New Delhi, Dec 23:
President Droupadi Murmu addressed the IB Centenary Endowment Lecture today, emphasizing that national security is no longer just the domain of agencies but a shared responsibility of every Indian citizen.
Asserting that security is the bedrock of economic prosperity, President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday called for a “people-centric” approach to national security. Delivering the Intelligence Bureau (IB) Centenary Endowment Lecture, she stated that active community participation—or Jan Bhagidari—is essential to building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
“Security is among the key drivers of economic investment and growth,” the President said, highlighting the link between a safe environment and national wealth. “Building ‘Surakshit Bharat’ is necessary for building ‘Samriddh Bharat’.”
National security is the responsibility of every citizen, not just the government. Lack of security in any region has a direct negative impact on the country’s overall economic growth. Alert communities act as a “firewall” against the rising threat of cybercrime and digital fraud. Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) is near total eradication thanks to a holistic approach of security and tribal inclusion.
The President urged institutions like the IB to spread awareness regarding the Fundamental Duties of citizens, many of which relate to national integrity. She noted that students, teachers, media, and resident welfare associations (RWAs) can act as force multipliers for security agencies.
“People need not be passive observers of what happens around them. They should become alert and active partners in the security of their own surroundings.” — President Droupadi Murmu
While traditional threats like terrorism and communal radicalization remain, President Murmu pointed to cybercrimes and misinformation as the most complex challenges of the digital age.
She advocated for “technologically competent communities” that can provide real-time data to agencies. This synergy, she explained, allows for predictive policing models—identifying threats before they escalate.
In a message to the nation’s internal security agencies, the President emphasized that building trust is a precondition for a successful security strategy. She called on the civil police and the IB to work with a “spirit of serving the people,” ensuring that citizens feel like partners rather than subjects of surveillance.
The lecture concluded with the President expressing confidence that by placing citizen welfare at the heart of the national strategy, India will move rapidly toward becoming a peaceful, secure, and prosperous global leader.
