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New Delhi: On the eve of the country's 80th Independence Day (14 August 2026), Her Excellency the President of India Draupadi Murmu gave her formal address to the nation. In his traditional and inspirational address, the President focused on the country's development journey, democratic values, cultural heritage and future goals.

Extending his hearty greetings to all the Indians living in the country and abroad on Independence Day, the President said that our tricolor is a symbol of our freedom and independence, which we hoist with full dignity and pride.

'The real meaning of freedom is opportunity for all citizens'

At the beginning of his address, President Murmu said that in a few hours our country is going to witness the auspicious beginning of its 80th year of independence. He said that the real meaning of independence is to ensure that every citizen of the country can take advantage of opportunities to fulfill his aspirations and contribute towards making India the leading country in the world.

Recalling the historical significance of 15 August 1947, the President said that on this day Mother India was freed from the shackles of subjugation and all the countrymen became the architects of the destiny of independent India. He appreciated the contribution of the country's students, teachers, scientists, engineers, doctors, health workers, hardworking workers and farmers who are doing nation-building work in their respective fields.

Remembered the heroes of the freedom struggle and the horrors of partition

The President paid respectful tribute to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and countless fighters of the freedom struggle. Along with this, while referring to the 'Partition Disaster Memorial Day' celebrated on August 14, he said that due to partition and communal violence, lakhs of people had to be displaced, but still they did not lose their identity.

He also recalled the extraordinary challenge and contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in merging more than 550 princely states into the Union of India at the time of independence. The President said that today's India is such where even a person from an ordinary background can dream big and fulfill them.

Duties of legislature, executive and judiciary

Talking about the accountability of democratic institutions, the President said that the duty of public representatives is to express public aspirations in the legislature. The executive should implement policies in public interest and national interest, while it is the duty of every person associated with the justice system to ensure that no person is deprived of justice due to lack of justice.

He stressed that India has achieved rapid inclusive growth over the last decade. The country has overcome decades-old obstacles to progress by striking a balance between its rich heritage and modern development.

Social justice, Jan Dhan Yojana and 25 crores freed from poverty.

The President mentioned in his speech that the countrymen are celebrating the 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule. Following the ideals of social justice and women's education of Mahatma Phule and Savitribai Phule, priority has been given to the upliftment of the deprived classes in the past years.

Sharing the country's major achievements, he said:

• In the last years, more than 25 crore people have been successful in getting freedom from poverty.
• Nearly 59 crore bank accounts have been opened under 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana', the world's largest financial inclusion scheme, of which more than 32 crore are women account holders.
• Food security of about 80 crore countrymen has been ensured by arranging free ration for them.

Digital infrastructure and India's influence in the world

Referring to India's progress in the field of technology, President Draupadi Murmu said that India has developed the world's largest and best digital infrastructure.

Today, the facility of digital payment is available even with the shops and street vendors of small villages of the country. More than half of the total real-time digital transactions taking place worldwide are taking place in India alone. He said that with the transparent use of technology, the government has been successful in providing public welfare facilities directly to every citizen.