Independence Day Live: Rahul, Mamata, Kejriwal Hoist Flag; Share I-Day Messages
India is celebrating its 76th year of independence this year.
Children running through a field in Rajasthan's Ajmer while holding the national flag on Monday, 15 August.
(Photo: PTI)
Happy Independence Day 2022 Live Updates: Several Union Ministers and Opposition leaders hoisted the tricolour and greeted citizens on India's 76th Independence Day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed the nation earlier on Monday from the Red Fort. Before the address, PM Modi had unfurled the tricolour from the ramparts of the monument.
Anganwadi workers, street vendors, mortuary workers and mudra scheme beneficiaries graced the occasion at the Red Fort as special guests.
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
To mark 75 years of independence, the country is celebrating with the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign
Section 144 has been imposed and over 10,000 personnel have been deployed in the national capital for security
President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of Independence Day. This was also her maiden address as president
For the first time, a home-grown Howitzer gun and ATAGS will be used in the ceremonial 21-gun salute
Special invitations for the event have been given to anganwadi workers, street vendors, mudra scheme borrowers, and mortuary workers
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Security Stepped Up for Independence Day
Security arrangements in the national capital region have been stepped up for Independence Day. Over 10,000 personnel have been deployed to ensure security at the Red Fort, from where PM Modi will address the nation on Monday, reported news agency PTI.
Seven thousand invitees are expected to be a part of the Independence Day event at the Red Fort. From facial recognition system cameras to multi-layered security cover and over 400 kite catchers and fliers have been deployed.
Provisions of Section 144 have also been imposed in Delhi, Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Dependra Pathak said.
President Murmu's Address on Independence Day Eve
President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday, 14 August, addressed the nation ahead of the 76th Independence Day and highlighted India's achievements. "The world has seen new India rising in recent years, more so after the outbreak of COVID-19," the president said.
Further highlighting India's COVID-19 vaccination programme, she said, "We launched the biggest vaccination drive in human history with vaccines manufactured in the country itself. Last month we crossed the 200-crore mark in cumulative vaccine coverage. In combating the pandemic, our achievements have been better than those of many developed countries."
PM Modi Paid Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat
PM Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on the 76th Independence Day.
PM Modi Arrives at Red Fort
PM Modi arrives at the Red Fort for the Independence Day ceremony.
He is received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and MoS Defence Ajay Bhatt.
PM Modi Inspects Guard of Honour at Red Fort
PM Modi inspects the inter-services and police Guard of Honour at the Red Fort.
On India's 76th Independence Day, PM Modi Unfurls Tricolour at Red Fort
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoists the national flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort as India completes 75 years of independence.
After the Hoisting of the Flag, the National Anthem
The national anthem is played at the Red Fort.
PM Modi Addresses Nation From Red Fort
PM Modi addresses the nation from the Red Fort on the occasion of the 76th Independence Day.
'Day To Step Towards New Direction': PM Modi Begins Address
"I congratulate all Indians and those who love India on this Independence Day. It is a day to step towards a new direction with a new resolve," the prime minister said at the opening of his speech.
PM Modi, during his speech, remembered the sacrifices of Mangal Pandey, Tatya Tope, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ashfaqulla Khan, Ram Prasad Bismil and other revolutionaries for their role in the freedom struggle.
"Every Indian is filled with pride when they remember the strength of the women of India, be it Rani Laxmibai, Jhalkari Bai, Chennamma, or Begum Hazrat Mahal," he said.
'Today, We Remember...': PM Modi
"During 'Azadi Mahotsav', we remembered our many national heroes. On 14 August, we remembered the horrors of partition. Today is the day to remember all citizens of the country who contributed towards taking our country forward in these last 75 years," PM Modi said during his address to the nation.
"We salute our soldiers, police forces and most importantly every citizen who combated many challenges, worked towards vision of new India," the prime minister said.
"India is the mother of democracy. India has proved that it has a precious ability, and faced many challenges during its journey of 75 years," he stated.
'Soil of India Special, Something Different About Its People': PM
"When we attained freedom there were many sceptics who doubted our development trajectory. But, they did not know there is something different about the people of this land. They did not know that this soil is special," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during his address at the Red Fort.
"Despite challenges faced post independence, nothing could hamper zeal of Indian citizens," he added.
