President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday spoke about India’s remarkable journey of progress since Independence, focusing on the economy, technology, and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the country’s future.
Speaking to the nation on the eve of the 79th Independence Day, she said that India’s GDP growth of 6.5% in the last fiscal year, stable inflation, and increasing exports show that the economy is strong and healthy. She added that the country has made great achievements in every sector and is moving towards becoming self-reliant.
She recalled how India started its journey in 1947 with widespread poverty after years of foreign rule, and in the past 78 years, it has achieved progress in all fields. She also stressed that despite global economic challenges, India continues to grow at the fastest pace among major economies because of thoughtful reforms and strong economic management.
Economic Achievements and Poverty Reduction
The President said India’s economic progress is clear in its steady growth rate, rising demand, and controlled inflation. Exports are going up, and all key indicators show a strong economy. She credited this to good planning, careful reforms, and the hard work of farmers and workers.
She noted that many people have been lifted out of poverty due to effective governance. Welfare schemes are also supporting those who are just above the poverty line to prevent them from slipping back. Spending on social services has gone up, income gaps are narrowing, and regions that earlier lagged behind are now catching up with developed states.
Infrastructure Growth and Regional Development
President Murmu highlighted major improvements in infrastructure, such as the expansion of the National Highway network under the Bharatmala project and modernisation of the Railways. She described the launch of the Kashmir Valley rail link as a historic milestone that will boost tourism, trade, and economic opportunities in the region.
She also mentioned that entrepreneurs, small industries, and traders have shown a strong spirit of growth, and the government has worked to remove barriers to wealth creation. Over the last decade, metro rail services have expanded to many more cities, improving urban transport.
Focus on Basic Amenities and Healthcare
The President said that urban development programs like AMRUT have ensured more households have water connections and sewerage facilities. The Jal Jeevan Mission is bringing tap water to rural homes, considering basic amenities as a right for all citizens.
In healthcare, she pointed out the success of Ayushman Bharat, which provides health cover to over 55 crore people. Recently, the scheme was extended to all citizens above 70 years of age, regardless of income, making advanced healthcare accessible to everyone, especially the poor and lower middle class.
Technology, Digital Growth, and Artificial Intelligence
President Murmu said that almost every village now has 4G connectivity, with the remaining few thousand to be covered soon. This has made India a leader in digital payments and Direct Benefit Transfers, ensuring benefits reach the right people without delays or corruption. She noted that India now accounts for more than half of the world’s total digital transactions, helping create a growing digital economy.
Looking ahead, she said artificial intelligence is the next big step in technology. The India-AI Mission aims to build AI models suited to the country’s needs and position India as a leading AI hub by 2047. The goal is to use technology to improve governance and make life better for citizens.
