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President Murmu: Students Will Build India's Future

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President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of India's 80th Independence Day, highlighting the crucial role young people play in shaping the country's future.

In her speech, the President described students as the architects of India's future, emphasising that the responsibility for the nation's progress rests significantly with its youth.

Murmu also addressed the government's decision regarding the Indus Treaty, a long-standing bilateral agreement governing the sharing of river waters between India and a neighbouring country.

The President confirmed that India has chosen to suspend the treaty, describing the neighbouring nation as one that harbours terrorism, meaning it allegedly provides shelter or support to terrorist groups.

She characterised the suspension as a decisive step, framing it as a firm and necessary response to concerns over cross-border terrorism affecting India's national security.

The annual Independence Day address by the President is a significant tradition, delivered on the eve of the national holiday each year. It typically reflects on the country's achievements, ongoing challenges, and the responsibilities of its citizens.

This year's address carries particular significance, as it marks eight decades since India achieved independence from British colonial rule in 1947. The milestone anniversary has prompted reflection on the nation's journey and its path forward.

By linking the theme of youth empowerment with a firm stance on national security, President Murmu's address touched on both the constructive and protective priorities facing India as it enters its ninth decade of independence.

The government's decision to suspend the Indus Treaty is likely to have broader diplomatic and regional implications, though specific details of the suspension's scope and duration were not elaborated upon in the summary of the address.

Vocabulary7 words

architects
people who plan and design something important, here used to mean key builders
bilateral
involving two countries or two sides
suspend
to officially stop something for a period of time
harbours
gives shelter or support to something, often something bad
decisive
showing a clear, firm and strong choice
milestone
an important point or event in a long journey
diplomatic
related to relations between countries

Quiz

1. According to President Murmu, who are the architects of India's future?
2. What action did India take regarding the Indus Treaty, according to the address?
3. The address was given after the 80th Independence Day celebrations had already taken place.

Discussion questions

  1. Why do you think President Murmu called students the architects of India's future?
  2. What responsibilities do young people have in building their country's future?
  3. Why might a country decide to suspend a treaty like the Indus Treaty over security concerns?
  4. What role do you think annual Independence Day addresses play in shaping national identity?

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