President Droupadi Murmu, in her address to the joint session of Parliament, emphasized India’s progress and aspirations, with a focus on women’s empowerment as a key element of the nation’s development. She commended milestones achieved by women in various fields, including the historic moment of the first batch of women cadets passing out from the National Defence Academy. Additionally, she praised the Indian women’s cricket team for winning the ICC ODI World Cup and the blind women’s cricket team for clinching the T20 World Cup, highlighting the increasing strength and visibility of women in sports.
President Murmu’s speech not only celebrated women’s accomplishments but also reiterated India’s dedication to equality and justice. She referenced the Constitution’s inspiration from Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s vision, emphasizing the importance of social justice and equal rights for all citizens without discrimination. The President acknowledged India’s progress over the past decade, emphasizing the country’s efforts to build a corruption-free system that prioritizes development and citizen experiences over mere statistics.
Infrastructure and rural development were key themes in President Murmu’s address. She highlighted initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, which has significantly enhanced rural connectivity by adding nearly 18,000 kilometers of new roads in the past year. The President also mentioned the establishment of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and the distribution of Vay Vandana cards to senior citizens, underscoring the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and support for vulnerable populations.
President Murmu also addressed agriculture and food security, celebrating India’s achievements in foodgrain production and its position as a leading producer of rice and fish. She emphasized the importance of these accomplishments in ensuring the welfare of farmers and rural communities, highlighting the cooperative movement’s role in India’s milk production success. The President further discussed India’s advancements in clean energy, particularly in solar power, showcasing the country’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental responsibility.
In the realm of public health, President Murmu lauded initiatives such as the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission and campaigns against diseases like Japanese Encephalitis. She highlighted India’s progress in public health, including the nation being declared trachoma-free by the World Health Organization. The President also underscored the government’s focus on inclusive growth through schemes like Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, which have significantly expanded social security coverage to 95 crore Indians, marking a historic transformation in social welfare.
