PM Modi calls Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort ‘memorable’, urges commitment to Viksit Bharat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described his 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort as “memorable” and urged citizens to renew their commitment to Viksit Bharat. He also unveiled the ‘Sapta Dhara’ concept and stressed youth participation in nation-building.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described his Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort as a “memorable” occasion, sharing glimpses from the historic ramparts and calling on the nation to renew its commitment to building a Viksit Bharat.

In a post on X after leading the 80th Independence Day celebrations, PM Modi shared photographs and glimpses from the Red Fort and reflected on the significance of the national occasion.

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“A memorable Independence Day at the Red Fort! This day reminds us of the courage and sacrifice of those who gave us freedom. At the same time, it is a day to renew our commitment to building a Viksit Bharat. May the Tricolour always inspire us to rise above every challenge, strengthen the bonds of unity and dedicate ourselves to the nation.”

PM Modi earlier hoisted the National Flag from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort and addressed the nation as India celebrated its 80th Independence Day. The unfurling of the Tricolour was followed by a 21-gun salute, while a ceremonial showering of flowers from a helicopter also took place.

Beginning his address, the Prime Minister invoked ‘Vande Mataram’ and the Tricolour while paying tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence.

“Today, every heartbeat is echoing with Vande Mataram; today, there is ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’…The nation today remembers those great sons who sacrificed for independence, carrying only one aim, freedom, and dedicating their lives to it. I pay my heartfelt tribute to Pujya Bapu and every other freedom fighter.”

Highlighting the significance of this year’s celebrations, PM Modi said the National Song was echoing from the Red Fort for the first time since Independence as the country commemorates 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’.

In his address, PM Modi also unveiled the concept of ‘Sapta Dhara’ (Seven Streams), describing seven key areas of strength that he said would provide India with the momentum and capabilities needed to accelerate growth and achieve the goal of a developed nation.

Drawing a parallel with the historical concept of ‘Sapta Sindhu’ (Seven Rivers), the Prime Minister said India needed a new current of development and national strength to realise its aspirations for Viksit Bharat.

PM Modi said the next five to seven years would be particularly important for India, arguing that the combined strength of the seven streams could enable the country to achieve in the coming years what had remained unfinished over several previous decades.

He also stressed the importance of fully harnessing the power and potential of India’s youth, saying their capabilities would be integrated into the process of nation-building.