New Delhi, Jan. 29 -- Amid global challenges, India has emerged as a bridge and has amplified the voice of the Global South, President Droupadi Murmu said on Wednesday, hailing India's progress and the Union government's resolve to meet the goal of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. The goal, she said, is not limited to any one government or generation, but will be achieved with the collective efforts of the government, Parliament and people. "In the past 11 years, the economic foundation of the country has become very strong. Despite various kinds of crises in the world, India has remained the fastest growing major economy in the world," she said. Addressing a joint session of lawmakers at the beginning of the Budget session, the President said all elected representatives should take a unified stand on issues of national interest as it will give new energy to the country's efforts towards progress. The Opposition members briefly raised slogans, demanding the roll-back of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) or VB-G RAM G, when the President referred to the new scheme that has replaced MGNREGS. The President recalled BR Ambedkar's stance on social justice and said he consistently emphasised equality and social justice, the two values that are enshrined in the Constitution. "Every citizen of the country should get their full rights without any discrimination. My government is committed to true social justice," she said. She also quoted Rabindranath Tagore to buttress the importance of self-reliance and said true independence requires economic and social self-sufficiency. The government's Make in India campaign, she said, has ensured a global market for Indian-made products and the focus is now on strengthening domestic manufacturing and innovation. In her speech, the President lauded the Union government's efforts for driving the economy, creating employment, poverty alleviation, increasing farmers' incomes and also noted how India's foreign policy and its stance of non alignment and balance makes other countries have faith in it. She said the government is working to ensure equity and development of those who are at the margins. "After Independence, India's progress moved faster in certain cities and regions. A very large part of the country and a vast population did not receive adequate infrastructure. My government is turning the potential of backward regions and deprived populations into the driving energy of a developed India," she said. Pointing out how government policies and intervention have led to 250 million people overcoming poverty, she said schemes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and Ujjwala Yojana have resulted in millions of families getting amenities such as clean piped water and gas connections. "India is the fastest growing major economy, despite the problems world over. And the direct beneficiaries of this are the middle class and the poor families.950 million Indians have social security," she said. The President also made a mention of India's military prowess and Operation Sindoor, the country's military response to terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. She said, "Operation Sindoor showcased the bravery of the Indian armed forces." "Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji has taught us - 'Bhay kahu ko det nay, nay bhay manat aan' - that is, we should neither instil fear in others nor live in fear of others. It is only with this spirit of fearlessness that the security of the nation can be ensured. India has proved that power can be used with responsibility and prudence. The world has witnessed the valour and prowess of the Indian defence forces during Operation Sindoor," she said. The speech also made a reference to India's decision of putting the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, following the terror attack in Pahalgam in April last year. The President also highlighted the crackdown on Left Wing Terrorism and said Mission Sudarshan Chakra is in progress to further strengthen the nation's defence systems. "In line with the policy of my government, security forces have also acted decisively against Maoist terror. For years, there has been an atmosphere of insecurity, fear and distrust in 126 districts of the country. Maoist ideology pushed the future of many generations into darkness. 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 districts from 126 districts," she said. Maoists surrendering their weapons and breaking away from the ideology have brought back peace to the lives of lakhs of citizens, she said. The government is ensuring a normal and dignified life for those who have joined the mainstream after laying down arms, she added. Underlining the government's renewed push for zero tolerance towards terrorism, she said the government's response to attacks will remain strong and decisive. On the trade agreements being inked with other countries, the President said the FTA agreed on with the European Union (on Tuesday) will give impetus to the manufacturing and service sectors in India and also create new employment opportunities for the youth of India. "...Government is moving forward on the path of 'Reforms Express'. Old rules and provisions are being updated continuously according to future needs. Everyone has witnessed how the historic next-generation reform in GST filled the citizens with enthusiasm. This reform ensured savings of one lakh crore rupees for citizens. Following the reduction in GST, in 2025, registrations of two-wheelers have crossed the mark of two crore, which is a new record in itself," she said. In her remarks on global trends and challenges, she said, "...The world is going through a phase of complexities. Long-standing global equations are also undergoing change. Uncertainties arising from ongoing conflicts have also strained global stability and economy. Even amid these challenging circumstances, India continues to move ahead rapidly on the path of development. Behind this success lies the balanced foreign policy and far-sighted vision of my government." Pointing out India's intervention in global issues, she said even nations engaged in conflict express their trust in India on important issues. "It is a matter of satisfaction that India has consistently given priority to balance, impartiality, and humanitarian considerations. At the same time, it has remained steadfast in its resolve of 'India First'," she said, listing how India provided a helping hand in times of crisis in Latin America, South-East Asia, the Pacific Islands and neighbouring countries....