New Delhi, January 25. President Draupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of Republic Day on Saturday and congratulated the countrymen. Praising the country’s all-round progress in the last 75 years since becoming a republic, she said that today the Indian economy is influencing the global economic scenario and with high growth rate, a large number of people have been lifted out of poverty. Referring to the three new criminal laws, she said that India had gained independence in 1947, but many remnants of colonial mentality remained, efforts to change which have been seen in recent times.
The President said that in the last 75 years, India has created its identity as a strong and self-reliant nation. After independence, when poverty and hunger were prevalent in the country, Indian citizens made efforts to make the country self-reliant with their self-confidence and hard work. He appreciated the role of farmers, laborers and other working classes, whose struggle and dedication has made the Indian economy important in the world today.
He said that the Constitution of India is a symbol of the collective identity of our citizens, which has united the country. It is on the basis of the Constitution that inclusive development has been encouraged in India, which has also given opportunities for development to the poor and deprived sections. The government has made many schemes especially for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes, which are improving their condition.
During his address, the President praised the reforms undertaken by the government in the last decade, such as digital payments and financial inclusion efforts, which have been successful in bringing people into the mainstream on a wide scale. He said that these reforms undertaken by the government are helping in providing better living standards and opportunities to the Indian people.
He said that we had gained independence in the year 1947, but many remnants of colonial mindset existed for a long time. In recent times, we are seeing concrete efforts to change that mindset. Among such efforts, the most notable is the decision to replace the Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and Indian Evidence Act with the Indian Justice Code, Indian Civil Defence Code, and Indian Evidence Act. These new Acts, based on Indian traditions of jurisprudence, place the spirit of providing justice rather than punishment at the centre of the criminal justice system. In addition, these new laws give top priority to curbing crimes against women and children.
The President also mentioned India’s progress in the field of science and technology. He said that India has made significant strides in areas such as space research, artificial intelligence, robotics, and quantum technology. In addition, he mentioned the reforms made in the field of education, due to which Indian youth are taking their country to new heights in technology, science and other fields.
The President also mentioned the achievements in sports, where Indian players have performed brilliantly at the international level. Along with this, he also praised the achievements of the Indian community abroad, which is contributing to the promotion of Indian culture and bringing glory to India.
President Murmu, citing the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, said that to take India forward in the right direction, we need to follow the path of truth and non-violence. She appealed to all the countrymen to contribute in the fight against climate change and unite for environmental protection.
The President remembered the great leaders of the Constituent Assembly who laid the foundation of the democratic values of our country. Also, she highlighted the fact that women in India got the opportunity to actively participate in the work of the Constituent Assembly at a time when they did not have the right to equality in many parts of the world.
