President Droupadi Murmu addresses the nation ahead of Independence Day celebartions. (Youtube/IndianExpress)India’s 80th Independence Day 2026 President Droupadi Murmu Speech Live Updates: President Droupadi Murmu will address the country this evening, August 14, on the eve of India’s 80th Independence Day. This is an annual address held ahead of Independence Day celebrations.President Murmu is scheduled to deliver the Independence Day-eve address at 7 pm today. The main celebration takes place at the Red Fort in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag and addresses the nation on August 15.Story continues below this adLast year’s speech: On the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu said the nation is on the path to becoming self-reliant and is progressing with great confidence. Citing a GDP growth rate of 6.5 per cent in the last fiscal year, she said that India remains the fastest-growing major economy in the world. She also hailed the completion of the rail link in the Kashmir Valley as a significant achievement that will boost trade and tourism.The President also used the opportunity to highlight India’s strides in self-dependence in defence manufacturing. “Operation Sindoor was also a test case of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission in the defence sector. The outcome has proved that we are on the right path. Our indigenous manufacturing has achieved the critical level that makes us self-sufficient in meeting many of our security requirements,” Murmu said.Live UpdatesAug 14, 2026 07:14 PM ISTLakhs endured horrors of partition, but did not give up identity, says President MurmuOn the partition, President Droupadi Murmu says, "Today, on the 14th of August, we observe Vibhajan Vibheeshika Smriti Divas. We solemnly remember those lakhs of Indians who lost their lives in the violence resulting from the partition, or were forced to endure the tragedy of displacement. Lakhs of people had to become refugees due to communal violence and endure the horrors of partition. Yet, they did not give up their identity."Aug 14, 2026 07:08 PM IST'True meaning of freedom lies in ensuring all citizens can utilise opportunities'"The true meaning of freedom lies in ensuring that all citizens are able to utilise opportunities to fulfil their aspirations, and work towards the goal of making India the foremost nation in the world," President Droupadi Murmu says in her Independence day-eve address.Aug 14, 2026 07:07 PM ISTPresident Murmu extends greetingsExtending her greetings, President Droupadi Murmu says, "On the eve of our Independence Day, I convey my warm greetings to all of you for this national festival. In a few hours from now, our country will witness the auspicious beginning of the 80th year since its independence. All Indians, living in the country and abroad, celebrate this festival with great joy. Our Tricolour is the symbol of our freedom. We unfurl it with immense pride."Aug 14, 2026 06:49 PM ISTPresident Murmu's speech last yearIn her speech last year, President Droupadi Murmu said the nation is on the path to becoming self-reliant and is progressing with great confidence. Citing a GDP growth rate of 6.5 per cent in the last fiscal year, she said that India remains the fastest-growing major economy in the world. She also hailed the completion of the rail link in the Kashmir Valley as a significant achievement that will boost trade and tourism.Aug 14, 2026 06:47 PM ISTPresident Murmu to address nationPresident Droupadi Murmu will address the country at 7pm on the eve of India’s 80th Independence Day. This is an annual address held ahead of Independence Day celebrations.Aug 14, 2026 06:47 PM ISTWelcome!Good evening, follow this space for President Droupadi Murmu's Independence day-eve speech.© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd