President of India Droupadi Murmu, addressing the nation on the eve of 77th Independence Day, said she wants the daughters of India "to move forward" and be able to "face every challenge". She also underscored the right to equality granted by the Constitution, saying, "Each Indian is an equal citizen, each one has equal opportunity, rights and duties in this land". Their identities as Indian citizens over-rides all other identities of caste, creed and language, she said in her second speech as President of India.
President Murmu said women are now participating in every sphere for India's development, taking on responsibilities that were not thought of a few decades ago.
"Today, women are contributing extensively in every field of development and service to the country and are enhancing the nation's pride. Today our women have made their special place in many such fields in which their participation was unimaginable a few decades ago," she said.
"I am happy to note that the economic empowerment of women is being given special focus in our country. Economic empowerment strengthens the position of women in the family and society," the President added.
"I want the daughters of the country to move forward," she said, citing examples of leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Ammu Swaminathan, Rama Devi, Aruna Asaf-Ali and Sucheta Kriplani.
"Maa Kasturba matched the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi every step of the way on the difficult path of Satyagraha," she said.
President Murmu said India has not only regained its "rightful place" on the world stage but it has also enhanced its standing in the world order. This is evident from the new confidence in the India story exuded by the expat Indians which she has observed.
"India is playing a crucial role in promoting developmental and humanitarian goals around the world. It has also assumed leadership of international forums, especially the presidency of G-20," the President said.
"What is notable in India's presidency of the G20 is the way this diplomatic activity has been taken to the grassroots. There has been a first-of-its-kind campaign to encourage people's participation...all the citizens are enthusiastic about events related to the G20," she said.
She said there were many global issues that concern all humanity and are not limited by geographical boundaries.
"I am confident that with India's proven leadership in dealing with global issues, member-nations will be able to advance effective action on these fronts," the President added.
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