Students Are the Architects of India's Future: President Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu, in her Independence Day address, highlighted education reforms, youth entrepreneurship, national security and India's economic growth.
NEW DELHI, August 15, 2026: President Droupadi Murmu said students are the architects of the country's future, stressing the need for collective efforts to protect young people's present and future.
Addressing the nation on the eve of India's 80th Independence Day, the President said the government was undertaking comprehensive reforms to prevent examination-paper leaks and make the examination system transparent, secure and trustworthy.
GOVERNMENT TAKING STEPS AGAINST PAPER LEAKS
President Murmu said examination-paper leaks threaten the future of young people and therefore require systemic reforms.
She called for cooperation from society as a whole to safeguard students' interests, just as the country comes together on issues of national security.
YOUTH MOVING FROM JOB SEEKERS TO JOB CREATORS
The President praised India's young generation for increasingly embracing a culture of creating employment rather than merely seeking jobs.
She also pointed to the growing recognition of Indian youth internationally, saying major global organisations are attracted by their talent and dedication and are giving them leadership responsibilities.
SPORTS AND NATION BUILDING
President Murmu described major sporting initiatives such as Khelo India as important instruments for youth development and nation building.
She said sporting opportunities can contribute to the development of young people while strengthening the country's broader social and national development.
INDIA'S FOREIGN POLICY
The President said India's international relations are rooted in the ideal of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family.
Recalling Telugu poet Gurajada Apparao's famous words, “A country is not merely its soil; a country is its people,” she urged citizens to contribute towards India's complete development by 2047.
MESSAGE ON NATIONAL SECURITY
President Murmu described the decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with a country that, according to the speech, provides shelter to terrorist networks as a decisive step taken in the national interest.
She praised the Indian armed forces for their actions against terrorism and said Operation Sindoor sent a strong message to terrorist groups and their supporters that they would have to face the consequences of terrorism.
She also referred to Kargil Vijay Diwas and the anniversary of Operation Sindoor as examples of India's military capability.
NAXALISM
On internal security, the President described the elimination of Naxalism after decades of struggle as a significant achievement.
She said the country's security environment has been strengthened through sustained efforts.
INDIA'S ECONOMIC GROWTH
President Murmu said India continues to be the fastest-growing major economy in the world.
She noted that India's growth rate is projected to remain more than twice the global average.
Despite wars and instability in different parts of the world, she said initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan are strengthening the foundations of India's economic progress and national security.
FULL 'VANDE MATARAM' SUNG BEFORE AND AFTER SPEECH
A notable feature of this year's Independence Day address was the singing of the complete Vande Mataram before and after the President's speech, followed by the national anthem.
According to the supplied report, this was described as the first such occasion in the country's history.
KEY POINTS
President Murmu called students the architects of India's future.
Government is undertaking reforms to tackle examination-paper leaks.
She urged society to collectively protect students' future.
Indian youth are increasingly becoming job creators.
Khelo India was highlighted as a tool for youth development.
India's foreign relations were linked to Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
The President praised the armed forces and referred to Operation Sindoor.
She described the elimination of Naxalism as a major internal-security achievement.
India continues to be described as a rapidly growing major economy.
Atmanirbhar Bharat was highlighted as important for economic and national security.
Complete Vande Mataram was sung before and after the address, according to the supplied report.