President Droupadi Murmu began her address with Vande Mataram, followed by the national anthem on the eve of the 80th Independence Day.

This marks the fifth Independence Day Eve speech by President Murmu.

This year, the energy and aspirations of Gen Z and ‘Yuva Shakti’ will take centre stage at the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on August 15. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the celebrations and the National ong ‘Vande Mataram’ will be rendered at the historic venue for the first time. The celebrations will commemorate 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ and highlight the contribution of young Indians to the country’s journey towards Viksit Bharat@2047.

Published - August 14, 2026 07:10 pm IST