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Independence Day 2024: President Draupadi Murmu wished the countrymen a Happy Independence Day. The President said, I am very happy to see that all the countrymen are preparing to celebrate the 78th Independence Day. Seeing the tricolor fluttering on the occasion of Independence Day – whether it is at the Red Fort, in the state capitals or around us, expresses our happiness to be a part of this great country of ours with more than 140 crore citizens. Just as we celebrate various festivals with our family, similarly we also celebrate our Independence Day and Republic Day with our family, whose members are all our countrymen.
On 15 August, Indians across the country and abroad participate in flag hoisting ceremonies, sing patriotic songs and distribute sweets. Children participate in cultural programmes. When we tell children about our great nation and the pride of being an Indian, we hear the echo of the sentiments of the great freedom fighters in their expressions. We feel that we are part of a tradition that weaves together the dreams of freedom fighters and the aspirations of future generations who will see our nation regain its full glory in the years to come.
The feeling of being a link in this chain of history makes us humble. This feeling reminds us of the days when our country was under foreign rule. The patriots, imbued with patriotism and valour, took many risks and made the supreme sacrifice. We pay our tribute to their sacred memory. It was through their tireless efforts that the soul of India awoke from its slumber of centuries. Our various traditions and values which have always existed as an undercurrent have been given new expression by our great freedom fighters generation after generation. The Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, like a guiding star, united the various traditions of the freedom struggle and their various expressions.
Also active were Sardar Patel, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Baba Saheb Ambedkar and many great folk heroes like Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad. It was a nationwide movement in which all communities participated. The tribals included Tilka Manjhi, Birsa Munda, Laxman Nayak and Phule-Jano among others, whose sacrifices are now being appreciated. We have started celebrating the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda as Adivasi Gaurav Diwas. The celebration of his 150th birth anniversary next year will be an occasion to honour his contribution to the national renaissance even more deeply.
Today on 14th August, our country celebrates Partition as Vibhishika Smriti Diwas. It is a day to remember the horrors of Partition. When our great nation was partitioned, millions of people were forced to migrate. Lakhs of people lost their lives. A day before the Independence Day celebrations, we remember that unprecedented human tragedy and stand in solidarity with the families who were devastated.
We are celebrating the 75th anniversary of our Constitution. The journey of our newly independent nation has faced serious hurdles. Remaining firm on the constitutional ideals of justice, equality, liberty and fraternity, we are moving ahead with the mission to ensure that India regains its proud place on the global stage.
This year general elections were held in our country. The total number of voters was around 97 crores, which is a historical record. The human community witnessed the largest electoral process in history. The Election Commission of India deserves praise for handling such a huge scheme in an excellent and flawless manner. I express my gratitude to all the staff and security personnel who helped the voters while braving the scorching heat. The exercise of the right to vote by such a large number of people is indeed a strong endorsement of the ideology of democracy. Successful conduct of elections in India strengthens democratic forces across the world.
India has become one of the fastest growing economies by achieving an average annual growth rate of 8 percent from 2021 to 2024. This has not only put more money in the hands of the countrymen, but has also drastically reduced the number of people living below the poverty line. Every effort is being made to help those who were once struggling with poverty as well as to bring them out of poverty. For example, under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana launched in the early stages of Covid-19, free ration is being provided to 80 crore people, which also ensures that those who have recently emerged from poverty are prevented from going into poverty again.
It is a matter of pride for all of us that India has become the fifth largest economy in the world and we are set to join the top three economies of the world soon. This success has been possible only due to the tireless hard work of farmers and workers, the farsighted thinking of policy makers and entrepreneurs and the visionary leadership of the country.
Our food farmers have ensured better agricultural production than expected. Thus they have made an incomparable contribution in making India self-reliant in the agricultural sector and providing food to the countrymen. Infrastructure has grown rapidly in recent years. Well-planned schemes and effective implementation have helped in infrastructure development of roads and highways, railways and ports. Keeping in mind the tremendous potential of future technology, the government has laid special emphasis on promoting several sectors like semi-conductors and artificial intelligence as well as creating an ideal eco-system for start-ups that will accelerate their growth. This has also increased the attractiveness of India among investors. With increased transparency, the banking and financial sectors have become more efficient. All these changes have set the stage for the next phase of economic reform and economic growth, which will take India to the ranks of developed countries.
Rapid, equitable progress has enhanced India's stature in the global arena. After successfully completing the presidency of the G-20, India has consolidated its role as a leading voice in the global South. India seeks to use its prominent position to expand world peace and prosperity.
