President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation at 7 PM on August 14, on the eve of India's 80th Independence Day. The address was broadcast on All India Radio and national Doordarshan channels, first in Hindi and then in English.
Beginning with a reminder of the significance of the Tricolour and India's journey since August 15, 1947, the President said the real meaning of freedom lies in ensuring that citizens have the opportunities needed to fulfil their aspirations and contribute to building India into a leading nation.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
President Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of the 80th Independence Day. Viksit Bharat 2047 remained the central long-term vision of the address.
She emphasised development reaching every section of society. The President remembered victims of Partition on Vibhajan Vibheeshika Smriti Divas.
She highlighted social justice, welfare and financial inclusion. Youth development and sports received significant attention. Women’s empowerment was presented as an important part of India's progress.
She paid tribute to the Armed Forces and highlighted Operation Sindoor. The President stressed citizen participation and constitutional values.
She concluded with a call for an inclusive spirit of patriotism and collective effort towards Viksit Bharat.
She acknowledged the contribution of people across professions—from farmers, workers and teachers to scientists, doctors, entrepreneurs, sportspersons and public servants. She also paid tribute to soldiers of the Armed Forces, Armed Police Forces and police personnel, while recognising the contribution of the Indian diaspora.
Viksit Bharat 2047 at the Centre
A central theme of the address was India's goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the centenary year of Independence.President Murmu said the development journey should be guided by the spirit of Antyodaya, with the benefits of progress reaching every individual. She also linked India's modern development with its cultural heritage and the ideals of the freedom movement.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
President Murmu's address presents Viksit Bharat 2047 not simply as an economic target, but as a broader national objective involving development, social justice, security and people's participation. The emphasis on citizens from different backgrounds is particularly significant: the address places ordinary people's contribution alongside that of institutions and national leadership. It also reflects a wider message that India's development journey is expected to combine economic progress with inclusion, heritage, opportunity and national responsibility.
Remembering Partition and India's Unity
The President also observed Vibhajan Vibheeshika Smriti Divas, remembering those who lost their lives or were displaced during Partition.
She recalled the enormous task of integrating more than 550 princely states after Independence and paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for his role in building the unity of modern India.
Development With Social Justice
The address also highlighted India's development and welfare journey.
President Murmu said more than 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty, while the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has brought nearly 59 crore account holders into the banking system, including more than 32 crore women. She also referred to free ration support reaching more than 80 crore people.
Youth, Women and Sports
The President placed particular emphasis on the country's young population and the role of sports in nation-building. She said sports are being promoted as an instrument of youth development, with the Khelo India programme building a sporting ecosystem from the grassroots to the national level. She also highlighted India's improved performance at international sporting events. The address also acknowledged the growing participation of women in India's development journey.
National Security and Operation Sindoor
National security formed another significant part of the address.President Murmu paid tribute to the Armed Forces while referring to Operation Sindoor and said the operation demonstrated India's ability to act with precision. She also referred to the government's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with the country that harbours terrorism, describing it as a step taken in the national interest.
