Droupadi Murmu speech highlights: ‘New criminal laws a tribute to freedom fighters,' says President

President Droupadi Murmu approved one President's Tatrakshak Medal (Distinguished Service), one Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry) and two Tatrakshak Medals (Meritorious Service) to the Indian Coast Guard personnel on the eve of Independence Day 2024.

PM Narendra Modi posted on X, “An inspiring address by Rashtrapati Ji on the eve of our Independence Day. It motivates us to keep working to build a prosperous and developed India.”

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday awarded President's Medal for Distinguished Service and Medal for Meritorious Service to 16 Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) personnel ahead of Independence Day.

The President noted that PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, launched in the initial phase of Covid-19, continues to provide free ration to about 80 crore people, which also ensures that those who have recently come out of poverty are not forced back into it.

President Murmu's address on the eve of Independence Day concluded at 7:37 pm. She hailed India's achievements in various sectors such as finance, sports, and infrastructure in her speech.

President Murmu said, “…Among tribals, there were Tilka Manjhi, Birsa Munda, Laxman Naik and Phulo-Jhano, among many more whose sacrifices are now being appreciated. We have started celebrating the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. Celebrations of his 150th birth anniversary next year will be an opportunity to further honour his contribution to the national re-awakening.”

President Murmu said, “Infrastructure has received a big boost in the recent years. Well thought out plans and effective implementation have helped in creating a net of roads, highways, railway and ports.”

President Murmu said in her address, “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 in 2020, has already started showing results.”

President Murmu said, “It is a matter of pride for al of us that India is now the world's fifth biggest economy and is ready to be among the three biggest economies of the world. This success is a result of hard work of farmers and labourers, farsightedness of policy makers and entrepreneurs and country's visionary leadership.”

President Murmu said that the new criminal laws implemented across the nation are a “tribute to the freedom fighters.”

President Murmu said, “My dear countrymen, India is among the fastest growing economies in the world with an average annual growth of 8% between 2021 and 2024. This has not only given more money in the hands of people, but there has been a huge decline in the number of people living below the poverty line as well.”

President Murmu congratulated all Indian athletes on their wins and hard work in the Paris Olympic, and the Team India's win in the T20 cricket world cup.

President Murmu hailed the Prime Minister's internship scheme, which aims at providing work experience and skill development for over 1 crore youths across the country.

President Droupadi Murmu appreciates EC, all officials, security personnel who braved heat, helped in successful completion of 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

President Murmu said that the government has launched multiple schemes for the empowerment of women, and working towards expanding ‘Nari Shakti’ across the country.

President Murmu said, “Today, August 14, our country is observing Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. It is a day to remember the horrors of the partition. When our great nation was divided, millions were forced to flee, and countless lives were lost. On the eve of Independence Day, we recall this unprecedented humanitarian tragedy and stand united with the families that were torn apart.”

President Murmu said that many government schemes have uplifted the economically weaker sections, and have given 80 crore people free ration and amenities.

During her address to the nation, President Droupadi Murmu talked about the sacrifices made by freedom fighters such as Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad and Sukhdev.

President Droupadi Murmu begins her address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day 2024.

The speech by Droupadi Murmu will be live on Akashvani and telecast over all channels of Doordarshan in Hindi followed by the English version, the official statement said.

President Droupadi Murmu will commence her address to the nation at 7 pm tonight, the official statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan said.