Srinagar- President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday said India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy and is moving towards achieving its goal of becoming the third-largest economy in the near future, despite global uncertainties.

In her address to the nation on the eve of the 77th Republic Day, she said the country is recording continuous economic growth, driven by large-scale investments in world-class infrastructure and guided by the principles of ‘atmanirbharata’ and ‘swadeshi’.

“By investing in the creation of world-class infrastructure, we are rebuilding our economic strength at a much larger scale,” she said, adding that India is shaping its economic destiny through self-reliance and indigenous capabilities.

Highlighting key economic reforms, the President said the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was the most significant decision for economic integration after Independence, establishing the framework of “One Nation, One Market”.

She noted that recent decisions to make the GST system more effective would further strengthen the economy.

Earlier in her address President said India is spreading the message of peace across the world at a time when geopolitical tensions are escalating across multiple continents, asserting that the future of humanity can remain secure only in an atmosphere of global peace.
President said India’s civilisational ethos has always emphasised universal harmony and peaceful coexistence. She said that even amid conflicts in several parts of the world, India continues to act as a messenger of peace.

Referring to national security, President Murmu highlighted the success of Operation Sindoor, saying the precision strikes launched last year dismantled terror infrastructure across the border. She said the operation demonstrated India’s firm resolve against terrorism and showcased the country’s growing self-reliance in defence capabilities.

The President said India’s ability to advocate peace stems from strength and preparedness, underlining the trust people place in the Army, Air Force and Navy. She recalled her visits to the Siachen Base Camp, sorties in Sukhoi and Rafale fighter aircraft and her experience aboard the submarine INS Vaghsheer as testimony to the armed forces’ professionalism and readiness.

Focusing on women empowerment, the President described the rise of nari shakti as central to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. She said women are playing a transformative role across sectors, from self-help groups and Panchayati Raj institutions to space research, defence, sports and entrepreneurship.

She noted that over 10 crore women are associated with self-help groups, while nearly 46 per cent of representatives in Panchayati Raj institutions are women. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, she said, would further strengthen political empowerment and ensure women-led development.

President Murmu said the past year marked a golden chapter for Indian women on the global stage, citing notable achievements in sports, including international cricket and blind women’s cricket.

On inclusive growth, the President said millions of people have been lifted out of poverty in recent years. Emphasising the principle of Antyodaya, she said the government is committed to ensuring that no citizen falls back into poverty and that no one goes hungry, with welfare schemes currently supporting nearly 81 crore beneficiaries.

She stressed that building a Viksit Bharat must be inclusive, with focused attention on tribal and marginalised communities, giving concrete shape to Mahatma Gandhi’s ideal of Sarvodaya.

The President said the Constitution of India has now been made available in all 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule, a step aimed at strengthening constitutional nationalism and enabling citizens to connect with the founding document in their mother tongue.

She also highlighted governance reforms aimed at making administration more citizen-centric, including the removal of outdated regulations, simplification of compliance norms and increased use of technology to bridge the gap between the government and the public.

The President also referred to the ongoing celebrations marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, saying the national song transcended linguistic boundaries during the freedom struggle and continues to symbolise India’s cultural unity.

Calling Republic Day an occasion to strengthen patriotism, President Murmu urged citizens to work together with the resolve of “Nation First” to make the Republic stronger and more glorious. She extended Republic Day greetings and expressed confidence that the lives of citizens would be filled with happiness, peace, security and harmony.

President’s Address Reaffirms Constitutional Ideals: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said President Droupadi Murmu’s Republic Day eve address to the nation motivates every citizen to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening democracy.

“On the eve of Republic Day, Rashtrapati Ji gave a very inspiring address. She has correctly emphasised the uniqueness of our Constitution and appreciated the collective spirit that has taken our nation forward,” Modi said in a post on X.

The prime minister said the President’s address motivates every citizen to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening democracy, upholding constitutional ideals and building a Viksit Bharat.

In her address, the President said the Constitution was the foundational document of the largest republic in world history.

“The ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity enshrined in our Constitution define our Republic. The framers of the Constitution provided a strong bedrock for the spirit of nationalism and the unity of the country through constitutional provisions,” Murmu said.