New Delhi, Aug. 14 -- As India stood on the threshold of its 80th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu on Friday delivered a message that brought together the memories of the freedom struggle, the aspirations of young India and the roadmap for a developed nation by 2047.

From students facing examination challenges to soldiers guarding the nation's borders, the President's address reflected the spirit of a country moving forward with confidence and collective responsibility.

For the first time ever, the full version of "Vande Mataram" was played before and at the conclusion of the President Independence Day eve address, following its recent recognition of legal status at par with the national anthem "Jana Gana Mana". The rendition ...