New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday greeted people on the country's Independence Day.
"Greetings on this very special Independence Day. Jai Hind!" the prime minister said in a tweet.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi on Monday unfurled the 'Tiranga' at the iconic Red Fort in New Delhi and addressed the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort. This is PM Modi's ninth Independence Day address to the nation from the Red Fort.
Beginning his speech at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that it was a historic day for India as it takes a new path with a new resolve. PM Modi stated that India's strength lies in its diversity, it was the mother of democracy.
Speaking at the Red Fort, Modi said that Indians must work towards a developed country and remove any vestiges of colonialism.
He added that Indians must also retain their roots while ensuring unity in diversity. PM Modi said that citizens must also carry out their duties.
Modi also called on the people of India to take 'panch pran' (five pledges) for a developed nation. "First, to move forward with bigger resolves and resolve of developed India; Second, erase all traces of servitude; Third, be proud of our legacy; Fourth, the strength of unity; and fifth, duties of citizens which include the PM and CMs," he said.
India is an aspirational society where changes are being powered by a collective spirit. The people of India want positive changes and also want to contribute to them. Every govt has to address this aspiration society, says PM Modi at Red Fort.
A multi-layered security cover along with Facial Recognition System cameras have been installed at each entry/exit point at the fort. Security personnel also deployed trained catchers to ensure that the premises remain monkey-free during the day. As many as 231 regular kite-flyers from the walled city area were roped in by the police to ensure a clear sky for about three hours on the morning of August 15.
The government also launched the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to encourage people to bring the Tiranga home and to hoist it to mark the 75th year of India's independence
The August 15 ceremony is particularly significant this year as it marks the 75th anniversary of India's independence, with the government launching a host of exercises to add to the verve around the celebration.