New Delhi, December 23: President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu on Monday underlined that national security rooted in citizen welfare and community participation is essential for building a developed and prosperous India, describing security as a major driver of economic investment and growth.
Highlighting the relevance of the theme, President Murmu said it holds both immediate and long-term significance for the country. She emphasized that national security cannot be the sole responsibility of government agencies and institutions, but must be seen as a shared duty of every citizen.
Citizens as Partners in National Security
The President said alert and aware citizens can provide formidable support to agencies working to protect the nation. When citizens are organised as communities, they can generate powerful synergy and actively support government initiatives related to national security.
She noted that the Constitution of India clearly outlines Fundamental Duties, many of which are closely linked to broader dimensions of national security. Students, teachers, media professionals, resident welfare associations, and civil society organisations can play an important role in spreading awareness about these duties.
Calling ‘Jan Bhagidari’ the cornerstone of people-centric security, the President said citizens should not remain passive observers but become active partners in securing their surroundings and the nation at large.
Trust Between People and Security Agencies
President Murmu stressed that civil police and internal security agencies must function with a strong spirit of service. This approach, she said, builds trust among citizens, which is a precondition for effective community participation in national security.
She pointed out that there are numerous examples where timely inputs from vigilant citizens have helped avert security crises. An expanded and modern understanding of national security, she added, places people at its very centre.
Security and Economic Growth Go Hand in Hand
Addressing India’s security challenges, the President said the country faces multi-dimensional threats ranging from border tensions and terrorism to insurgency and communal radicalisation. In recent years, cybercrime has emerged as a serious and growing threat.
She underlined that insecurity in any part of the country has economic consequences far beyond the affected region. Security, she said, is among the key drivers of economic investment and growth, making ‘Surakshit Bharat’ essential for achieving ‘Samriddh Bharat’.
Progress Against Left-Wing Extremism
President Murmu noted that left-wing extremism is close to total eradication, crediting sustained and intensive action by security forces and agencies. She said a holistic approach that combined security measures with efforts to win the trust of local communities proved decisive.
Initiatives promoting socio-economic inclusion in tribal and remote areas have been particularly effective, she observed, as they prevent the exploitation of vulnerable populations by extremist and insurgent groups.
Digital Threats and Community Vigilance
Turning to the digital domain, the President said social media has transformed communication and information sharing, offering both opportunities and risks. Protecting citizens from misinformation, she noted, is an ongoing and complex challenge.
She called for building communities of responsible social media users who consistently promote fact-based narratives in the national interest. Non-traditional and digital threats, she said, require technologically competent and vigilant communities.
Digital platforms can empower citizens to report phishing, fraud, and online abuse, while real-time data analysis can support predictive policing models. Such citizen participation can act as a firewall against cybercrime.
Towards a Secure and Prosperous India
Concluding her address, President Murmu said that by placing citizen welfare and public participation at the heart of national security strategy, India can empower its people to become effective sources of intelligence and security.
She expressed confidence that this people-driven transformation will help the country meet the complex security challenges of the 21st century and move rapidly towards a vigilant, peaceful, secure, and prosperous India.
