New Delhi, Aug. 14 -- In a first, the full version of Vande Mataram, recently accorded the same legal protection as the national anthem, was played ahead of and after President Droupadi Murmu's address to the nation on the eve of the 80th Independence Day on Friday, August 14.

The national song was followed by the national anthem. Addressing the gathering, the President highlighted the significant role Vande Mataram played in inspiring and mobilising people during India's freedom movement.

"During our freedom struggle, people with diverse ideologies were united by one common goal-India's independence. During the Swadeshi Movement, the song Vande Mataram became a song of the masses," she said.

Paying tributes to the leaders of the indep...