New Delhi: India has entered its 71st year of Independence today and Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort in a short while from now. The speech, often regarded as one where the Prime Minister lists out his vision for the nation, will be the fourth for PM Modi, India’s first premier born in independent India.
The national capital has been put under a blanket of security cover. Thousands of security personnel, including 9,100 personnel from the Delhi Police, have been deployed in and around the historic Mughal fort, overseeing the presence of top dignitaries, including politicians, bureaucrats, diplomats and the general public, expected attend the PM’s address.
LIVE Updates from PM Modi’s Independence Day speech8:10 am: PM Modi said India has the capability to reach Mars within 9 months.
8:00 am: The Prime Minister said Kashmir will make progress only if the people of the nation come together. He further added the problem of Kashmir can be solved by hugging Kashmiri people. “Na goli se, na gaali se, Kashmir ki samasya suljhegi gale lagaane se,” PM Modi said there is no question we will be soft on terrorism or against terrorists,” he further added.
7:55 am: Talking about the economic reforms adopted by the country, PM Modi said those looting the nation are spending sleepless nights. Speaking about the newly implemented tax reform GST, the Prime Minister said that the move showed the spirit of cooperative federalism. “The nation has come together to support GST and the role of technology has also helped,” the Prime Minister said.
7:53 am: PM Modi further said that India is not fighting alone against terrorism and other nations are actively supporting the nation in its bid to end terrorism. “India’s stature in the world is rising. The world is with us in fighting the menace of terror. I thank all nations helping us doing so,” he said.
7:50 am: Prime Minister asked the citizens to leave behind “chalta hai (let it be)” mentality and adopt “badal sakta hai (we can bring change)”. He further added that the new attitude will help the nation. Talking about the strength of Indian security forces, PM Modi said that India’s security is our priority. He added that India’s security forces have always proved their mettle. “When we launched a surgical strike, the world had to admit the strength of our nation,” PM said.
7:45 am: The Prime Minister in is address said that all the citizens are equal in India. “There is no one big or small… everybody is equal. Together we can bring a positive change in the nation,” PM Modi said. He added that those were born in this millennium will turn 18 this year and will become “Bhagya vidhatas”.
7:42 am: Prime Minister, in his address, said that people of India have stood in unison to help those affected due to natural disasters. “People of India stand shoulder to shoulder with those affected due to natural disasters and the tragedy in Gorakhpur,” he said. He further said that the citizen needs to dream of a “new India” to take the country forward. “We have to take the country ahead with the determination of creating a ‘New India’,” PM Modi said.
7:35 am: Prime Minister begins his address to the nation. He offers Independence Day greetings to the citizen of the nation. He paid his respects to all those who laid their lives for the cause of the Independence. “We remember the great women and men who worked hard for India’s freedom,” the Prime Minister said.
7:30 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the National Flag at Red Fort, which was followed by the recitation of National Anthem. PM Modi will now begin his address.
7:15 am: PM Modi has inspected the Guard of Honour. Now, he is making his way to Lahore Gate from where he will be escorted to the ramparts of Red Fort where the flag hoisted ceremony will take place and he will address the nation.
7:10 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Rajghat. On his arrival he paid his homage to Mahatma Gandhi.
7:05 am: You can watch Prime Minister Modi’s address to the nation live below
6:50 am: PM Modi will unfurl National flag from ramparts of the Red Fort to mark the 71st Independence Day. He will be received by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, Minister of State for defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre and Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra at Lahori Gate of Red Fort on his arrival.
6:30 am: Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the nation on the occasion. In a tweet he said, “Independence Day greetings to my fellow Indians. Jai Hind.” He also wished the citizens for Janmashtami.
