Nation celebrates its 76th Independence Day today

The Nation is celebrating its 76th Independence Day today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in celebrating the Independence Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi by hoisting the National Flag. After being unfurled, the Tricolour received a 'Rashtriya Salute'. 

The Air Force band, consisting of 20 men played the National Anthem during unfurling of the National Flag and presenting of the 'Rashritya Salute'. 

The unfurling the National Flag was synchronised with the 21 Gun Salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 8711 Field Battery (Ceremonial).

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. 

He called it a historic day saying this is an auspicious occasion to march ahead with new resolve. Mr Modi said there was not a time under foreign rule when India's sons and daughters had not struggled for her independence. 

He 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 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.

PM Modi said India has marched ahead inspite of many challenges because she is the Mother of Democracy. 

He said that India has proved that the people have the inherent strength coming from its diversity and the common thread of patriotism that makes India unshakeable. 

He stated that this soil has the power that despite many challenges, India did not stop, did not bow down and kept on moving forward.

He stressed on the need to also salute the soldiers, police forces, and every citizen who combated many challenges and yet worked towards the vision of New India during the 75 years.

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.

PM Modi said that based on the philosophy of Gandhiji, government is working towards empowering every Indian at every corner of the nation, be it Dalit, women, farmers, or Divyang. 

He said an aspirational society is important for any nation and expressed pride that these aspirations are present in every household in India. 

PM Modi said this Amrit Kaal has provided a golden opportunity to fulfill the dreams and goals of this aspirational society.

He exuded pride that there is an increase in common consciousness of the love for the nation. He 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. He said the nation stood together from supporting doctors to propelling research to taking vaccines to the remotest parts.