Independence Day 2025 Highlights: Operation Sindoor will be remembered as historic milestone in India's fight against terror, says President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu says, "As we look back on the past, we must never forget the pain inflicted by the partition of the country. Today, we observed Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. Terrible violence was witnessed due to partition, and lakhs of people were forced to relocate. Today, we pay tributes to those who were victims of the mistakes of history."

President Droupadi Murmu says, "After regaining our freedom, we marched on the path of such democracy where every adult received the right to exercise franchise. In other words, we, the people of India, gave ourselves the right to shape our own destiny...Despite the challenges, the people of India successfully adopted democracy...For us, our Constitution and our democracy is above everything else."

President Droupadi Murmu says, "I extend my heartiest greetings to all of you on the eve of Independence Day. It is a matter of pride for all of us that Independence Day and Republic Day are celebrated by every Indian with great enthusiasm. These are days that especially remind us of our being proud Indians."

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Thursday visited the Kodewala border outpost in Bikaner, situated along the India-Pakistan border, and interacted with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel ahead of Independence Day. He lauded their efforts in safeguarding the nation’s frontiers, including the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders. Praising their bravery and commitment, Sharma said the BSF personnel carry out their duties with remarkable courage, even in extreme weather conditions.

Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma and Director General Military Operations Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai were awarded the Sarvottam Yudha Sewa Medal for their role in Operation Sindoor against Pakistan-based terrorist groups, during which Indian troops successfully foiled military attacks on civilian and military targets.

Nine Indian Air Force fighter pilots have been awarded the Vir Chakra, the nation’s third-highest wartime gallantry medal, for their role in Operation Sindoor. The May mission saw the IAF jets hitting terrorist group headquarters in Muridke and Bahawalpur, along with key Pakistan military assets. As per news agency ANI, the nine IAF officials are - Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu, Group Captain Manish Arora, Group Captain Animesh Patni, Group Captain Kunal Kalra, Wing Commander Joy Chandra, Squadron Leader Sarthak Kumar, Squadron Leader Sidhnat Singh, Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik and Flight Lieutenant Aarshveer Singh Thakur. (Read More)

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Thursday greeted the people on the eve of Independence Day In a message, he said, “I extend my hearty greetings and best wishes to the people of Kerala and other Keralites all over the world as we celebrate the 79th Independence Day of our beloved nation.” As citizens of the world’s largest democracy, it is our duty to treasure our freedom and equality by upholding democratic values and ensuring greater dignity for our fellow beings, he said.It is an occasion to pay our respectful homage to the countless patriots and freedom fighters who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom, he said. - PTI

The national capital is being fortified for Independence Day—snipers at high-rise buildings, heightened camera surveillance across the city and more than 11,000 security personnel and 3,000 traffic police for security in and around the Red Fort.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday will address the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Delhi Police, the Army and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in the area for the day, with multiple layers of security in place. - PTI

Security has been tightened across Tripura ahead of the Independence Day celebrations on Friday, officials said. Additional forces have been deployed in sensitive areas of the city, and vehicles are being checked at strategic points. The BSF has also been put on high alert along the international border to ensure a peaceful celebration, a senior police official confirmed. Chief Minister Manik Saha will unfurl the national flag at the Assam Rifles ground here on Friday at 9 a.m., in the presence of cabinet ministers, and senior state and central government officials. Governor N. Indrasena Reddy will pay floral tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Circuit House and honour martyrs at Albert Ekka Park (war memorial) in Lichubagan. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ratan Lal Nath will hoist the national flag at the Civil Secretariat. “All department and institution heads have been instructed to hoist the national flag on Independence Day. A three-day ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan’ is already in progress,” an official said. On Thursday, Governor Reddy extended greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day.

Sixteen Border Security Force (BSF) personnel have been awarded gallantry medals for displaying "conspicuous bravery" and "unmatched valour" during Operation Sindoor. The paramilitary force is tasked with guarding the India-Pakistan border along the western flank of the country. (Read More)

During his Red Fort address, the Prime Minister recounts the nation’s key achievements over the past year, outlines upcoming challenges, and sets goals for India’s progress in the year ahead.

Every year, Independence Day is marked by flag-hoisting ceremonies nationwide, with citizens singing the national anthem, taking part in drills, and enjoying cultural programmes. Kite flying is a common tradition, symbolising the spirit of freedom.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver his Independence Day speech on Friday morning after the traditional flag-hoisting ceremony at Delhi’s Red Fort.

The President’s address will be streamed live across the nation. Viewers can tune in to Doordarshan’s regional channels and Akashvani’s regional networks from 9:30 pm for broadcasts in multiple regional languages. The speech will also be available on All India Radio and live-streamed on Doordarshan’s YouTube channel.

As India readies to celebrate its 79th Independence Day on Friday, August 15, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu will deliver her address to the nation on Thursday evening. This will be her fourth Independence Day eve speech, starting in Hindi at 7 pm on Doordarshan, followed by the English version.