In a powerful and comprehensive address to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament at the start of the Budget session, President Droupadi Murmu underscored the imperative of national unity above all differences, urging lawmakers to put aside partisan divides for the greater good of India’s progress.
“Amid different opinions and diverse viewpoints, there has been unanimity about nothing being greater than the nation,” President Murmu said.
She called on every Member of Parliament to “take a unified stand on issues of national interest as participants in the nation’s development, and infuse new energy into India’s progress.”
This appeal for consensus on matters such as national security, self-reliance, and the campaign for Swadeshi was a clarion call reflecting the spirit of India’s Constitution.
President Murmu’s address was marked by a detailed account of India’s strides in social welfare, economic reforms, infrastructure development, and technological advancement.
She noted the government’s commitment to social justice, highlighting that 25 crore citizens have lifted themselves out of poverty over the past decade and that 95 crore Indians now have social security coverage.
“The campaign to empower the poor has moved forward with greater momentum,” she said, citing the construction of over four crore pucca houses and provision of piped water to 12.5 crore households under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Highlighting the government’s focus on rural development, President Murmu introduced the landmark Viksit Bharat G RAM G law, guaranteeing 125 days of employment in rural areas to boost livelihoods and curb corruption. “This scheme will provide new momentum to rural development and create new facilities for farmers, livestock farmers, and fishermen,” she said.
On the economic front, the President celebrated India’s record agricultural production, its status as the largest rice producer and second-largest fish producer globally, and its emergence as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem with nearly two lakh startups and over 20 lakh youth engaged in this vibrant sector.
The President also emphasized India’s achievements in modern infrastructure, noting the expansion of rural roads, electrification of Indian Railways, and the establishment of over 150 Vande Bharat trains.
“India’s total metro network has crossed the historic mark of one thousand kilometres, making it the third-largest metro network globally,” she said.
Technology and innovation were prominent themes, with President Murmu highlighting training initiatives in artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing, and the government’s efforts to reduce dependence on foreign critical minerals. “Four more semiconductor manufacturing units have been sanctioned, and 10 such factories will commence operations soon,” she revealed.
Addressing national security, she recalled the valour demonstrated during Operation Sindoor and affirmed the government’s firm stance against terrorism. “The suspension of the Indus Water Treaty is part of India’s fight against terrorism. Mission Sudarshan Chakra is in progress to further strengthen the nation’s defence systems,” she said.
The President also praised the growing role of women in nation-building, noting that over two crore “Lakhpati Didis” have been empowered through self-help groups, with a target of three crore soon. She celebrated the graduation of the first batch of women cadets from the National Defence Academy, symbolizing women’s leadership in security and development.
Cultural pride and heritage preservation were underscored as vital to India’s identity and future. President Murmu reminded the house of India’s rich legacy, including the return of sacred Buddha relics and recognition of Diwali by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. “Our nation is working on every front to preserve and enrich its cultural heritage, which strengthens our national pride,” she said.
Concluding her address, President Murmu emphasized that the goal of Viksit Bharat, a developed India, is a continuous journey requiring collective effort, discipline, and continuity. “I am confident that the Parliament, the Government, and the citizens, together, will fulfil the resolve of Viksit Bharat,” she affirmed.
Setting a hopeful, inclusive tone for the Budget session, the President called on lawmakers to rise above political differences and work unitedly to shape India’s future.
