Addressing the joint sitting of Parliament, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, said she was delighted to speak at a time when the past year stood out as a period of rapid development and celebration of India’s rich heritage. She noted that the nation is commemorating 150 years of “Vande Mataram”, paying tribute to Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, and congratulated Members of Parliament for holding a special discussion on this historic occasion.
The President recalled that the nation also observed the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji with deep reverence and paid homage to Bhagwan Birsa Munda during his 150th birth anniversary year, remembering the invaluable contribution of the tribal community. She said celebrations marking Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary strengthened the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, while the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika resonated with music and the emotion of national unity.
She emphasized that remembering such milestones and the contributions of great ancestors inspires the younger generation and accelerates India’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
Smt. Murmu said that with the beginning of 2026, India has entered the second quarter of the 21st century, having completed the first 25 years with notable successes and achievements. Over the past 10–11 years, she said, India has strengthened its foundations across sectors, forming a strong base for the country’s fast-paced journey towards 2047.
Highlighting social justice, the President recalled Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s emphasis on equality and dignity and said the Constitution guides the nation towards true social justice—ensuring every citizen receives their rightful share without discrimination. She stated that as a result of focused governance, 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty in the last decade, and efforts to empower the poor have further accelerated in the government’s third term.
She noted that four crore pucca houses have been built for the poor in the past decade, with 32 lakh new houses provided in the last year alone. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, piped water has reached 12.5 crore families in five years, including nearly one crore families in the past year. Through the Ujjwala Yojana, over 10 crore households have received LPG connections.
The President said the government is institutionalising transparent and honest systems, with more than ₹6.75 lakh crore transferred directly to beneficiaries through DBT in just one year.
She reiterated that the government is working with sensitivity for Dalits, backward classes, the deprived and tribal communities, stating that the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas is positively impacting every citizen. While social security schemes reached only 25 crore people in 2014, today nearly 95 crore Indians are covered.
Under Ayushman Bharat, more than 11 crore free treatments have been provided nationwide so far, including 2.5 crore beneficiaries in the past year. Over the last 18 months, nearly one crore senior citizens have been issued Vay Vandana Cards, enabling around eight lakh elderly patients to receive free hospital treatment. She added that 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have brought healthcare closer to people’s homes.
The President highlighted decisive action against major diseases, noting that over 6.5 crore people have been screened under the Sickle Cell Anaemia Eradication Mission, helping curb the disease in tribal regions. Mission-mode campaigns have also effectively controlled Japanese Encephalitis, especially in rural and backward areas of Uttar Pradesh. She said it is a matter of pride that the World Health Organization has declared India free of trachoma, an eye infection.
Concluding, Smt. Murmu said the government remains committed to providing insurance security for every citizen through schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana, which have provided insurance coverage to crores of citizens and settled claims worth over ₹24,000 crore, offering vital support to the poor in times of crisis.
