As 1.4 billion Indians gear up to celebrate the 78th Independence Day on Thursday, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the occasion's eve today, saying that by staying true to our Constitutional ideals, we will enable "India to reclaim its rightful position on the global stage."


"We are celebrating the 75th year of the Constitution. The journey of the newly independent nation was not without obstacles. Remaining firm on the Constitutional ideals of justice, equality, liberty and fraternity, we are on a mission to enable India to reclaim its rightful position on the global stage," she said.


She began the address by extending greetings for August 15 and stated how witnessing the "tri-colour unfurl on this occasion, be it at the Red Fort, at state capitals or in local neighbourhoods, always thrills our hearts."


During her address, she quoted BR Amedkar as she spoke about public democracy and said: "We must make our political democracy a social democracy as well. Political democracy can't last long unless there lies at the base of it social democracy."


President Murmu also said that the nation is observing Vibhajan Vibhiksha Smriti Diwas on August 14 to recall the unparalleled human tragedy faced during partition that forced millions to migrate and lakhs of people to lose their lives.


She further stated that the steady progress of political democracy testifies to the progress made towards the consolidation of social democracy.


"The spirit of inclusion pervades every aspect of our social life. We move together as a cohesive nation with our diversity and plurality," she added.


The President also stressed how "Social justice is a top priority of the Government," and how it has taken several "unprecedented initiatives" for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalised sections of society.






Murmu then went on to detail various governmnet initiatives that are targeted towards the upliftment of the marginalised groups.


"Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan, that is, PM-SURAJ, for example, aims to provide direct financial assistance to the people from the marginalised communities. The Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan or PM-JANMAN has taken the form of a mass campaign for critical interventions to improve socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, that is, PVTGs." she stated.


She also mentioned the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme, which is aimed at ensuring that "no sanitation workers will have to manually engage in the hazardous task of sewer and septic tank cleaning."


The President stressed the importance of justice in its "broadest possible sense" as she spoke about gender justice and climate justice.


Acknowledging that women are considered "not only equal but even more than equal in our society," President Murmu said: "Women have also suffered from traditional prejudices. But I am glad to note that the Government has given equal importance to women’s welfare and women’s empowerment."


Here are some other quotes from the President's Independence Day address:



  • “As general elections were held in our country this year, the number of eligible voters stood at nearly 97 crore. This was a historic record, making it the largest electoral exercise humankind has ever witnessed. The Election Commission of India should be congratulated for the smooth and flawless conduct of such a gigantic event. I thank all officials and security personnel who braved the heat and helped electors. When such a large number of people exercise their franchise, it is a resounding vote for the idea of democracy. India’s successful conduct of elections strengthens democratic forces around the world."

  • “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."

  • “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."

  • "Climate change has become a reality….India is proud to be at the forefront of humankind’s battle to save the planet from the worst effects of global warming. I also urge you all to make small but effective changes in your lifestyle and contribute to the cause of dealing with the challenge of climate change."

  • “…adopting the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita from July this year, we have removed one more relic of the colonial era. The new code is oriented towards ensuring justice for the victims of crime instead of focusing on punishment alone. I see this change as a tribute to the freedom fighters."

  • "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. In cricket, India won the T-20 World Cup, to the great joy of a large number of fans. In chess, our prodigies have made the country proud. This is said to be the beginning of an Indian era in chess. In badminton, tennis and other sports, our youngsters are making a mark on the world stage. Their achievements have inspired the next generation too."

  • "With the nation all set to celebrate Independence Day, let me once again extend my greetings to you, particularly our brave jawans of Armed Forces who guard our freedom, risking their lives."