President Droupadi Murmu on Friday described students as the “architects of India’s future” and called for collective efforts by the government and society to safeguard their present and future, while stressing the need to make public examinations more transparent, secure and trustworthy.
In her Address to the Nation on the eve of Independence Day, the President said the government was undertaking comprehensive reforms of the public examination system to completely eliminate the use of unfair means and restore the confidence of young people.
“Our students are the architects of India’s future. Just as the government and society must remain united to ensure national security, everyone must contribute through joint and concerted efforts to safeguard the present and future of our students. Public examinations become gateways to opportunities for our students,” she said.
The remarks come against the backdrop of student protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET-UG examination, as well as agitation in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment tests.
Murmu said the government’s examination reforms were aimed at curbing unfair practices and making the system more transparent, secure and reliable for students.
Highlighting the opportunities emerging for young people, the President said new avenues were opening up through government initiatives and emerging economic activities. She encouraged the youth to explore these opportunities and pursue new paths to success.
She also emphasised the importance of the physical and mental well-being of young people, saying families and society have a shared responsibility to motivate the youth and support them in moving forward with confidence and enthusiasm.
Noting that 65 per cent of India’s population is below the age of 35, Murmu described the country’s young population as its “most valuable asset”. She praised Indian youth for their talent, commitment and skills, particularly their ability to develop innovative and practical solutions to challenges at the grassroots level.
The President also highlighted India’s growing space sector, saying a new phase of space exploration had been ushered in through the recent successful rocket launch by a young team whose average age was only 28 years.
She said an increasing number of young Indians were embracing self-employment and entrepreneurship, contributing to the creation of a strong start-up ecosystem and a culture of job creation.
“Major global enterprises are impressed by the talent and dedication of Indian youth and entrust them with leadership roles,” she said, adding that young achievers had enhanced India’s reputation across the world.
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Murmu also highlighted the growing importance of sports in youth development and nation-building. She said the Khelo India programme was helping build a sports ecosystem from the grassroots to the national level, while increased government investment was producing encouraging results in international competitions.
While highlighting India’s large young population, the President also noted the rising number of senior citizens and the need to ensure their well-being and dignity.
She said around six crore senior citizens aged 70 years and above could avail themselves of free healthcare services of up to ₹5 lakh per year under government initiatives.
Murmu urged society to remain sensitive towards senior citizens, foster a sense of belonging and uphold their dignity and self-respect.
The President said the energy, talent and achievements of India’s younger generation strengthened her faith in the country’s bright and prosperous future.
