Celebrating Heritage and National Unity
President Murmu began by recalling landmark national commemorations over the past year, including the 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ and tributes to its composer Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. She also highlighted the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, acknowledging the enduring contributions of tribal communities.
The President noted that celebrations marking Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary and the centenary of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika reinforced the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’, inspiring the younger generation to draw strength from India’s rich legacy.
Social Justice and Welfare Delivery
Reiterating Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of equality, President Murmu said social justice remains central to governance. She stated that nearly 25 crore Indians have moved out of poverty in the last decade, reflecting the impact of targeted welfare programmes.
She highlighted achievements under flagship schemes, including the construction of four crore pucca houses for the poor, piped drinking water connections to over 12.5 crore households under the Jal Jeevan Mission, and LPG connections to more than 10 crore families through the Ujjwala Yojana.
Direct Benefit Transfer has strengthened transparency, with benefits worth over ₹6.75 lakh crore transferred directly to beneficiaries in the past year alone.
Healthcare and Social Security Expansion
The President said social security coverage has expanded from 25 crore citizens in 2014 to nearly 95 crore today. Under Ayushman Bharat, over 11 crore free medical treatments have been provided, while Ayushman Arogya Mandirs now ensure primary healthcare access closer to homes.
She also noted progress in disease control, including screening under the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission and India being declared trachoma-free by the World Health Organization.
Agriculture, Manufacturing and Exports
India recorded a historic foodgrain production of over 350 million tonnes last year, with the country emerging as the world’s largest rice producer and the second-largest fish producer globally. President Murmu attributed these gains to farmer-centric policies and cooperative strength.
On manufacturing, she highlighted India’s rise as the world’s second-largest mobile phone producer and a sharp increase in smartphone exports. The country has also begun exporting electric vehicles to more than 100 nations, signalling its growing industrial competitiveness.
Infrastructure Push and Connectivity
Calling infrastructure the backbone of development, the President cited record investments across roads, railways, metros and waterways. Over 18,000 kilometres of rural roads were added last year, while Indian Railways is nearing 100 percent electrification.
She referred to landmark projects such as the Chenab railway bridge, the new Pamban Bridge, expansion of Vande Bharat trains, and India crossing 1,000 kilometres of metro network, now the third-largest globally.
Reforms, Economy and Global Engagement
Despite global uncertainties, India remains the fastest-growing major economy, with inflation under control, the President said. She welcomed the conclusion of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union, calling it a boost for manufacturing, services and employment.
Major reforms, including GST rationalisation and revamped income tax laws exempting incomes up to ₹12 lakh, were cited as measures strengthening middle-class savings and consumption.
Green Growth, Technology and Space
President Murmu emphasised India’s push towards renewable energy, nuclear power expansion under the SHANTI Act, and rooftop solar adoption through the PM Surya Ghar scheme. India aims to achieve 500 GW of renewable capacity by the end of the decade.
She also highlighted milestones in space exploration, including the visit of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station and progress on the Gaganyaan mission.
Focus on Regions and the Marginalised
Special focus is being placed on Eastern and North-Eastern India through infrastructure, healthcare, education and industrial initiatives. President Murmu cited highway expansion, rail connectivity and new medical institutions as key enablers of regional transformation.
Tribal welfare initiatives such as PM JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan are developing thousands of villages, alongside expanded scholarships and Eklavya residential schools.
