President Addresses on ‘Community Participation in Building a Developed India’

New Delhi, December 23: The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, today addressed the centenary celebrations of the Intelligence Bureau in New Delhi on the theme “People-Centric National Security and Community Participation in Viksit Bharat.”

Addressing the gathering, the President said it is a matter of pride that since Independence, the Intelligence Bureau has played an outstanding role in protecting the people of India and ensuring the unity and integrity of the nation. She noted that the theme of the lecture holds both immediate and long-term significance for the country.

The President emphasized that all concerned institutions, including the IB, should spread awareness among citizens that national security is the responsibility of every individual. Vigilant citizens can provide strong support to government agencies engaged in national security. When organized as communities, citizens can achieve remarkable coordination and support government initiatives for national security.

She highlighted that the Constitution lists the Fundamental Duties of citizens, many of which relate to the broader dimensions of national security. Students, teachers, the media, resident welfare associations, civil society organizations, and many other communities can help promote these duties.

The President said that community participation strengthens national security, citing numerous examples of alert citizens helping professional forces avert security crises. A broad meaning and strategy of national security places people at the center. Citizens should not remain passive observers of what happens around them; rather, they must become vigilant and active partners in safeguarding their surroundings and beyond. Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation) is the cornerstone of people-centric security.

She further stated that the civil police and internal security institutions must work with a spirit of public service, which will build public trust. This trust is a prerequisite for developing a people-centric national security strategy in which community participation will be a key element.

The President noted that India faces multidimensional security challenges, including border tensions, terrorism and militancy, insurgency, and communal extremism. In recent years, cyber crimes have also emerged as a significant security threat.

---