In a historic address to the nation on the occasion of India’s 78th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag and delivered a powerful speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort. This marks his 11th consecutive Independence Day address, making it the first of his third term as Prime Minister.
A Vision for a Developed India by 2047
The theme for this year’s Independence Day is “Viksit Bharat@ 2047,” reflecting the government’s ambitious goal of transforming India into a developed nation by the year 2047, which will mark the centenary of the country’s independence. In his speech, PM Modi emphasized the importance of this vision, urging citizens to work together to build a prosperous and self-reliant India. He highlighted the strides made in various sectors, from infrastructure development to digital transformation, and called upon every Indian to contribute to the nation’s progress.
Celebrating the Spirit of ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’
PM Modi lauded the overwhelming success of the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign, which has entered its fourth year. The campaign, launched during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, has seen millions of Indians proudly displaying the national flag at their homes. The Prime Minister noted that this movement is a testament to the deep respect and patriotism that the 140 crore citizens of India hold for the Tricolour. He also expressed his gratitude to those who participated in the campaign, including Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states, and party leaders who took part in the “Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan.”
Honouring Special Guests and Athletes
The Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort were attended by 6,000 special guests, representing diverse segments of Indian society. Among them were members of tribal communities, farmers, women, ASHA workers, nurse midwives, and anganwadi workers, who have contributed significantly to the nation’s growth. The Prime Minister also extended a special invitation to the Indian contingent of athletes who represented the country in the recently-concluded Paris Olympics, acknowledging their dedication and hard work.
Tight Security Measures in Place
The event was conducted under stringent security arrangements, with over 10,000 security personnel, including Delhi Police and paramilitary forces, deployed to ensure the safety of the attendees. Advanced surveillance systems, including AI-based cameras, CCTV analytics, door frame metal detectors, and facial recognition software, were utilized to monitor the event.
Addressing the Growing Threat of Natural Disasters
PM Modi also touched upon the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters in his address, expressing concern over the rising toll they are taking on the nation. He cited the recent catastrophic landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, which claimed more than 230 lives, and the widespread flooding in several states as examples of the urgent need for enhanced disaster management and climate resilience. The Prime Minister assured the nation that the government is committed to addressing these challenges and supporting affected communities.
Nationwide Celebrations
Independence Day celebrations were held across all states and Union Territories, with Jammu and Kashmir witnessing a grand display of patriotism. The streets of Srinagar were adorned with tricolour lighting, and a Tiranga Rally was conducted with a 750-metre-long flag on the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in the Reasi district.
As the nation marks its 78th Independence Day, PM Modi’s address reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a strong, resilient, and developed India, guided by the collective efforts of its citizens.
