India marks 80th independence year with push for inclusive growth, youth empowerment

India has reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive, prosperous and self-reliant nation, with President Droupadi Murmu calling on citizens to contribute to the country’s transformation into a developed nation by 2047.

This message was contained in President Murmu’s address to the nation on the eve of India’s 80th Independence Day, delivered in Ghana by the newly appointed High Commissioner of India to Ghana, Shri Surinder Bhagat.

Shri Bhagat, who was appointed by the government of India as its next High Commissioner to Ghana in April 2026, has since taken up his assignment in Accra.

In the address, President Murmu said India’s independence was meaningful only when every citizen could access opportunities to fulfil their aspirations and contribute to making the country a leading nation globally.

She paid tribute to the wide range of people contributing to national development, including students and teachers, scientists, healthcare workers, farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, artists, civil servants, social workers and members of the armed and security forces.

“Every citizen who faithfully discharges the Fundamental Duties enshrined in our Constitution” is an active partner in nation-building, she said, while commending the Indian diaspora and diplomatic officials for enhancing the country’s standing internationally.

President Murmu said India was progressing towards the goal of becoming “Viksit Bharat” a developed India by 2047, the centenary year of its independence.

According to her, India’s development strategy combines modernisation with the preservation of its cultural heritage and the values that shaped the country’s independence movement.

She also recalled the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr BR Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and other leaders of the independence struggle, while paying tribute to Indians who lost their lives or were displaced during the 1947 Partition.



President Murmu further highlighted what she described as significant progress in poverty reduction, financial inclusion, food security and healthcare.

She said more than 25 crore people had been lifted out of poverty, while nearly 59 crore people had joined the banking system through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana.

More than 32 crore of those account holders, she noted, are women.

Turning to India’s youth, she said 65 percent of the country’s population was below the age of 35.

She described young Indians as a major national asset, highlighting their role in entrepreneurship, innovation, technology and the country’s growing start-up ecosystem.

President Murmu also referenced a recent successful rocket launch led by a young team with an average age of 28, saying it demonstrated the potential of India’s younger generation.

She urged families and society to support the physical and mental wellbeing of young people and encouraged greater participation in sports as a means of youth development and nation-building.

The president also urged Indians to protect natural resources for future generations.

She said environmental conservation was deeply rooted in India’s traditions and encouraged citizens to support initiatives such as Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam and Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE).

She stressed that the development of the country must ultimately be measured by the wellbeing of its people.

Quoting Telugu writer Gurajada Apparao, she said the essence of patriotism was not merely attachment to land but concern for the people who make up a nation.

“The development and wellbeing of every Indian is the real objective of building Viksit Bharat,” she said.

President Murmu concluded by calling for collective efforts by government and citizens to make every village, town and household healthier, happier and more prosperous.

“With this all-inclusive spirit of patriotism, let us devote ourselves to the sacred national goal of transforming Swatantra Bharat into Viksit Bharat,” she said.