Cites Macaulay’s ‘conspiracies’, hails Somnath’s enduring spirit
STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said deepfake and misinformation were becoming significant threats to democracy and social harmony, and urged lawmakers to deliberate on this grave issue.
In her address to both Houses of Parliament, she said in view of the dangers arising due to misuse of AI, it is imperative to be serious on this issue.
“Deepfake, misinformation, and fake content are becoming significant threats to democracy, social harmony, and public trust. It is essential that all of you deliberate on this grave issue,” the President said.
She called for cultivating innovation at the classroom level, and made a strong pitch for early exposure to science, technology and creative problem-solving in schools.
“Today, technology is evolving rapidly. As a result of this, the nature of jobs is also changing at a fast pace. Therefore, the National Education Policy has been designed to meet the needs of both, the present and the future,” the President said.
She said right at the school level, children are being nurtured to have a mindset for technology and innovation.
“The Atal Innovation Mission is playing an effective role in this. So far, over one crore students across the country have benefitted from Atal Tinkering Labs,” the President said, adding that the culture of research and development is also being promoted through Anusandhan National Research Foundation.
Murmu said one thousand ITIs were being made future-ready for upgrading the ITI network in the country.
“On this account, Rs 60,000 crore is being spent under the PM Setu Scheme. My government is preparing an industry-ready workforce for modern technology. So far, 60 thousand youth have been trained for the semiconductor industry. Ten lakh youth are being trained in the field of Artificial Intelligence,” the President said.
The President dwelt in detail on varied subjects.
She said, for the country to reach the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’, as much importance is required to be given to national self-respect and cultural pride as to modern development.
“From the cultural perspective, India is among the richest nations in the world. My government is working to transform this heritage into a source of strength for the country,” Murmu said.
In her address, she also made a reference to British official Macaulay and his policies during the colonial rule in the 19th century.
“Through Macaulay’s conspiracies, a sense of inferiority was instilled among the people of India during the colonial period. Now, for the first time since independence, my government has shown the courage to strike a blow on this,” the President said.
Murmu said today, the nation is working on every front to preserve and “enrich its own cultural heritage.”
“In this direction, through the efforts of my government, the sacred relics of Bhagwan Buddha have returned to India after 125 years. These relics have now been offered for public viewing,” she said.
The sacred Piprahwa relics, which include bone fragments believed to be of the Buddha, among other relics, originally excavated in northern India in 1898, and a set of recently repatriated gems, are currently part of a grand exposition in Delhi.
Titled, ‘The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One,’ it was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 3.
Murmu said 2026 also marks the completion of 75 years since the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple in Gujarat’s Saurashtra.
“The thousand year journey since the attacks on the Somnath Temple stands as a symbol of India’s religious devotion, Sanatan culture and enduring faith. The enthusiasm with which people across the country participated in the Somnath Swabhimaan Parv has been truly unmatched,” she added.
The President said some time ago, the establishment of Gangaikonda-Cholapuram by Rajendra Chola completed one thousand years. This occasion, too, has given crores of Indians an opportunity to feel proud about their glorious past, she said.
Murmu emphasised that “our nation has been a centre of ancient learning”.
This body of knowledge was preserved for thousands of years, generation after generation, in the form of ancient manuscripts. However, due to “foreign invasions and the neglect in the years following Independence, this priceless heritage has suffered serious loss,” she said.
Now, the government is taking steps to preserve this vast reservoir of knowledge. Through the Gyan Bharatam Mission, digitisation of ancient manuscripts has begun across the country, the President emphasised.
“These efforts will play an important role in preserving the Indian knowledge tradition and making it accessible to the people in future,” she said.
Murmu said, “My government is also establishing tribal museums to preserve the rich tribal heritage of the country”.
As a part of this, the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museum in Chhattisgarh was inaugurated recently.
“I am happy to announce that by getting the Constitution translated in Santhali language, my government has enhanced the pride of tribal community,” she added.
The President asserted that when “we respect our traditions and culture, the world also respects them.”
Last year, the UNESCO included “our Diwali festival” in its list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Besides the increasing popularity of Diwali across the world, this recognition by UNESCO has been a matter of great pride for all Indians, she said.
She further said that amid different opinions and diverse viewpoints, “there has been unanimity about nothing being greater than the nation”.
President Murmu said that under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, over 11 crore free medical treatments have been provided in hospitals till last year, with 2.5 crore patients having received free treatment last year alone.
She said that nearly 1 crore Ayushman Vay Vandana cards have been issued over the past one-and-a-half years, enabling around 8 lakh senior and elderly citizens to receive free healthcare services.
“Under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, which was started for poor patients, more than 11 crore free medical treatments have been given in hospitals across the country till last year. During the last year alone, 2.5 crore poor patients have received free medical treatment under this scheme,” the president said.
The President urged parliamentarians to stand united on the resolve for Viksit Bharat, campaign for swadeshi as well as national security, asserting that these were matters beyond all differences.
Addressing a joint sitting of both the Houses of Parliament, which marked the start of the Budget Session, she said the government will continue to accelerate the momentum of “reform express” and listed various economic and social initiatives taken to make India a developed nation by 2047.
Murmu said the world saw the valour of Indian armed forces through Operation Sindoor when they destroyed terror camps on the strength of their own resources and asserted that any terror act will be responded with decisive action.
India has proved that power can be used with responsibility and wisdom, she said.
On Maoist terror, the President said it will be completely eradicated from India soon, as only three districts in the country remain most-affected by Naxal violence now.
She said security forces have acted decisively against Maoist terror in line with the Union government’s policy.
For years, an atmosphere of insecurity, fear and distrust prevailed in 126 districts, and Maoist ideology pushed the future of many generations into darkness, Murmu said.
“Our youth, tribals and Dalit brothers and sisters were among the most affected.
Today, the challenge of Maoist terror has been reduced to just eight from 126 districts. Out of these, only three districts remain most-affected,” she said.
The President told Parliament that during the last one year, nearly 2,000 individuals associated with Maoism have surrendered, bringing peace to the lives of lakhs of citizens.
The whole country is witnessing a transformation in areas affected by
Maoism, she said and referred to an incident when a bus reached a village of Bijapur after 25 years, and the locals celebrated it.
Murmu said youths are participating enthusiastically in the Bastar Olympics, a rural sports extravaganza, while those who have laid down arms are now serving in the Pandum Cafe at Jagdalpur.
“My government is ensuring a normal and dignified life for those who have joined the mainstream of society after laying down arms. The day is not far when the country will witness the complete eradication of Maoist terror,” she said.