New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of India’s 80th Independence Day, extending greetings to citizens and reflecting on the country’s progress, challenges and aspirations.
She spoke at length about the country’s young youth in the backdrop of the Jantar Mantar protest by students and Gen-Z over the NEET-UG paper leak.
Calling students the architects of India’s future, the President stressed on the need to protect the country’s youth and ensure they get a fair and secure examination system.
“Our students are the makers of India’s future. Just as it is essential for the government and society to remain united for national security, collective efforts by all are equally necessary to safeguard the present and future of our students,” Murmu said.
She assured people that the Central government is taking comprehensive steps to reform the examination system.
“The government is taking comprehensive steps to improve these examinations. The objective of these reforms is to completely curb the use of unfair means in public examinations and make the examination system more transparent, secure, and trustworthy for the youth,” President Murmu expressed.
#WATCH | Addressing the nation on the eve of Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu says, “…The youth of our country are talented, committed, and skilled… A new phase of space exploration has been ushered in through the recent successful rocket launch by a young team with… pic.twitter.com/AyISYrohtB
— ANI (@ANI) August 14, 2026
She dwelt on several other important issues such as national security, economic resilience and the goal of building a developed India by 2047.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, the President said India’s military operation demonstrated the capabilities of our Armed forces.
“Operation Sindoor demonstrated Indian Armed Forces’ capability for precision strikes against terror networks,” she said.
She warned that terrorists and those supporting them will face consequences “no matter where they hide”.
‘Suspension of IWT a decisive step’
Murmu backed the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) , saying it was a decisive move in India’s national interest.
“The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with a country harbouring terrorism was a decisive step in the national interest, particularly for our farmers,” Murmu said.
She hailed security forces for a major achievement in making India Naxal-free.
‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’
She looked ahead with optimism to 100 years of India’s independence.
“We are moving ahead towards building Viksit Bharat by the centenary year of our Independence in 2047. Guided by the spirit of Antyodaya, it is our resolve to ensure that the fruits of development reach every individual… The Ved-Vakya, ‘Vayam Rashtre Jagriyam,’ inspires us to always remain ready to serve the nation. During our freedom struggle, people with diverse ideologies were united by one common goal – India’s Independence,” Murmu said.
“During the Swadeshi Movement, the song Vande Mataram became a song of the masses. Countless Indians plunged themselves into our freedom struggle under the leadership of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar embodied the highest ideals of social reform and patriotism. I humbly bow to all those great sons and daughters of Bharat Mata whose ideals guided our country to its freedom and its progress thereafter,” she added.
‘None should be deprived justice’
The President also spoke about access to justice, emphasising the responsibility of the judicial system towards those who may lack financial resources.
It’s the duty of every person associated with the judicial system to ensure no one is deprived of justice due to a lack of resources, she said.
