Indians have proved the sceptics wrong, says President Droupadi Murmu

In her maiden I-Day address, President Droupadi Murmu says India's growth is more inclusive

All Indians must celebrate ‘democracy with Indian characteristics’, President Droupadi Murmu said on Sunday in her first Independence Day eve address to the nation, reminding the country about sacrifices for freedom made by women, as well as many adivasis who should be considered national heroes.

Murmu said when India won independence, many were sceptical about the success of the democratic form of government in India.

“They had their reasons to be doubtful. In those days, democracy was limited to economically advanced nations. India, after so many years of exploitation at the hands of foreign rulers, was marked by poverty and