the recently concluded Paris Olympic Games. I appreciate the dedication and hard work of the players. They have inspired the youth," she said.

6. President Murmu also addressed the state of the Indian economy. "From 2021 to 2024, India has been among the fastest growing major economies, with an average growth rate of 8 percent annually. This has not only put more money in the hands of people, it has also drastically reduced the number of people living below the poverty line," she said. "It is a matter of pride for all that India has become the fifth largest economy in the world, and we are also poised to become one of the top three economies soon. This has been made possible only by tireless hard work of farmers and workers, by the farsightedness of planners and wealth-creators, and by the visionary leadership," President Murmuadded.

7. President Murmu reflected on India's presidency of G20 nations and added that after the successful completion of its G-20 presidency, "India has consolidated its role as the voice of the Global South. India intends to use its influential position to expand the scope of world peace and prosperity," she said.

8. President Murmu called for "affirmative action" as an instrument of inclusion of all social groups in the national fabric. "The spirit of inclusion pervades every aspect of our social life. We move together as a cohesive nation with our diversity and plurality. Affirmative action must be strengthened as an instrument of inclusion. I firmly believe that in a vast country like ours, tendencies that stoke discord based upon perceived social hierarchies have to be rejected," she said.