New Delhi, Aug. 15: The nation is celebrating the 80th Independence Day on Saturday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the nation from the iconic Red Fort in Delhi. 
 
As soon as the National Flag was hoisted by Prime Minister Modi, flower petals were showered at the venue by two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force. The hoisting of the National Flag was synchronised with the 21-gun salute.

According to the Indian Media, Addressing the nation from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi said India’s youth will play a crucial role in the country’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat.

He said young Indians will not only help shape the country’s future but will also be among the biggest beneficiaries of India’s development by 2047.

Recalling the last 12 years, PM Modi says, “In the last 20-12 years, we have faced many dangers. As soon as we emerged from Covid, there was news of wars that started to arise from Ukraine side and West Asia. An atmosphere of tension prevailed. God knows what all the predictions the predictors made! Some people gain joy in keeping the nation terrified by spreading rumours that vaccines will not be available, petrol, diesel, and fertilizer will not be available in the country. Some people were gaining joy from creating an atmosphere of anxiousness in the country.”

Addressing the nation on India’s 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for greater self-reliance and urged citizens to protect the country’s interests. He said initiatives such as Make in India, Swadeshi and Vocal for Local are increasingly becoming part of the lives of Indians.

“We must become self-reliant and protect our interests. Today, every Indian is getting connected with initiatives of Make in India, Swadeshi, Vocal for Local,” PM Modi said.

Prime Minister Modi praised citizens across India for their contribution to the country’s progress over the past 12 years.

He said people from all sections of society, including Dalits, tribals, the poor, middle class, youth, elderly, women and men, have worked with determination to take India to greater heights. Modi also acknowledged the efforts of people across the country, from the North, South, East and West.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India must set ambitious goals to become a developed nation by 2047, when the country marks 100 years of Independence.

He said the nation must keep its resolve strong and work with greater determination to achieve this dream.

Modi described the moment as historic as ‘Vande Mataram’ echoed from the Red Fort during the Independence Day celebrations on August 15.

He said the occasion holds special significance as India is also marking 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, making the rendition at the historic venue even more memorable.

After the showering of flower petals, the Prime Minister addressed the Nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Nearly 5,000 special guests from different walks of life have been invited to witness the celebrations at Red Fort this year. They include International Yoga Day volunteers, women entrepreneurs under PM Mudra Yojana, best performing MY Bharat volunteers, best performing beneficiaries of PMAY(U) and street vendors under PM SVANidhi, among others.
 
For the first time, National Song Vande Mataram was rendered during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. The grand event is being commemorated to mark 150 years of the enduring legacy of Vande Mataram and celebrate the energy, aspirations and pivotal contribution of Yuva Shakti in driving India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047. A total of two thousand 500 boy and girl cadets of the Army, Navy and Air Force and My Bharat volunteers will participate in the celebrations.
 
Around five thousand Special Guests, from different walks of life, have been invited to witness the celebrations at Red Fort. These include Artisans under the PM Vishwakarma scheme, Women Entrepreneurs under the PM Mudra Yojana, Street vendors under PM SVANidhi and Taxi Drivers of Bharat Taxi.