New Delhi : The President of India Draupadi Murmu today addressed both Houses of the Parliament assembled together. She said that the previous year has been memorable for celebrating India’s rapid development and its rich heritage. This period has brought many inspirations with it. At present, India is celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram. The people of India are paying homage to Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay for this profound source of inspiration. The President congratulated MPs for special discussion in Parliament was organised on this auspicious occasion.
The President of India in her speech said that during this period, the citizens commemorated the 350th anniversary of martyrdom of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji with deep reverence. During the 150th birth anniversary year of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the nation paid tributes to him and remembered the contributions of the tribal community.
The events associated with the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel have strengthened the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. All citizens also witnessed that the birth centenary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika were imbued with melodies and the spirit of national unity.
When the citizens recall such great milestones of their glorious past and the remarkable contributions of their ancestors, it inspires the new generation. This inspiration further accelerates the nation’s journey towards ‘Viksit Bharat’.
President Murmu sadi that with the onset of the year 2026, the country has moved into the second phase of this century. For India, the completion of the first 25 years of this century has been marked by numerous successes, glorious achievements, and extraordinary experiences. Over the past 10–11 years, India has strengthened its foundation in every sphere. This period has become a strong cornerstone for India’s rapid journey towards becoming ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
She said that Baba Saheb Ambedkar always laid emphasis on equality and social justice. Our Constitution also inspires us in the same spirit. Social justice means every citizen gets to exercise full rights, and without any discrimination. My government is fully committed to social justice in its true sense. As a result of this, 25 crore citizens have overcome poverty during the last decade. During the third term of my government, the campaign to empower the poor has moved forward with greater momentum.
The President of India said :
• During the last decade, four crore pucca houses have been built for the poor. Possession of 32 lakh new houses has been given to the poor during the last year.
• During the five years of Jal Jeevan Mission, 12.5 crore new households have been provided piped water. During the last year, tap water connections have reached about one crore new households.
• Through the Ujjwala Yojana, till date, more than 10 crore households have been provided with LPG connections, and this campaign has progressed at a rapid pace during the last year.
• My government is institutionalizing transparency and honesty in systems. In the last one year, my government has provided benefits worth more than 6.75 lakh crore rupees directly to the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer.
My government is working with full sensitivity for all – for Dalits, backward classes, marginalized and tribal communities. The vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas is bringing positive change in the lives of all citizens of the country. At the beginning of 2014, social security schemes could reach only 25 crore citizens. With continuous efforts of my government, about 95 crore Indians have social security cover today.
• Under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana started for the poor patients, more than 11 crore free medical treatments have been given in the hospitals across the country till last year. During the last year alone, 2.5 crore poor patients have received free medical treatment under this scheme.
• During the last almost one and half years, Vay Vandana Cards have been issued to approximately one crore senior citizens. With the help of these cards, nearly 8 lakh senior citizens have received free treatment as in-patients in hospitals.
• Today, with the help of 1 lakh 80 thousand Ayushman Arogya Mandirs set up across the country, patients are assured of receiving medical treatment closer to their homes.
My government has fought a decisive battle against major diseases. Screening of more than 6.5 crore citizens has been done under the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission. This has helped in controlling this disease in several tribal areas.
Campaigns carried out in mission mode have led to effective control over diseases such as Japanese Encephalitis. In many less-developed and rural areas of Uttar Pradesh, effective prevention of this disease has been ensured.
It is a matter of pride that the World Health Organization has declared India free from the eye-disease Trachoma.
My government is also committed to providing insurance cover to every citizen. The Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana have a crucial role in this effort. Through these schemes, crores of citizens who need support have received insurance coverage. Under these schemes, claims exceeding 24 thousand crore rupees have also been disbursed. These schemes have provided help to crores of poor people in crisis situations.
I feel a sense of satisfaction to see that the youth, farmers, workers, and entrepreneurs of our country are continuously expanding their role towards building Viksit Bharat. The encouraging statistics of the last year testify to this.
• In the last year, India has achieved a record production of over 350 million tonnes of food grains.
• With a production of 150 million tonnes, India has become the largest rice-producing country in the world.
• Our country has also become the second-largest fish-producer globally. It reflects the nation’s success in the Blue Economy.
• In the field of milk production as well, India is known as the most successful country in the world. This is the result of the strength of cooperative movement.
• The country’s manufacturing sector has also shown record growth during this period. In a field like that of mobile manufacturing, India has now become the second-largest country in the world. In the first five months of 2025–26, India’s smartphone export has crossed 1 lakh crore rupees. This year, India has started exporting electric vehicles to more than 100 countries.
My government is becoming successful in building a system free from corruption and scams. As a result, every single rupee of the taxpayers is being spent on the development and welfare of the country.
Today, India is making unprecedented investment in modern infrastructure. India’s rapid progress across land, sea, and air is now a topic of global discussion.
• The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana was launched during the tenure of Atal Ji. During the last one year, India has added approximately 18 thousand kilometres of new rural roads. Now, almost the entire rural population of India is connected by road.
• The Indian Railways, serving the poor and middle class, is rapidly moving towards achieving the target of 100% electrification.
• Aizawl in Mizoram and New Delhi have been connected by direct rail route. Last year, when the Rajdhani Express arrived for the first time at Aizawl railway station, the enthusiasm shown by the local people brought joy to the entire nation.
• India has achieved a historic milestone in the field of infrastructure by building the world’s highest railway arch bridge, Chenab Bridge, in Jammu and Kashmir, and the new Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu.
• Today, from Jammu and Kashmir to Kerala, a network of more than 150 Vande Bharat trains has been established.
• Just a few days ago, a new generation of Vande Bharat trains has been inducted. Introduction of Vande Bharat sleeper trains between Bengal and Assam is a new achievement in the progress of Railways in India.
• Citizens are also proud of India’s metro network. In 2025, India’s total metro network has crossed the historic mark of one thousand kilometres. Now India has the third-largest metro network in the world.
• My government has also undertaken several steps for the development of inland waterways. Earlier, India had only five national waterways, which have now crossed the mark of 100. With this, states in Eastern India, including Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, and Bihar, are emerging as logistics hubs.
• Cruise tourism is leading to an increase in tourism in the areas near rivers and coasts, thereby strengthening the local economies.