‘Kashmir rail link will boost trade, tourism’
*Armed forces demonstrated strategic clarity
NEW DELHI, Aug 14:
President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday lauded the nation’s decisive response to Pahalgham terrorist attack in Kashmir, highlighting the success of Operation Sindoor and emphasising the country’s unity and growing self-reliance in the defence sector.
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In her address to the nation on the eve of 79th Independence Day, the President condemned the “cowardly and utterly inhuman” killing of innocent citizens on holiday, asserting that the armed forces had demonstrated “strategic clarity and technical capability” by destroying terrorist infrastructure across the border.
She described Operation Sindoor as a landmark event in the global fight against terrorism, noting that India’s armed forces “destroyed terrorist hubs across the border” with “steely resolve”.
“I believe Operation Sindoor will go down in history as an example in humanity’s fight against terrorism,” she said.
The President stressed that the nation’s unity was the most “befitting response” to those who sought to divide it.
She pointed to the multi-party delegations of MPs that reached out to various nations to explain India’s position on cross-border terrorism, a move that showcased the country’s collective resolve.
“…the world has taken note of India’s stance, that we will not be the aggressor, but we will not hesitate to retaliate in defence of our citizens,” she said.
The President also held up Operation Sindoor as a testament to the success of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) mission in the defence sector.
“The outcome has proved that we are on the right path. Our indigenous manufacturing has achieved the critical level that makes us self-sufficient in meeting many of our security requirements. These are landmark achievements in India’s defence history since Independence,” she said.
The President also spoke about the importance of sustained good governance and a “zero tolerance for corruption”.
She invoked Mahatma Gandhi, quoting his statement “corruption and hypocrisy ought not to be inevitable products of democracy” and urged all citizens to “pledge to realise Gandhiji’s ideal and weed out corruption” from the nation.
The President, while referring to the ‘National Handloom Day’ celebration last week, said the day commemorates the ‘Swadeshi Movement’ of 1905, which was later championed by Mahatma Gandhi to promote products made by Indian artisans.
She said the spirit of Swadeshi continues to inspire national initiatives such as the ‘Make-in-India’ campaign and the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’.
“Let us resolve to buy and use Indian products,” she urged the citizens to support the nation’s artisans and furthering the country’s self-reliance.
Reflecting on the nation’s past, President Murmu made a sombre reference to the pain of the Partition in 1947 saying “today we observed Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas. Terrible violence was witnessed, and millions were forced to relocate due to Partition”.
She paid tribute to the millions of victims of the terrible violence and displacement, calling it a tribute to the “victims of the follies of history”.
Highlighting India’s journey since 1947, the President said the country was often referred to as ‘mother of democracy’ and the country’s Constitution is based on the four pillars– justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity– which she described as “civilisational principles” rediscovered during the freedom struggle.
Hailing the inauguration of the rail link in Kashmir as a major accomplishment, Murmu said rail connectivity with the Valley will boost trade and tourism in the region and open new economic possibilities.
She said the engineering marvel in Kashmir is a historic milestone for the country.
“The Railways has innovated and introduced new types of trains and coaches equipped with latest technologies. The inauguration of the rail link in Kashmir valley is a major accomplishment. Rail connectivity with the Valley will boost trade and tourism in the region and open new economic possibilities. This engineering marvel in Kashmir is a historic milestone for our country,” she said.
India’s global chess domination was also lauded by Murmu. She also said that the country is on the cusp of “transformative changes” in the sporting arena.
Eighteen-year-old D Gukesh’s triumph as the youngest world champion last year began a season of excellent results for India’s chess prodigies with the likes of R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidith Gujarati, Koneru Humpy, Divya Deshmukh and R Vaishali delivering consistently strong performances in high pressure international events.
Deshmukh (19) became the youngest women’s World Cup winner last month, beating Humpy in the final.
“Brimming with a new confidence, our youth are making a mark in sports and games. Chess, for example, is now dominated by India’s youngsters like never before. We foresee transformative changes which will establish India as a global sporting power-house under the vision contained in the National Sports Policy 2025,” the president said.
“Our daughters are our pride. They are breaching barriers in every field, including in the areas of defence and security. Sports are among important indicators of excellence, empowerment and potential. A nineteen-year-old girl (Deshmukh) and a thirty-eight-year-old woman (Humpy) from India were the finalists in the FIDE Women’s World Cup for chess championship,” she said.
Murmu said India is well on the way to becoming a self-reliant nation and moving ahead with great confidence to be a developed economy by 2047.
Murmu said the country’s economy is in the pink of health with inflation under control, and exports rising.
“After the long years of foreign rule, India was in utter poverty at the time of Independence. But in the 78 years since then, we have made extraordinary progress in all fields. India is well on the way to becoming a self-reliant nation and is moving ahead with great confidence,” the President said.
In the economic field, she said India’s achievements are more noticeable with GDP growing at 6.5 per cent in the last fiscal, making the country the fastest growing among the major economies in the world.
“Even amid stress in the global economy, demand at home is pacing ahead. Inflation has remained under control. Exports are rising. All key indicators show the economy in the pink of health,” Murmu said.
She attributed the achievements on the economic front to the carefully calibrated reforms, sagacious economic management, hard work and dedication of farmers.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has brought in far-reaching changes, aligning learning with values and skills with tradition, Murmu said on Thursday.
She said the Government has created the most conducive ecosystem for those with entrepreneurial aspirations.
“Our youth have finally found the right environment for the realisation of their dreams. The National Education Policy has brought in far-reaching changes, aligning learning with values and skills with tradition. Employment opportunities are booming. For those with entrepreneurial aspirations, the government has created the most conducive ecosystem,” she said.
The President noted that, fueled by young minds, the country’s space programme has witnessed unprecedented expansion.
“I am sure that Shubhanshu Shukla’s space journey to the International Space Station has fired a whole generation to dream bigger. It will prove extremely helpful for India’s upcoming human space flight programme ‘Gaganyaan’. Brimming with new confidence, our youth are making a mark in sports and games.
“Chess, for example, is now dominated by India’s youngsters like never before. We foresee transformative changes which will establish India as a global sporting power-house under the vision contained in the National Sports Policy 2025,” she said. (PTI)
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