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President Droupadi Murmu, in her Independence Day-eve address, highlighted the collective role of citizens in nation-building. She praised sportspersons, students, teachers, scientists, farmers, workers, artists and professionals for driving India's progress. She also lauded the Armed Forces, police and Indians abroad for strengthening the nation's security, image and global standing.

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday highlighted the contribution of sportspersons to India's nation-building process, saying every citizen who performs their duties contributes to the country's progress, as she addressed the nation on the eve of India's 80th Independence Day.

In her speech, President Murmu explicitly recognised the contribution of sportspersons together with that of students, teachers, scientists, engineers, doctors, farmers, workers, artisans, artists and professionals in various fields to India's development. The President stated that Independence Day should be used as an opportunity to think about the path India has followed since obtaining its freedom in 1947 and to reassert the responsibilities associated with it.

"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," she said.

When referring to August 15, 1947, Murmu stated that independence had placed the responsibility for shaping the country's future in the hands of its people and emphasised that the true significance of freedom went beyond being freed from foreign rule.