‘Architects of India’s future’: President Murmu’s praise for students amid protests

President Droupadi Murmu praised students as the architects of India's future during a speech on the eve of the country's 80th Independence Day. The President emphasized the importance of national security and reinforced the need for students to safeguard their own future. She highlighted the government's efforts to reform public exams to curb unfair means, increase transparency, and ensure the system is more trustworthy for the youth.

Following widespread student protests, the government passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, introducing enhanced penalties, fast-track courts, and a strict two-month deadline for investigations. The President also discussed Operation Sindoor, India's response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty due to cross-border terrorism.

She spoke about the responsibilities of the executive, legislature, and judiciary, and the need for equal access to justice for all citizens. President Murmu also touched on the importance of cultural identity and India's growing digital infrastructure, noting that over half of the world's real-time digital transactions now occur in India.