I-Day Wishes Pour in From Across the World, PM Hails Nation’s Rise
Catch all the live updates on Independence Day celebrations here.
World leaders on Thursday, 15 August greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India on the 73rd Independence Day and described New Delhi as a close friend.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi in his Independence Day address touched upon a host of issues including the revocation of Article 370, implementation of ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ andannounced a new post of Chief of Defence Staff, among others.
- PM Modi said that the government has fulfilled the vision of Sardar Patel by revoking Article 370 and 35A
- While announcing the implementation of ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ Modi said that the govt will ensure that drinking water reaches every house in the country
- Speaking on population control, PM Modi said that there is a greater need for discussion and awareness on population explosion
- He also stressed on population explosion, stating that controlling it is also a form of patriotism
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President Kovind's Address to Nation on Independence Day Eve
President Ram Nath Kovind in his address to the nation on the eve of the 73rd Independence Day hailed the Modi government’s achievements.
Decision on J&K Will Benefit the People: Kovind
President Ram Nath Kovind in his address to the nation on the eve of the 73rd Independence Day said that the recent changes made in Jammu and Kashmir will benefit the newly formed union territories and its people.
“I'm confident that the recent changes made in Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh would be of immense benefit to those regions. They will enable the people to access and enjoy the same rights, same privileges and same facilities as their fellow citizens in the rest of the country,” he said.
“These include progressive, egalitarian laws and provisions related to RTE, accessing public information through RTI, reservations in education and employment and other facilities for deprived communities and justice for our daughters by abolishing unequal practices such as instant triple talaq,” he added.
3 Women IAF Officers to Assist PM During I-Day Celebrations
Three women IAF officers will assist PM Modi during Independence Day ceremony. Flying Officer Preetam Sangwan will assist the Prime Minister in unfurling of national flag, while Flt Lt Jyoti Yadav and Flt Lt Mansi Geda will be positioned on either side of the saluting dais for the PM.
PM Modi Wishes Happy Independence Day to Fellow Indians
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, 15 August, wished the nation a “happy Independence Day” ahead of his first speech in the second term of office.
PM Pays Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat
Ahead of his first speech after assuming office for the second time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat.
PM Addresses Nation From Red Fort on 73rd Independence Day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, 15 August, addressed the country after hoisting the national flag at New Delhi’s Red Fort, on the occasion of India’s 73rd Independence Day.
Modi said that he saluted the freedom fighters and hoped for peace and growth of the nation.
He also wished people for Rakshabandan festival.
Fulfilled Patel's Vision by Revoking Article 370: PM Modi
In his Independence Day address, PM Modi said that the government has fulfilled the vision of Sardar Patel by revoking Article 370 and 35A.
Stand With Those Suffering From Floods, Says Modi
Acknowledging that many Indians are suffering due to floods in various parts of the country, the PM Narendra Modi said that he stands in “solidarity” with them.
Time to Fulfill India's Dreams: PM Modi in I-Day Speech
In his Independence Day address, PM Narendra Modi said that 2014 to 2019 was a period of fulfillment of requirements of Indians but the period after 2019 is a period of “fulfillment of the aspirations of the countrymen.”
When We Can Ban Sati, Why Not Triple Talaq: PM Modi
Touching upon the criminalising the Triple Talaq practice, PM Modi said that when government can ban Sati, why not this.
We Have Liberated People of J&K, Says PM Modi in I-Day Speech
PM Modi talked about the effective revoking of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state of J&K by stating that it has resulted in “one nation, one constitution.”
Water for All: Modi’s ‘Jal Jeevan’ Promise on Independence Day
“I am announcing from the Red Fort that we will go ahead with 'Jal Jeevan Mission' to ensure that drinking water reaches every house in the country,” said PM Narendra Modi in his Independence Day address.
'Population Control a Form of Patriotism,' Says Modi
Stressing on population control, the prime minister said that overpopulation will create various problems for the country in coming years. He said that there was a need for social revolution to control population.
He also added that ‘Ease of Living’ was the government’s top priority.
Govt to Invest Rs 100 Lakh Crore in Infrastructure
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that his government will invest Rs 100 lakh crore in infrastructure in the next five years.
World is Eager to Trade With India: PM Modi
PM Modi said that the world is eager to trade with India because the policy system is predictable and the government is stable.
PM Modi Announces the Position of Chief of Defence Staff on I-Day
India to have Chief of Defence Staff to head all three forces – Army, Air Force and Navy – announces PM Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech.
