UNDERLINING that students are the “architects of India’s future,” President Droupadi Murmu on Friday 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. In her address to the nation on the eve of the country’s 80th Independence Day, the President stressed that just as Government and society remain united to ensure national security, everyone must contribute through joint and concerted efforts to safeguard the present and future of students. “Public examinations become gateways to opportunities for our students. The Government is undertaking comprehensive steps to reform these examinations. The objectives of these reforms are to completely curb the use of unfair means in public examinations, make the examination system more transparent, more secure, and more trustworthy for the youth,” she said. Her remarks assume significance against the backdrop of recent nationwide Gen Z and student-led protests demanding systemic overhauls, fast-track investigations, and stringent legal action following high-profile paper leak irregularities in competitive examinations.

 

Highlighting the spirit of enterprise among young citizens, she said youths are increasingly embracing a culture of job creation rather than job seeking. ‘Govt taking bold steps to... “Many of our youth are embracing the culture of job creation as they pursue the path of self-employment. The participation of young entrepreneurs has led to the creation of a strong start-up ecosystem in our country. Major global enterprises are impressed by the talent and dedication of Indian youth and entrust them with leadership roles,” she added. She highlighted sports as a key vehicle for youth development and nation-building under the flagship ‘Khelo India’ programme. “Under the Khelo India programme, a sports ecosystem is being developed across the country, from the grassroots to the national level. The government is making unprecedented investments to promote sports, yielding remarkable leaps in the achievements of our sportspersons in international tournaments,” she said. President Murmu also lauded the “unmatched valour” of the Indian Armed Forces, saying Operation Sindoor demonstrated the country’s capability to execute precision counter-terror operations and sent a firm message that terror elements and their backers will face consequences regardless of where they hide. She recalled the anniversary of the military action alongside historic observances like Kargil Vijay Diwas, reaffirming India’s tradition of overcoming forces hostile to humanity.

 

The President also highlighted the strategic measures accompanying the counter-terror posture, describing the decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with the nation harbouring terror networks as a “decisive step in the interest of our nation, especially the farmers.” On internal security, she termed the eradication of Naxalism a monumental achievement for the country after decades of struggle. “For decades, Naxalism posed a serious challenge to the nation. Making India Naxal free is a major achievement. Today, enthusiasm prevails in the areas once affected by Naxalism,” she said, pointing to all-inclusive development efforts and active local participation in initiatives like the Bastar Olympics and the Bastar Pandum festival. Highlighting the nation’s civilisational heritage, the President said that Sarnath, the site of Lord Buddha’s first sermon, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List this year, following the listing of 12 Maratha military forts last year. She stated that India proudly balances monuments of deep spirituality with historic symbols of military strength and resilience. Addressing foreign policy, she reiterated that peace, dialogue, cooperation, and the ideal of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family) remain the bedrock of India’s international relations.