India is celebrating its 76th Independence Day today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in celebrating the Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort by hoisting the National Flag. The Tricolour received a ‘Rashtriya Salute’. The hoisting of the National Flag was synchronised with the 21 Gun Salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 8711 Field Battery (Ceremonial).
The Prime Minister exuded pride that after 75 years, people heard the proud sound of a Made-in-India weapon in the Independence Day gun salute. In his ceremonial address, the Prime Minister said that this Day is being celebrated not just in India, but in every corner of the world the Tiranga is flying with pride and honour.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Dr BR Ambedkar and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
The Prime Minister said as the nation pays respects to freedom fighters, there is a need to remember their vision and dream for India during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahostav. He said the nation is grateful to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Ramprasad Bismil, Rani Laxmi Bai, and all other freedom fighters who shook the foundations of the British Empire. He also saluted the architects of free India including Jawaharlal Nehru, Ram Manohar Lohia and Sardar Vallabhai Patel. He highlighted that India has been home to great thinkers like Swami Vivekanand, Sri Aurobindo and Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. He added that Adivasi freedom fighters such as Birsa Munda, Tirot Singh and Alluri Sitarama Raju played a pivotal role in keeping the freedom struggle alive in every corner of India.
The Prime Minister said, Indian soil has the power that despite many challenges, it did not stop, did not bow down and kept on moving forward.
The Prime Minister emphasised that for growth of New India, there is a need to ensure inclusive development across the nation. He said this was a vision held dear by Mahatma Gandhi.
The Prime Minister said, Jai Anusandhan is to be read with the slogan Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan and Jai Vigyan.
The Prime Minister said, Har Ghar Tiranga has been an example of the entire nation coming together to celebrate the spirit of this glorious country. Mr Modi said COVID has been an example of this common consciousness, where citizens came together.
The Prime Minister said that as India celebrates 75 years of Independence, there is a need to now move with a renewed focus and resolve for the next 25 years. He said, there is a need to focus on the Five Resolves. These are Developed India, Removing every ounce of Slave Mentality, Pride for glorious heritage, Unity and Fulfilling Citizen’s Duties.
The Prime Minister said that when India flies high, she can provide solutions to the entire world. He said Nature has been a pivotal part of India’s heritage and country has traditions and practices that will help in combating climate change.
Mr Modi said equality is the cornerstone of India’s progress and people should be united through the mantra of India First. He requested every Indian to change the mentality toward women in everyday life. He added that the pride of Nari Shakti will play a vital role in fulfilling the dreams of India.
Mr Modi said that Aatmanirbhar Bharat is a public movement that should be taken forward. He urged people to follow Sri Aurobindo’s mantra of ‘Swadeshi se Swaraj, Swaraj se Suraaj’. He said AatmanirbharBharat is a public movement that must be taken forward.
Prime Minister said the nation should come together to defeat the evils of corruption and nepotism. He said there is a need to fight against corruption with all the strength. He highlighted that in the last eight years, the use of Aadhar, Direct Benefit Transfer and mobile were used to find two lakh crore of black money.
Earlier, Mr Modi paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.