President of India Speech on Eve of Independence Day 2026 Live Streaming: Watch Droupadi Murmu’s Address to the Nation

President Droupadi Murmu is addressing the nation on Friday, August 14, on the eve of India’s 80th Independence Day. The annual presidential address is being broadcast live at 7 pm across the national network of Akashvani and on all Doordarshan channels, with the speech also available through official digital platforms.

The address comes a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech from the Red Fort. The 2026 celebrations mark 80 years of India’s Independence and come in a year when the country is also observing 150 years of the national song "Vande Mataram". Which Independence Day Is Celebrated in 2026?

President of India Speech on Eve of Independence Day 2026 Live Streaming

President Murmu Speech 2026: Where to Watch Live

The President’s address is being broadcast across the entire Akashvani national network and telecast live on all Doordarshan channels. The Hindi version is being followed by the English version, while Doordarshan’s regional channels will subsequently carry versions in regional languages.

Akashvani will broadcast the regional-language versions at 9.30 pm through its respective regional networks. The address is also being streamed on official digital platforms of Doordarshan, Akashvani and Prasar Bharati. India's 80th Independence Day 2026: Red Fort, PM Narendra Modi Speech.

President of India Speech: Key Context

The Independence Day-eve address is an annual national broadcast in which the President reflects on India’s journey, achievements and priorities. In her 2025 address, President Murmu spoke about India's democratic journey, economic growth, welfare measures and the contributions of farmers and workers.

This year’s address comes against the backdrop of the 80th Independence Day celebrations and a focus on youth participation under the broader theme of “Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047”.

Vande Mataram Takes Centre Stage

The national song is also a major feature of this year’s Independence Day celebrations. For the first time, "Vande Mataram" is scheduled to be sung at the Red Fort before the national anthem during the August 15 ceremony. The development coincides with the 150th anniversary of the song.

President Murmu also recently gave her assent to an amendment extending statutory protection to "Vande Mataram", including provisions concerning deliberate disruption of its singing.

What Comes Next on August 15

The President’s address precedes the main Independence Day ceremony on August 15, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the national flag at the Red Fort and address the nation.

The 2026 celebrations are expected to place particular emphasis on youth participation, national development and the historical significance of "Vande Mataram" as India marks eight decades of Independence.

Watch President Droupadi Murmu’s Independence Day-eve address live through Doordarshan, Akashvani and their official digital platforms.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 14, 2026 07:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).