India is celebrating its 75th Independence Day with full fervor and enthusiasm today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the national flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort to celebrate the historic day. As the tricolor got hoisted by PM Modi, flower petals were showered at the venue by two Mi-17 1V helicopters of the IAF in Amrut formation. Independence Day is celebrated in India to honor the sacrifices and struggles our freedom fighters made to make India independent from British rule.
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s ceremony was attended by few people and followed strict safety protocols and social distancing measures.
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This historic day becomes more iconic as the Centre invited 32 athletes -- who have won medals at the Olympics -- and two officials of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) at the Red Fort. Additionally, 40 Olympians, support staff, and the SAI and sports federation officials have also been invited to grace the Gyan Path in front of the ramparts.
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Marking another milestone in the history of the world’s largest democratic nation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort. This was Modi’s eighth consecutive Independence Day address.
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PM Modi had delivered his first Independence Day speech in 2014 when he was elected as the prime minister of India for the very first time.
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Addressing the nation, PM Modi said the Centre will soon launch the Rs 100 lakh-crore Gati Shakti national infrastructure plan to boost the country’s economy.
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Giving a call for ‘Sabka Prayas’ along with ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’ for building a new India, PM Modi said, “We have to ensure we meet our goal of building Aatmanirbhar Bharat when we celebrate 100 years of India’s Independence.”
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PM Modi also congratulated India’s Olympic contingent, which registered its best-ever Olympics performance in the recently concluded Games in Tokyo.
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This year, Indian athletes rocked the Tokyo Olympics and gave their sweat and blood to make India proud in the Olympics. Indian athletes won a record seven medals at the Tokyo Games, including gold, two silver medals, and four bronze ones.
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In his speech, PM Modi said that India is fighting the challenges posed by terrorism and expansionism and the country is responding with great courage in a tactful manner.
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The prime minister said that the "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" will be celebrated for 75 weeks and 75 Vande Bharat trains will connect different parts of the country during this period.
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