President Murmu vows exam reforms, hails youth and security gains on I-Day eve

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Aug 15, 2026: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday underlined that students are the “architects of India’s future” and said the government is taking comprehensive steps to reform public examinations to completely curb paper leaks and unfair means, making the system transparent, secure and trustworthy.

Addressing the nation on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, she stressed that just as the nation unites for security, collective efforts are needed to safeguard students’ present and future. 

Her remarks come amid recent Gen Z and student-led protests seeking systemic overhauls after high-profile paper leak scandals.

Highlighting youth enterprise, the President said young Indians are embracing job creation over job seeking, building a strong start-up ecosystem that has impressed global firms and elevated India’s youth power worldwide.

She emphasised physical and mental well-being as the cornerstone of the nation’s future, with families and society sharing responsibility. Under the Khelo India programme, a sports ecosystem is being developed from grassroots to national level, yielding remarkable international achievements.

Lauding the Armed Forces’ “unmatched valour,” she said Operation Sindoor demonstrated precision counter-terror capability and sent a clear message that terror elements and their backers will face consequences. She also recalled Kargil Vijay Diwas and described the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as a decisive step in the national interest, especially for farmers.

On internal security, she termed the near-eradication of Naxalism a monumental achievement after decades of struggle, with development and local participation transforming affected areas.

Reiterating foreign policy based on peace, dialogue and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ she affirmed India’s commitment to a rules-based order and greater representation for the Global South.

The President noted free healthcare cover of up to Rs 5 lakh for about six crore senior citizens aged 70 and above, and said more than 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty. Nearly 59 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened, over 32 crore of them by women, while free rations secure food for over 80 crore citizens.

She said India remains the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with growth projected at more than double the global average, strengthened by Atmanirbhar Bharat amid global instability, and is playing a leading role in environmental protection while advancing towards Viksit Bharat by 2047.