PM Narendra Modi hoisted the tricolour at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi on Thursday, in the memory of freedom fighters of the nation, to mark the 78th Independence Day of India.
"Today is a day to remember the countless 'Azaadi ke deewane', who have sacrificed so much for our country. We owe them a great debt," said PM Modi.
As the Prime Minister unfurled the Tiranga from the ramparts of Red Fort, flower petals were showered from the Indian Air Force's Advanced Light Helicopters.
This speech is PM Modi's first in his historic third term and 11th consecutive August 15 address.
Ahead of his speech, PM Modi did an inspection of the Guard of Honour at Red Fort and started the day by paying floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
Elaborate security arrangements were in place across the national capital in view of the celebrations.
This year, the theme of Independence Day is "Viksit Bharat@2047," which emphasizes the aspirations of the government to raise India to the height of a "viksit" nation by 2047, when it will celebrate a century of independence. All eyes are on policy and program announcements that make for great public optics.
/Viksit Bharat 2047 is not merely two words; it is the resolve and dreams of 1.4 billion people,/ reiterated PM Modi in his Independence Day address.
On the eve of the celebrations, PM Modi was full of praise for the increasing engagement with the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' initiative and appealed for greater participation by the public. This campaign is now in its fourth year and started during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
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