Time to step towards new direction with new resolve: Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday minister hoisted the National Flag at the ramparts of the Red Fort and delivered his customary 'Address to the Nation', the ninth consecutive time he is doing so. He started his address to the nation by congratulating the countrymen on the completion of 75 years of independence which is being celebrated in the country under the banner of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

"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," PM Modi said in his speech that began at "Our flag is flying high across the world and I wish all Indians across the world a Happy Independence Day. This is a historic day, a new day," he said.

Wearing a traditional tri-coloured motif safa (headgear) with a long trail, the PM who arrived at Red Fort after paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his samadhi at Rajghat was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and MoS Defence Ajay Bhatt.

The Prime Minister recalled the contribution of the freedom fighters and emphasised on the role of the women in the country's freedom struggle. "We are reaching new heights with new determination and new enthusiasm. The citizens are thankful to Bapu, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Babasaheb Ambedkar, and Veer Savarkar who gave their lives on the path of duty," PM Modi said "Every Indian is filled with pride when they remember the strength of the women of India- be it Rani Laxmibai, Jhalkari Bai, Chennamma, Begun Hazrat Mahal," the Prime Minister said.

After his arrival at the Red Fort, the PM inspected the inter-services and police Guard of Honour at Red Fort., which was positioned directly in front of the National Flag across the moat below the ramparts. Ahead of his speech to the nation, Prime Minister Modi hoisted the national flag.

Flower petals were showered at the venue in Amrit Formation by two MI-17 1V Helicopters. The Air Force band played the National Anthem hoisting of the National Flag and presenting of the 'Rashritya Salute'.

Apart from around 250 eminent personalities are arrive at the Red Fort on Monday, nearly 8,000-10,000 people attended the programme. Several events have been held over the last 75 weeks to celebrate the 75 years of India's independence. Meanwhile, people are enthusiastically taking part in the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

The 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign commenced on Saturday and will run till today. The programme envisages inspiring Indians everywhere to hoist the national flag at their homes. The aim of the programme is to make the relationship with the national flag a more personal one rather than just keeping it formal or institutional.

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence and the glorious history of India's people, culture and achievements. This Mahotsav is dedicated to the people of India who have not only been instrumental in bringing India thus far in its evolutionary journey but also hold within them the power and potential to enable Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of activating India 2.0, fuelled by the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The official journey of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav commenced on March 12, 2021, which started a 75-week countdown to our 76th anniversary of independence.