'Have Dedicated My Tenure to Mahatma Gandhi's Vision, Upliftment of Oppressed': Modi
"When we speak of freedom struggle, we can't forget the tribal community. Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Sidhu-Kanhu, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Govind Guru – there are innumerable names who became the voice of the freedom struggle & inspired tribal community to live and die for mathrubhumi," PM Modi said at the Red Fort.
"I have dedicated my entire tenure to fulfilling Mahatma Gandhi's vision of empowering the last man in queue," he stated.
'World Is Viewing India as Changing': PM
Emphasising that the next 25 years are crucial for India, PM Modi said during his Independence Day address, "The way world is viewing India is changing."
"'Amrit Kaal' providing golden opportunity to fulfil dreams and goals of this aspirational society," he added.
Nation's Enthusiasm for 'Har Ghar Tiranga' Symbolises Reawakening: PM Modi
Prime Minister Modi noted that the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign is an example of entire nation coming together to celebrate spirit of India.
"The nation's enthusiasm for 'Tiranga' seen in last three days could not have been imagined by many experts, symbolises nation's reawakening," he asserted.
PM Modi Lists 5 Pledges for Next 25 Years
PM Modi, during his address, called for moving forward with 5 pledges to fulfil freedom fighters' dreams by 2047 – when India is set to complete 100 years of independence.
First, to move forward with bigger resolves and the resolve of developed India
Second, to erase all traces of servitude
Third, to be proud of our legacy
Fourth, strength of unity
Fifth, duties of citizens which includes the PM and CMs
India must be a developed nation in the next 25 years, the prime minister emphasised.
"I urge the youth to dedicate next 25 years of their lives for nation's development; we will work towards development of entire humanity," he said.
'Aspirational Society an Asset to Country': PM Modi
Here are some highlights of PM Modi's Independence Day address at the Red Fort.
"An aspirational society is an asset to any country and we are proud that today in every corner of India aspirations are high."
"Equality cornerstone of India's progress; we need to make sure we are united through mantra of "India first.""
"Success of Digital India, startups has been driven by youth from tier-2 and tier-3 cities."
"Sometimes, our talent is restricted by language barriers, we need to be proud of every language in our country."
Modi Calls for Pledge Against Misogyny, Emphasises on Respectful 'Speech & Conduct'
During his I-Day address at the Red Fort, PM Modi called out the prevalence of misogyny and emphasised on the importance of respecting women.
"A distortion has crept in our conduct and we at times insult women. We can take a pledge to get rid of this in our behaviour," PM Modi said.
"It is important that in speech and conduct, we do nothing that lowers the dignity of women," the PM stated.
"Respect for women is important pillar for India's growth, we need to support our 'Nari Shakti,'" he added.
'Previous Govts Looted Banks, Ran Away': PM Modi Attacks Cong in I-Day Speech
"Some people in the previous governments looted banks and ran away, we are trying to confiscate their assets and bring them back," PM Modi said in a cryptic statement seemingly levelled at the Congress government, whose chief leaders – Rahul and Sonia Gandhi – are facing an ED probe.
"I want to talk about Bhai-bhateejavaad, Parivarvaad (familyism). On one hand, there are people who don't have a place to stay; on the other, there are people who don't have space to keep their stolen goods," the prime minister said during his speech at the Red Fort.
"There are times when people empathise with corrupt. There are times when their offence is proved in the courts, they are about to go to jail or are in jail already, but people still serve them and try to dignify them. We need to come together as a society to punish those who have propagated evil of corruption," the PM stated.
"When I talk about Bhai-bhatijavaad or Parivarvaad, I don't just talk about politics. But the political parivarvaad has induced the same sentiment in so many institutions," he added.
'Team India' Sentiment Will Take Nation Forward: PM Modi Concludes Speech
"Team India sentiment will take the country forward. The team of 130 crore people will achieve all dreams," PM Modi said near the conclusion of his address.
Tricolour Balloons Released From Red Fort
Tricolour balloons released from the Red Fort, soon after PM Narendra Modi concluded his address on the 76th Independence Day.
Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh Greet Citizens on Independence Day
Several politicians also took to Twitter to greet citizens on Independence Day.
Home Minister Amit Shah paid homage to freedom fighters, saying that they "sacrificed everything for the defence of the country.
