Affirmative action must be strengthened as instrument of inclusion: President Droupadi Murmu

"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.

Murmu said that witnessing the unfurling of the tricolour at the Red Fort, in state capitals or local neighbourhoods thrills the hearts of citizens and is an expression of the joy of being part of our great nation.

"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. It is an expression of the joy of being part of our great nation along with more than 1.4 billion fellow Indians," she said in her address.

Speaking about various schemes, including the distribution of free foodgrains to over 80 crore people, the President said on Wednesday that social justice is the top priority of the Narendra Modi government.

"Social justice is a top priority of the Government, and it has taken a number of unprecedented initiatives for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other marginalised sections of society," she said.

"The term ‘justice’, taken in the broadest possible sense, includes a variety of social factors. I would like to stress two of them in particular, namely, gender justice and climate justice."

She also spoke about equal rights for women in society and that the budget allocation for this purpose has more than tripled in the last decade.

"In our society, women are considered not only equal, but even more than equal. However, they 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."

"Their participation in the labour force has increased. The most heartening development on this front has been the significant improvement in the sex ratio at birth. A variety of special government schemes have also been designed keeping the women at the centre. Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is aimed at ensuring real empowerment of women," she added.

She noted that 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. As for those who continue to suffer from poverty, all efforts are being made not only to provide a helping hand to them, but also to bring them out of it."

Murmu said it is a matter of pride for all that India has become the fifth-largest economy in the world and is 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," the President said.

Speaking of Amrit Kaal,  the ongoing period of a quarter century leading to the centenary of India's Independence, she said the youth would play a significant role.

"It is their energy and enthusiasm that will help the nation scale new heights. Cultivating the young minds and creating a new mindset that takes the best of the traditions and the contemporary knowledge is our priority. To this end, the National Education Policy, launched since 2020, has already started showing results."

On the issue of climate change, she said: "Climate change has become a reality. It is all the more challenging for developing nations to change their economic paradigm. Yet, we have already made more progress in that direction than expected. 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," she said.