Abuja Marks 80th Independence Day of India, As President Assures Devt for Every Citizen Via “Viksit Bharat”

The Indian community in Abuja was thrown into a joyous mood on Saturday as citizens marched out early to begin celebration of the 80th Independence Day of India. 

They attended a brief ceremony at the Indian High Commission to Nigeria, at the Cadastral Zone, Off Constitution Avenue, Abuja, CBD, in colourful attires. 

The India President, Droupadi Murmu's speech marking the independence anniversary on 15th August was read to the gathering by the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E Abhishek Singh. 

The President hailed poverty reduction, digital revolution, and Nari Shakti as drivers of growth, while laying out a vision of an inclusive and self-reliant India. 

According to her,India is marching ahead to build a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047 with development reaching every citizen.

In her nationwide address, the President said India’s true freedom lies in ensuring every citizen can fulfil their aspirations and contribute to making India “the foremost nation in the world.”

President Murmu highlighted over a decade of “rapid and inclusive development” guided by the spirit of Antyodaya. 

She noted priority is being given to harmonising India’s heritage with modern development.

Citing achievements, she said more than 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty, as under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, nearly 59 crore people have joined the banking system, with 32 crore women account holders. 

Free rations, she said, have ensured food security for over 80 crore people, while Ayushman Bharat provides free healthcare cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per year to 60 crore people.

The President also pointed to India’s global leadership in digital public infrastructure. 

“More than half of the world's real-time digital transactions take place in India,” she said, adding that digital payments are now common even in rural shops and among street vendors.

Focusing more on women and youth in her speech, the President said girls are performing exceptionally well in education and women’s participation is rising across sectors, from “Drone Didi” in agriculture to women Fighter Combat Leaders in the Air Force.

She noted that in the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, women won 8 of India’s 13 gold medals. 

She also said that over 10 crore women are now part of Self Help Groups and the target of 3 crore Lakhpati Didis has been achieved, with work now underway for 3 crore more, stressing that two-thirds of MUDRA loan beneficiaries are also women.

With 65% of India’s population below 35 years of age, the President named the youth the country’s “most valuable asset.” 

She praised young innovators, including a space team with an average age of 28, and the booming start-up ecosystem driven by young entrepreneurs.

The President paid tribute to the Armed Forces and recalled Operation Sindoor and Kargil Vijay Diwas, saying the operation sent “a clear and firm message to terrorists and those who support them.” 

She also termed the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with a country that harbours terrorism a “decisive step in the interest of our nation, especially the farmers.”

On the environment, she urged citizens to join campaigns like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and LIFE, quoting a Santali song by Pandit Raghunath Murmu on preserving nature and human values.

In foreign policy, President Murmu said peace, cooperation, dialogue and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam remain the pillars. 

She said India is playing a leading role in the Global South and pushing for a rules-based international order with greater representation in the UN and other multilateral forums.

Marking 14 August as Vibhajan Vibheeshika Smriti Divas, the President remembered those who suffered during Partition. 

She also paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for integrating over 550 princely states and to social reformers Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule on their anniversaries.

Quoting Telugu poet Gurajada Apparao, she concluded: “Desamante matti kaadoy, desamante manushuloy” — “A nation is not just its land, a nation is all its people.”

“With this all-inclusive spirit of patriotism, let us devote ourselves to the sacred national goal of transforming Swatantra Bharat into Viksit Bharat,” the President said.

The celebration in Abuja continued with ceremonial hoisting of the Indian flag, musical renditions and dancing by youth and children, certificates issuance to deserving citizens and photographs.