We should also always remember the words of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution. He rightly said, and I am quoting his words, 'We must make our political democracy a social democracy as well. Political democracy cannot survive unless there is social democracy at its base.'
The continued progress of political democracy confirms the progress made towards strengthening social democracy. Inclusion is found in every aspect of our social life. With our diversities and multiplicities, we are united as a nation, moving forward together. Affirmative action as a tool of inclusion must be strengthened. I firmly believe that in a large country like India, activities that promote discrimination based on perceived social status must be rejected.
Social justice is the top priority of the government. The government has taken several unprecedented steps for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other disadvantaged sections of the society. For example, the Pradhan Mantri Sojj Utkarsh and Employment-based Jankalyan, i.e. PM-Suraj, aim to provide direct financial assistance to the marginalized people. The Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha-Abhiyan i.e. PM-Janman Yojana has taken the form of a mass campaign. Under this, decisive steps are being taken to improve the socio-economic condition of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups i.e. PVTGs. Under the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Eco-System i.e. Namaste Yojana, it will be ensured that no sanitation worker has to do the dangerous work of cleaning sewers and septic tanks manually.
The term 'justice' in its broadest sense encompasses many social dimensions. I would like to particularly emphasise two aspects. These dimensions are gender equality and climate justice.
In our society, women are given not just equal but more than equal status. However, they have also suffered the brunt of traditional prejudices. But, I am happy to note that the Government has given equal importance to women welfare and women empowerment. The budgetary provision for this purpose has more than tripled in the last decade. Their participation in the labour force has increased. In this context, the most encouraging development is the significant improvement in the ratio of daughters at birth. Several special schemes have also been implemented by the Government with women at the centre. The Nari Shakti Vandana Act aims to ensure the real empowerment of women.
Climate change has become a reality. It is more challenging for developing countries to change their economic profile. However, we have made more progress in that direction than expected. India is proud to play a leading role in the struggle of the human community to save the Earth from the worst effects of global warming. I request all of you to make small but effective changes in your lifestyle and make your significant contribution in meeting the challenge of climate change.
Regarding justice, I would also like to mention that by implementing the Indian Judicial Code from July this year, we have abolished another relic of the colonial era. The new code aims to ensure justice for crime-victims rather than just punishment. I see this change as a tribute to the freedom fighters.'
Today's youth will shape 'Amritkaal', that is, from today, about a quarter of a century, to the centenary of our independence. It is with their energy and enthusiasm that our country will reach new heights. It is our priority to develop the minds and hearts of the youth and create a new mindset that adopts the best dimensions of tradition and contemporary knowledge. In this context, the results of the National Education Policy implemented from the year 2020 are coming to the fore.
To make full use of young talent, the government has taken initiatives to provide access to skills, employment and other opportunities. The Prime Minister's five schemes for employment and skills will benefit four crore youth in five years. Under a new initiative of the government, one crore youth will get internships in leading companies in five years. All these measures will contribute significantly in building a developed India.
In India, we view science and technology as a tool for the pursuit of knowledge as well as for human progress. For example, our achievements in the field of digital applications are being used as a template in other countries. In recent years, India has made unprecedented progress in the field of space exploration. Along with all of you, I am also looking forward to the launch of the Gaganyaan mission next year. Under this mission, India's first manned spacecraft will take the Indian space team to space.
Sports is also one area in which our country has made great progress in the last decade. The government has given top priority to the development of sports infrastructure and the results are showing. The Indian team put up an outstanding effort in the recently concluded Paris Olympic Games. I appreciate the dedication and hard work of the players. They have inspired the youth. In cricket, India won the T20 World Cup, which has made a large number of cricket-lovers happy. In chess, young players with exceptional talent have made the country proud. This is considered the beginning of the Indian era in chess. In badminton, tennis and other sports, our young players are making their mark on the global stage. Their achievements have also inspired the next generation.
The entire nation is looking forward to celebrating Independence Day. I once again extend my best wishes to all of you on this auspicious occasion. I extend my special greetings to the brave soldiers of the armed forces who protect our freedom even at the risk of their lives. I also congratulate the police and security forces who maintain vigil across the country. I extend my best wishes to members of the judiciary and the civil services as well as the personnel of our embassies posted abroad. My best wishes to our travelling community too! All of you are part of our family, you have made us proud with your achievements. All of you proudly represent India's culture and heritage abroad.