"Happy 76th Independence Day. Today is a day to be proud of India's culture, vibrant democratic tradition and achievements of 75 years. I bow to the freedom fighters who made the sunrise of freedom in the country by burning sesame seeds and salute the brave soldiers who sacrificed everything for the defense of the country," Shah said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also uploaded a picture of himself hoisting the national flag at his residence in honour of the occasion.
Nirmala Sitharaman Thanks PM Modi for Emphasis on 'Nari Shakti'
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hailed PM Modi's speech, thanking him for reiterating the importance of 'Nari Shakti'.
"Thank you @PMOIndia for your reiteration on respecting women in our daily lives, giving them opportunities and believing in their aspirations and dedication to realise dreams. #NariShakti," she tweeted.
'Nation Will Always be Indebted to Freedom Fighters': JP Nadda
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief JP Nadda said that the country will forever be indebted to revolutionaries and freedom fighters.
"Happy Independence Day to all the countrymen. Tribute to the great revolutionaries and freedom fighters who dedicated their lives for the freedom of Mother Bharati. This country will always be indebted to you. Greetings on this special Independence Day. Jai Hind!" Nadda tweeted.
'We Pay Reverent Homage...': Rahul Gandhi's I-Day Greeting
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi paid "reverent homage" to the country on the 76th Independence Day.
"To India, our much-loved motherland, the ancient, the eternal and the ever-new, we pay our reverent homage and we bind ourselves afresh to her service. Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind," Gandhi said.
'Narcissistic Govt Playing Down Sacrifices of Freedom Fighters': Sonia Gandhi
Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, meanwhile, attacked the BJP in her greetings on Independence Day, calling the central government "narcissistic".
"Friends, we have achieved a lot in the last 75 years but today's narcissistic govt is busy downplaying the great sacrifices of our freedom fighters and the country's glorious achievements, which can never be accepted," a statement by Gandhi read.
This comes a day after the BJP government in Karnataka removed the image of India's first PM Jawaharlal Nehru from its 'Har Ghar Tiranga' advertisement
"Congress will not accept any wrong portrayal of historical facts for political gains nor will it allow any insult to Gandhi-Nehru-Patel-Azad based on falsehoods," she added.
Ambika Soni Unfurls Tricolour at Cong Headquarters
Senior Congress leader Ambika Soni unfurled the national flag at the AICC headquarters on Monday, even as party chief Sonia Gandhi and her daughter Priyanka Gandhi were absent on the occasion as they contracted COVID-19 earlier.
However, Rahul Gandhi was present at the function and was flanked by Ghulam Nabi Azad and Anand Sharma.
Other senior leaders present at the function included KC Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, Pawan Kumar Bansal and Mohsina Kidwai.
US Prez Joe Biden Invokes Mahatma Gandhi in I-Day Wishes
United States President Joe Biden invoked Mahatma Gandhi's "enduring message of truth and non-violence" as he wished India on its 76th Independence Day.
"The India-US strategic partnership is grounded in our shared commitment to the rule of law and the promotion of human freedom and dignity. Our partnership is further strengthened by the deep bonds between our people," Biden said.
ITBP Celebrates Independence Day at 18,800 Ft
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel celebrated Independence Day at 18,800 feet in Sikkim.
AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi Hoists Tricolour in Hyd
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi hoisted the tricolour at Hyderabad's Madina Circle on Monday, 15 August.
UP CM Adityanath Hoists Tricolour in Lucknow
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya paid tribute to the national flag during a function at the state's Vidhan Bhawan in Lucknow.
Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav Greet Each Other at I-Day Event
New alliance partners Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and Deputy CM and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav greet each other at a flag hoisting ceremony in Patna.
MP CM Shivraj Chouhan Celebrates I-Day in Bhopal
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan greeted citizens during Independence Day celebrations at Bhopal's Motilal Nehru Police Stadium.
Union Min Nitin Gadkari Hoists Tricolour at Residence
Union Minister for Road Transport Nitin Gadkari hoisted the tricolour at his residence in New Delhi.
'Let us Pledge...': Delhi CM Kejriwal's I-Day Message
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urged citizens to take a pledge to give the best education to every child and proper healthcare to citizens.
