The High Commission of India Sierra Leone on Saturday, 15 August 2026, in Freetown, celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day with a ceremony that highlighted the country’s democratic values, development achievements, national security and commitment to environmental protection. The celebration, held at the High Commission of India on Wilkinson Road in Freetown, brought together members of the Indian diaspora, invited guests, friends of India, officials and children.
The celebrations commenced with the singing of the National Song, Vande Mataram, followed by the hoisting of the Tricolour by Charge d’Affaires a.i, Neeraj Kumar Saini, and the singing of the National Anthem. Thereafter, the Charge d’Affaires a.i read out the Address to the Nation by the Hon’ble President of India on the eve of Independence Day.
Addressing the gathering, the Charge d’Affaires a.i. of the High Commission of India in Freetown, Neeraj Kumar Saini, extended warm greetings to Indians living in Sierra Leone and other guests attending the ceremony.
Neeraj Kumar Saini described the anniversary as a momentous occasion and said it was an honour to join the Indian community and friends of India in commemorating the country’s independence.
On behalf of the High Commission of India and in his personal capacity, Neeraj Kumar Saini wished the gathering a happy and memorable Independence Day before reading the address delivered to the nation by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on the eve of the anniversary.
In her address, President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings to Indians at home and abroad, describing Independence Day as a national festival celebrated with pride and joy. She said India’s national flag remains a powerful symbol of the freedom achieved on 15 August 1947.
President Droupadi Murmu said independence gave every Indian citizen the opportunity to participate in shaping the destiny of the country. She stressed that the true meaning of freedom lies in ensuring that all citizens can access opportunities, fulfil their aspirations and contribute towards making India one of the world’s leading nations.
She recognized the contributions of students, teachers, scientists, engineers, healthcare workers, farmers, workers, sportspersons, craftspeople, artists, intellectuals, public officials, investors, social workers and other citizens involved in the country’s development.
President Droupadi Murmu also commended members of India’s Armed Forces, Armed Police Forces and police services for their dedication to protecting the country. She praised members of the Indian diaspora and officials serving in Indian diplomatic missions for promoting India’s reputation and interests internationally.
Reflecting on India’s constitutional democracy, President Droupadi Murmu said the Constitution rests on public participation and continues to guarantee equality, opportunity and respect for individual dignity. She noted that people from ordinary backgrounds are making remarkable contributions across different sectors, demonstrating that every citizen could dream and achieve success.
The Indian President highlighted what she described as more than a decade of rapid and inclusive development, combined with efforts to preserve India’s heritage and remove longstanding obstacles to national progress.
She also reflected on the contributions of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule to social justice, education, women’s empowerment and equality as India commemorates the 200th anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule’s birth.
According to President Droupadi Murmu, national development programmes have helped lift more than 250 million people out of poverty. She said the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana had connected nearly 590 million account holders to the banking system, while the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana had extended free annual healthcare coverage of up to 500,000 rupees to about 600 million people.
She added that the Kisan Samman Nidhi and Kisan Credit Card initiatives were supporting farmers involved in crop production, dairy farming, poultry, fisheries and beekeeping.
President Droupadi Murmu further pointed to India’s expanding digital infrastructure, noting that electronic payments had become common in rural communities, small shops and among street vendors. She said more than half of the world’s real-time digital transactions now take place in India, while technology has improved the transparent delivery of public welfare programmes.
She also cited the expansion of highways, waterways, railways and air transport as important developments creating business opportunities, generating employment and strengthening investor confidence.
Environmental protection featured prominently in the address, with President Droupadi Murmu reminding citizens that future generations have an equal right to natural resources. She called for stronger individual and collective action to preserve the environment and ensure that future generations inherit a healthier and richer natural world.
Turning to national security, President Droupadi Murmu praised the courage and professionalism of India’s Armed Forces. She said the country remains committed to confronting terrorism and other forces threatening peace, justice and humanity.
She also referred to the progress made in regions previously affected by Naxalism, noting that inclusive development is now creating new hope and opportunities in those communities.
President Droupadi Murmu celebrated India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, highlighting the international recognition given to historical sites linked to the Maratha military tradition and Sarnath, where Bhagwan Buddha delivered his first sermon.
The programme featured colourful cultural performances by children and members of the Indian diaspora. A special rendition of the patriotic song Vande Mataram by Ashna Jobin of the Sierra Leone Malayalese Association added to the celebratory atmosphere, while the local Boyzee Group delivered an energetic performance of Bollywood patriotic songs.
Charge d’Affaires a.i. Neeraj Kumar Saini later recognized participants in several activities organized by the High Commission of India to commemorate India’s 80th Independence Day. Those included the Special Independence Day Edition of the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz, the Viksit Bharat 2047 Painting Competition, the India Through My Lens Photography Competition and the Madhubani Art Workshop. Certificates and prizes were presented to the winners and other participants.
