"When the world's most populous country takes the resolution to become a developed nation... the world is compelled to look at us with a different perspective," says Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the historic Red Fort on Saturday morning to lead the nation in celebrating its 80th Independence Day. Upon arrival, the Prime Minister was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The Defence Secretary introduced the General Officer Commanding (GoC), Delhi Area, Lieutenant General Rajesh Sethi, to the Prime Minister. Lt. Gen. Rajesh Sethi then conducted PM Modi to the Saluting Base, where the Prime Minister inspected the ceremonial Guard of Honour comprising personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Delhi Police.
Following the inspection, Prime Minister Modi ascended the ramparts of the Red Fort to hoist the National Flag. As the Tricolour unfurled, a 21-gun salute was fired by the gunners of the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial) using indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns, synchronized with an aerial flower shower by two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters. In a landmark moment for India’s national celebrations, the National Song Vande Mataram was formally rendered during the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort for the very first time. Commemorating 150 years of the iconic song composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the rendition was played by the Army Band alongside the National Anthem immediately following the flag hoisting.
Commencing his 13th consecutive Independence Day address to the nation, Prime Minister Modi expressed solidarity with families affected by recent severe weather, stating, "In the last few days, some parts of the country have witnessed floods, which have affected many people. I assure the affected families that the whole country stands by them."
Highlighting the extraordinary national spirit, PM Modi added, "Today, every heart is beating with the rhythm of Vande Mataram. Aaj har ghar Tiranga hai, har mann Tiranga hai." (Today, every home has the Tricolour, every heart has the Tricolour).
Expanding on India's global stature and long-term aspirations, the Prime Minister emphasized the resolve to build a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047: "Today, India has a big dream to become a developed nation by 2047. When the world's most populous country takes the resolution to become a developed nation, it becomes an introduction of our courage, and the world is compelled to look at us with a different perspective." Reflecting the core themes of '150 Years of Vande Mataram' and 'Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047', PM Modi stressed that the ambition and determination of India's youth remain the cornerstone of this historical transformation.