"Many many congratulations to all the countrymen on the 75th anniversary of independence. On this proud occasion, let us all take a pledge that every child of our great India has to be given the best education, every person has to be given good treatment, youth has to be given employment, India has to be made number-1 country," he tweeted.
'Country Should Remember Sacrifices of Martyrs': Priyanka Gandhi
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who has been suffering from COVID-19, said in her Independence Day greetings that the country should pay respects to those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
"We should remember our martyrs, citizens and leaders who sacrificed their lives for independence and due to whom we're independent today. Together we'll be ready to take a decision for our country and take it forward," Gandhi was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
'I Have a Dream for India': WB CM Mamata's I-Day Greeting
Greeting citizens on the 76th Independence Day, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "I have a dream for India! For the people, I want to build a nation where no one goes hungry, where no woman feels unsafe, where every child sees the light of education, where all are treated equally, where no oppressive forces divide the people & harmony defines the day."
She also said that the country must remain true to the vision of its founding fathers.
"On the completion of 75 years of Independence, India must awaken to the real essence of Independence. We must stay true to the vision of our forefathers and keep the aspirations of our future generations at heart. My heartfelt greetings to all my fellow citizens. Jai Hind!" she tweeted.
'Moment of Glory for Indians': Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik
Greeting citizens on Independence Day, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, "My best wishes to all on the occasion of 76th Independence Day. It is a moment of glory for every Indian. With the joint efforts of all, Odisha has become a role model in various fields of development. Let us maintain the trend of development, move forward unitedly towards building the best Odisha."
RSS Made Efforts to Imbibe 'Desh Bhakti' in Citizens: Mohan Bhagwat
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Monday that India got her freedom after tremendous struggle and that it was important for the country to be self reliant.
"Today is the day of pride and resolution. The country got freedom after a lot of struggle, it needs to be self-reliant. Those who want to be independent need to become self-reliant in everything," Bhagwat said.
He also said that the RSS had made efforts to create awareness about "desh bhakti" (patriotism) among citizens.
"You need to maintain relations with the world but on your own terms, and for it you need to become that capable. Those who want to be independent should also become capable in respect of their security," the RSS chief added.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Hoists Tricolour in Ludhiana
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann hoisted the tricolour at an event in Ludhiana.
"Today, 75 years of independence of our country have been completed. I bow to the martyrs who made many sacrifices to liberate India. Also, I wish all the Indians living abroad a very happy Independence Day. Jai Hind," Mann said.
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde Pays Tribute to Tricolour in Mumbai
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde paid tribute to the national flag at Mumbai's Mantralaya premises on Monday, 15 August.
'No Space for Hatred, Separatism in Indian Culture': Jharkhand CM Soren
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said on the occasion of Independence Day that there was no space for hatred and separatism in India's culture
After hoisting the national flag at Ranchi's Morabadi Ground, he said, "Our government is constantly striving to build a strong state on the foundation of development and democracy. We are making strong and honest attempts to fulfill the aspirations for which a separate state was created."
He also invoked the ideals of Bhagat Singh, saying that the goal of an egalitarian society cannot be achieved unless "we are successful in preventing exploitation of a person by another person."
Union Min Smriti Irani Hoists Tricolour with CRPF Personnel
Union Minister Smriti Irani hoisted the tricolour at her residence in New Delhi in the presence of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.
Foreign Min S Jaishankar Hoists National Flag at Residence
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar hoisted the national flag in his residence on Independence Day.
French Prez Macron Greets Indians on Independence Day
French President Emmanuel Macron greeted India on the occasion of Independence Day, and said that France would always be on the country's side.
"Dear friend @NarendraModi, dear Indians, Happy Independence Day! As you proudly celebrate India's stupendous achievements over the past 75 years, you can trust that France will always be by your side," Macron tweeted in Hindi.
BJP Stalwart LK Advani Unfurls Tricolour
BJP stalwart LK Advani hoisted the tricolour on Monday to mark 75 years of the country's Independence.
His daughter Pratibha Advani and son Jayant Advani were also present during the event among others.
India-Pak Armies Exchange Sweets on Independence Day
Border Security Force (BSF) Commandant Jasbir Singh and Pakistani Rangers Wing Commander Aamir exchanged sweets at the Attari-Wagah border near Amritsar on the occasion of Independence Day.