Prime Minister Narendra Modi began the Independence Day address by paying tributes to freedom fighters and security forces. He also thanked Covid warriors.
On 74th Independence day, prior to the flag hoisting ceremony, the prime minister paid homage to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi at the Rajghat in the national capital.
Upon reaching the Red Fort’s Lahori, the prime minister was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
He then inspected the Guard of Honour and then hoisted the tricolour.
While addressing the nation, PM Modi said,
“We have been going through many challenges like floods and landslides which have also resulted in the loss of lives. We pay condolences to the parts of the country facing natural calamities and disasters and reassure our fellow citizens of full support in this hour of need”.
“This is a day to remember the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. This is also a day to show gratitude to Security personnel including that of Army, paramilitary and police ensuring our safety”, the PM said.
For India, neighbours are not only ones we share a border with, but all those who have a bonding of the heart with us. ASEAN nations not just have had a great partnership with us today, but have shared values and cultures for centuries.
Climate Change is of great concern to us, and we are focusing on clean energy and solar power to take us forward and ensure that our per capita carbon foot is reduced. We are working on mission mode to ensure that pollution levels across India drop significantly.
In the next 1000 days, Lakshadweep will also be connected to submarine optical fiber cable: PM Modi
There are more than 1300 islands in our country. Keeping in mind their geographical location and their significance in the development of the nation, work to begin new projects in some of these islands is underway: PM Narendra Modi
Delimitation exercise is being carried out in Jammu and Kashmir, the country is committed for completion of this work so that elections are held and people’s representatives are elected there: PM Modi
From LoC to LAC, whoever tried to raise their eyes towards the sovereignty of our country, our soldiers responded to it in the same manner: PM Narendra ModiToday neighbour is not just the one with whom we share border but also those with whom our heart stays connected, where there is harmony in relations. I’m happy that in past some time India has further strengthened its relations with all countries in ‘extended neighbourhood’: PM
Ladakh too is seeing a lot of work done. Ladakh is leading the way and is focusing on becoming carbon-neutral. Just as Sikkim has made its mark as an organic state, efforts are being made to make Ladakh a carbon-neutral region. We are working actively with residents of Ladakh in taking new and innovative ways of development.
I want to thank all the sarpanches across Jammu and Kashmir, who are putting in a great effort to ensure development reaches everyone in the union territory and it progresses along with the rest of the country.
This one year is a year of the new journey of development for Jammu and Kashmir. This one year is the year of the rights received by the women and the Dalits in Jammu and Kashmir. This one year is also the year of a life of dignity for the refugees in Jammu and Kashmir: PM Modi
Today three vaccines are in testing stages in India. As soon as the scientists give a green signal, the country will begin their large scale production: PM Narendra ModiWe have set up a committee to reconsider the minimum age for marriage of our daughters. We will take an appropriate decision after the committee submits its report: PM Narendra Modi
Whenever women received opportunity, they made India proud & strengthened it. Today, nation is determined to provide equal opprtunities of self-emloyment & employment to them. Today women are working in coal mines, our daughters are touching the sky while flying fighter plane: PM
Education has a key role in the making of #Aatmanirbhar, modern, new and prosperous India. So, we have brought the new education policy after three decades that has been welcomed throughout the country, which instils new confidence: PM Modi