PM Modi addresses the nation from the Red Fort.Independence Day Live Updates, August 15: Laying down five resolves for Indians as the country enters the ‘amrit kaal’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that we must work towards a ‘viksit bharat’ (developed India). He added that we must remove any vestiges of colonialism, and retain our roots, while ensuring unity in diversity. PM Modi also said that Indians must carry out their duties to ensure that India is a developed nation in the next 25 years.
PM Modi stated that it was a historic day for India as it takes a new path with a new resolve. PM Modi stated that India’s strength lies in its diversity, it was the mother of democracy. Ahead of his speech at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the National Flag amid a 21-gun salute by the indigenously developed howitzer gun, ATAGS. This was followed by a shower of flower petals by helicopters. Earlier in the day, PM Modi visited Rajghat to pay his respects.
A multi-layered security cover along with Facial Recognition System cameras have been installed at each entry/exit point at the fort. Security personnel also deployed trained catchers to ensure that the premises remain monkey-free during the day. As many as 231 regular kite-flyers from the walled city area were roped in by the police to ensure a clear sky for about three hours on the morning of August 15.
Dress rehearsal for the 75th Independence Day at Manekshaw Parade Grounds, in Bengaluru. (Express Photo by Jithendra M)
PM Modi stated that apart from cooperative federalism which forms the foundation of our democracy, we also need cooperative competitive federalism.
"We need a competition over progress. If one state has worked to ensure progress, the other must do better," he said.
PM Modi lauded the women of the country for coming at the forefront in varied sectors, from sports to courts to the military.
"In the coming 25 years, I see a large contribution of the women of the country. I urge everyone to ensure the further empowerment of women," he said.
Lauding the efforts behind a self-reliant (aatmanirbhar Bharat), PM Modi said that even five-year-olds at home are refusing to play with toys made outside of India.
"I salute the young ones of the country," PM Modi said.
"A self-reliant India or 'aatmanirbhar Bharat' is the responsibility of every citizen, every government, and every unit of society. Self-reliant India -- this is not a government agenda or a government program. This is a mass movement of the society, which we have to take forward," PM Modi said.
"I invite the private sector to ensure that "made in India" products are spread globally," PM Modi added.
Equality is the cornerstone of India's progress, PM Modi stated, adding, "we need to make sure we are united through the mantra of 'India first'".
PM Modi expressed pride over the howitzer gun, ATAGS, which became the first indigenously-developed weapon to take part in the 21-gun salute on Independence Day.
Stating that women in India face many challenges, PM Modi stated that Indians must pledge to rid of any attitude or action that disrespects women.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India's unity lies in its diversity. We must ensure gender equality to ensure this unity... if daughters and sons are treated equally, there won't be unity.
I hope we can get rid of this attitude of upper-lower, or mine-others, PM Modi said.
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Speaking at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Indians must work towards a developed country and remove any vestiges of colonialism.
He added that Indians must also retain their roots while ensuring unity in diversity. PM Modi said that citizens must also carry out their duties.
"We must resolve to work towards a 'viksit bharat' (industrial India) and remove any vestiges of colonialism from any corner or in our hearts," said PM Modi
As we enter the amrit kaal, we must resolve to fulfil the dreams of India's freedom fighters, said PM Modi
"India is an aspirational society where changes are being powered by a collective spirit. The people of India want positive changes and also want to contribute to them. Every government has to address this aspirational society," said PM Modi.
"Despite challenges faced post-Independence, nothing could hamper the zeal of Indian citizens. This soil has power. Despite many challenges, India did not stop, did not bow down and kept moving forward," PM Modi said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India's strength is in its diversity. "India is the mother of democracy that can cause trouble for even the biggest of sultanates," Modi added.
This nation is thankful to Mangal Pandey, Tatya Tope, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ashfaqulla Khan, Ram Prasad Bismil and our innumerable revolutionaries who shook the foundation of the British Rule, PM Modi said at the Red Fort.
Every India is filled with pride when they remember the strength of the women of India, be it Rani Laxmibai, Jhalkari Bai, Chennamma, Begun Hazrat Maha, PM Modi said.
Beginning his speech at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that it was a historic day for India as it takes a new path, new pledge with renewed strength.
Ahead of his speech at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the National Flag amid a 21-gun salute by the indigenously developed howitzer gun, ATAGS.
PM Modi arrived at the Red Fort to mark 75 years of Independence. He then inspected the Guard of Honour. He will be addressing the nation shortly.
Ahead of his speech at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Rajghat to pay his respects.
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