The Indian economy is growing at the fastest pace despite global instability: Mirmo

President Droupadi Murmu said on Friday that despite global instability, India is developing at the fastest pace in the world, thanks to its self-reliance. In her message to the nation on the occasion of Independence Day, Ms. Murmu said, "The war and instability in many parts of the world are affecting all countries. Even in such circumstances, the economy of our country is moving forward as the fastest growing major economy. According to economic estimates, India's growth rate will be more than double the world's average growth rate."

She said that the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' campaign has strengthened the country's economic progress and national security. History is a witness that development based on cultural self-confidence is dynamic and sustainable. The President also mentioned the free trade agreements signed with several countries in the recent past to increase economic cooperation and further strengthen mutual relations. She said India is playing a key role among the countries of the Global South.

Regarding the rapid development of digital and physical infrastructure in the country, she said that digital payments are being made even in small shops in villages and on carts. More than half of the real-time digital transactions in the world are taking place in India. She said, "Our citizens and the government have together presented an example of a digital revolution to the world community. The government has made public welfare and convenience services transparently available to the people using technology."

Ms. Murmu said that the country has seen unprecedented expansion of modern infrastructure in the form of highways, waterways, rail routes, and air routes. This is creating opportunities for new and modern institutions, new employment is being generated, and investors' confidence is increasing. She said that the youth of India are talented, determined, and skilled. The new and practical solutions to various problems found by the youth at the grassroots level reflect their commitment to society and the country and further strengthen confidence in the country's golden future.

She said that a young team with an average age of just 28 years has recently launched a successful rocket flight, marking the beginning of a new phase in space research. Many young people are promoting the culture of self-employment and providing employment to others. The participation of young entrepreneurs has led to the development of a strong startup ecosystem in the country. The President said that major global institutions are impressed by the talent and dedication of India's youth and are appointing them to leadership positions. Such young people have enhanced India's reputation as a young power in the global community, and this capability of India's young generation further strengthens their confidence in the country's golden future.

She said that students are the builders of India, and collective efforts of all are necessary to protect their present and future. Public examinations open doors of opportunity for students; therefore, the government is taking comprehensive measures to reform the examination system so that there is a complete ban on unfair means and the examination system becomes more transparent, secure, and reliable. Ms. Murmu said that due to the government's efforts and new economic activities, numerous new opportunities are being created for the youth. She said that the physical and mental health of the youth is the foundation of the country's future, and it is the responsibility of the family and society to ensure that the youth move forward with enthusiasm.

The President said that sports are being adopted as a means of youth development and nation-building. Under the 'Khelo India' program, a sports environment is being provided from the local to the national level across the country. The government is making unprecedented investments in promoting sports, and good results are coming to the fore. Indian players are achieving new heights of success in international sports competitions.

In her message to the nation, she said that for decades, Naxalite terrorism had been a major challenge for the country, and after the elimination of Naxalite terrorism, a change is now visible in the Naxal-affected areas. She said that various public programs are being held in Naxal-affected areas, which attract large crowds. In this sequence, the Bastar Olympics were organized, in which players showcased their talents, and the Bastar Pandum was organized, in which a large number of artists participated, and fans participated in large numbers in these programs.

The President said that India takes pride in its tradition of standing for truth and justice and winning over anti-human forces. She said that on July 26, the country celebrated Kargil Vijay Diwas and commemorated the first anniversary of the launch of Operation Sandur on May 7, remembering the unparalleled bravery of the Indian forces. She said that Operation Sandur is a testament to the unparalleled capability of the Indian forces. A strong message has been given to terrorists and their supporters that no matter where they hide, they will be punished for their actions.

Ms. Murmu said, without naming Pakistan, that the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with the country that has been sponsoring terrorism is a decisive step in the interest of the country and especially the farmers. She said that India's Constitution is made by the people of the country and is based on citizen participation. The land of India has always had a spirit of public participation, and citizens are taking it forward with new energy.

The President said that the success of democracy is ensured not only by the functioning of institutions but also by the active participation of citizens. She appealed to the citizens to strengthen the values of the Constitution and play their role in nation-building. In her message, she said that over the past decade, India has developed rapidly. The country has given priority to the harmony of heritage and development and has removed several decades-old obstacles to development.

She said that citizens are celebrating the 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule. Mahatma Phule and Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule made historic contributions to the fields of social justice, education, women's empowerment, and equality. In line with their ideals, the goal of promoting the underprivileged has been given national priority over the past few years. She said that new benchmarks of success have been set in the field of women's education. The country has been successful in bringing out more than 25 crore people from poverty.

The President said that under the 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana', one of the world's largest financial inclusion schemes, almost 59 crore account holders have been connected to the banking system, of which more than 32 crore are women account holders. She said that the food security of about 80 crore people has been ensured through a system of free rations. Under the 'Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana', almost 60 crore people have been provided free medical facilities up to Rs 5 lakh per year.

Ms. Murmu said that schemes like 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi' and 'Kisan Credit Card' have supported farmers engaged in agriculture, dairy, poultry, fisheries, and beekeeping. She said that history is a witness that development based on cultural self-confidence is dynamic and sustainable. Today, this awareness is strengthening in the country that the sense of cultural pride provides spiritual strength to the country's independence.

The President said that our ancestors have entrusted us with the invaluable legacy of knowledge, science, art, culture, spirituality, and high ethics. India is moving forward with this legacy and the harmony of development. She said that the real goal of building a prosperous India is the development and welfare of all citizens. Appealing to the citizens to work for the country's good with patriotism, she quoted the verses of Telugu poet Gurajada Apparao - "Desam nu preminchumanna, manchi andi penchumanna. Desam nate, mati kadue, desam nate, manchule.." which means - "Love the country; increase the good; the country is not just soil, it is all the people."

Ms. Murmu said, "I am confident that with the participation of society and the efforts of the government, all the people living in every village, every city, and every household of India will become healthy, happy, and prosperous. Let us all dedicate ourselves to the national effort to make a free India a prosperous India with this overall feeling of patriotism."