'Time for Plastic-free India', Says PM Modi in I-Day Speech
Stressing on plastic-free India, PM Narendra Modi said a step in this direction will be taken on 2 October.
“Can we free India from single-use plastic? Time for implementing this idea is now. Let an important step in this direction be made on 2 October,” he said.
Request Families to Take Vacations in India: PM Modi
J&K Guv Satyapal Malik Unfurls National Flag
Jammu & Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik unfurls the national flag at Sher-i-Kashmir stadium on the occasion of 73rd Independence Day.
Owaisi Unfurls National Flag in Hyderabad
Ladakh Celebrates Independence Day
Putin Writes to Modi, Sends Wishes on I-Day
President of Russia, Vladimir Putin wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind on 73rd Independence Day.
“Kindly accept cordial congratulations on the national day of the Republic of India, the Independence Day,” he said in the letter.
Mulayam Singh Yadav Unfurls National Flag at SP Office
Former UP CM Mulayam Singh Yadav unfurls the national flag at Samajwadi Party office in Lucknow.
Ajit Doval, Satya Pal malik at I-Day Celebrations in J&K
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik attended Independence Day celebrations at Sher-e-Kashmir stadium.
J&K BJP President Dances at I-Day Celebrations
BJP Jammu & Kashmir President Ravinder Raina danced during IndependenceDay celebrations in Jammu.
Sonia Gandhi Celebrates I-Day at AICC Headquarters
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Ahmed Patel, Dr Manmohan Singh and others greet interim party president Sonia Gandhi during Independence Day celebrations at party office.
Kovind, Rajnath Singh Pay Tribute at National War Memorial
President Ram Nath Kovind along with chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force paid tribute at National War Memorial on the occasion of IndiaIndependence Day. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was also present.
I-Day Celebrated at Indian High Commission in Pakistan
Independence Day celebrations took place at the Indian High Commission in Pakistan. Chargé d'affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia unfurled the National Flag and read out the President's message.
BSF Exchanges Sweets at Bangladesh Border
Sweets were exchanged at India-Bangladesh border between Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) on the occasion of Independence Day.
Lt Gen Ranbir Singh Celebrates I-Day in Kupwara
Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh celebrated Independence Day with troops in J&K’s Kupwara.
“For the past few days, there have been attempts by Pakistan to push in infiltrators. Such infiltration attempts have been supported by ceasefire violations. Indian Army is totally alert and we have been able to foil all such attempts,” he said while speaking to ANI.
Mohan Bhagwat Hails PM Modi in I-Day Speech
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 could be revoked because the entire society showed determination, and lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and “willpower” for taking such a decision.
People say about the prime minister that 'woh hain to mumkin hai' (if he is there, everything is possible), which is “not wrong”:, Bhagwat said.
Even on the country's 73rd Independence Day, there is a belief that if people are determined, they "can make the impossible possible", he said.
Greeting people during the Independence Day celebrations at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters here in Maharashtra, he said, “Article 370 could be removed because the entire society made a resolution, so on this day we renew that resolve again.”
World Leaders Send I-Day Wishes to India
World leaders on Thursday greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian people on the 73rd Independence Day and described New Delhi as a close friend.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Bhutan PM Lotay Tsheringwere among the world leaders to congratulate Prime Minister Modi.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Greets India on I-Day
Greeting the people of India on the eve of the country's Independence Day, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said over the past two decades India-US friendship has flourished into a strategic partnership.
He said that the shared democratic values of the two nations, strong people-to-people ties and commitment to economic growth have further cemented the relationship.
“Over the past two decades, our friendship has flourished into a strategic partnership and we now cooperate on a range of important issues, from defense and counter-terrorism, to freedom of navigation and cutting-edge science, including in space,” Pompeo said in a statement.
"As I said during my recent visit to India, the United States and India are great democracies, global powers, and good friends. I wish the people of India a joyful Independence Day," he said.
Locals Celebrate I-Day in Karnataka's Flood-Affected District
Locals celebrated Independence Day in flood-affected Shurpali village in Bagalkot district.
Visuals of I-Day Celebrations from Across J&K
Visuals of Independence Day being celebrated from across Jammu and Kashmir pour in.
'Beating the Retreat' Ceremony at Wagah-Attari Border
'Beating The Retreat' ceremony is underway at Attari-Wagah border on Independence Day.