Archive · 14 Aug 2026
Govt taking comprehensive steps to improve examinations: President Murmu
The night before India's big Independence Day celebration, the President, Droupadi Murmu, gave a speech to the whole country.
She wished everyone a happy holiday, including Indians living far away.
For the very first time, a special song called 'Vande Mataram' was played before her speech, followed by the national anthem.
She said thank you to students, teachers, doctors, scientists, farmers, and soldiers for helping build the country.
She also talked about a big medical exam called NEET, whose question paper was leaked and made many young people angry.
Some young people, called Gen Z, held a protest about this.
The President said the government is working hard to stop cheating and make exams fair, safe, and honest.
On this special night, she also gave 78 bravery awards to soldiers and police officers, including 13 awards to heroes who are no longer with us.
Her message was about being proud of India and working to make things better for the future.
President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, extending greetings to citizens in India and abroad.
In a first, the National Song 'Vande Mataram' was played before her speech, followed by the National Anthem.
She thanked students, teachers, scientists, engineers, doctors, healthcare workers, and farmers for their contribution to nation-building.
Murmu cited the NEET paper leak and the Cockroach Janta Party protest involving Gen Z, saying the government aims to curb unfair means and make examinations transparent, secure, and trustworthy.
She approved 78 Gallantry awards, including 13 posthumous, for personnel of the Defence Forces and Central Armed Police Forces.
- Who
- President Droupadi Murmu, addressing the nation on the eve of the 80th Independence Day.
- What
- A presidential address covering Independence Day greetings, honors for nation-builders, reforms to public examinations after the NEET paper leak, and approval of 78 Gallantry awards.
- When
- On the eve of Independence Day 2026.
- Where
- India, addressed to citizens in India and abroad.
- Why
- To celebrate the country's 80th year of independence, acknowledge contributions to nation-building, and reassure the youth about government efforts to make examinations more transparent, secure, and trustworthy.
- President
- Droupadi Murmu
- Occasion
- Eve of the 80th Independence Day of India
- First in history
- National Song 'Vande Mataram' played before the President's speech, followed by the National Anthem
- Gallantry awards approved
- 78, including 13 posthumous
- Award recipients
- Personnel of the Defence Forces and Central Armed Police Forces
- Exam reform objective
- Curb unfair means; make examinations transparent, secure, and trustworthy
- Related incident
- NEET paper leak and protest by Cockroach Janta Party with Gen Z participation