India marked its 79th Independence Day with vibrant celebrations, commemorating the nation’s liberation from over two centuries of British colonial rule in 1947. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the festivities from the historic Red Fort, unfurling the National Flag and delivering a powerful address to the nation that highlighted the Constitution’s role as a beacon for India’s progress, paid tribute to freedom fighters, and unveiled transformative initiatives to achieve a viksit and atmanirbhrat Bharat by 2047.
The theme for this year’s celebrations, ‘Naya Bharat,’ reflects India’s ambition to become a prosperous, secure, and independent nation by its centennial of independence in 2047, as outlined by the Ministry of Defence.
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi departs from the ramparts of Red Fort after hoisting the national flag and addressing the nation on the 79th #IndependenceDay. pic.twitter.com/TS8zKIsWYv
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) August 15, 2025
Approximately 5,000 special guests, representing diverse segments of Indian society, attended the Red Fort ceremony. Among them were members of the Indian contingent for the Special Olympics 2025, international sports champions, 50 high-performing Swachhta workers from the Swachhta Campaign, and tribal children from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Highlights from PM Modi’s speech
PM Modi began his address saying, “In a way, I am seeing a miniature India here in front of my eyes,” noting the event’s technological outreach connecting the Red Fort to the nation.
Constitution: The lighthouse of India
PM Modi described the Constitution as India’s guiding light, stating, “For 75 years, the Constitution of India has been showing us the path like a lighthouse.” He paid homage to its makers and highlighted the significance of this year’s celebrations, coinciding with the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, who sacrificed for the vision of ‘one country, one constitution.’
Modi recalled the abrogation of Article 370 as a tribute to Mookerjee’s legacy, saying, “When we brought the mantra of one country, one constitution to life by demolishing the wall of Article 370, we paid true tribute to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee.”
Reflecting on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Modi urged the nation to remember the “sin of murdering the Constitution” and strengthen its commitment to constitutional values. “No generation in the country should forget this sin of murdering the Constitution. They should not forget the sinners who murdered Constitution,” he asserted, emphasising the need to safeguard democratic principles.
Operation Sindoor: A bold response to terrorism
A significant portion of Modi’s speech focused on Operation Sindoor, the military operation that was a resolute response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. “On 22nd April, terrorists from across the border came to Pahalgam and killed people after asking their religion… Entire India was outraged, and the entire world was shocked by such a massacre. Operation Sindoor is the expression of that outrage,” he said.
Modi revealed that Indian forces penetrated “hundreds of kilometres into enemy soil” and destroyed terrorist headquarters, causing unprecedented destruction in Pakistan. “Destruction in Pakistan is so massive that new revelations are being made every day and new information is coming out daily,” he added, saluting the bravery of Indian soldiers.
PM highlighted the role of India’s self-reliance in defence, noting, “We have seen the wonders of Made in India in #OperationSindoor. Even the enemy was shocked at the kind of ammunition that was destroying them within seconds. Had we not been self-reliant, would we have been able to carry out Operation Sindoor at such a level?”
Atmanirbhar Bharat: The foundation of Viksit Bharat
Central to Modi’s vision was the concept of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ as the cornerstone of a ‘Viksit Bharat’. “Viksit Bharat ka aadhar bhi hai Aatmanirbhar Bharat… If someone becomes too dependent on others, the very question of freedom starts to fade,” he said, emphasising that self-reliance extends beyond economics to national strength and identity.
Modi announced several initiatives to bolster self-reliance, including a National Deep Water Exploration Mission to tap oil and gas reserves in the sea and a renewed focus on indigenous semiconductor production. “By the end of this year, Made in India semiconductor chips, made by the people in India, will hit the market,” he declared, lamenting that the idea of a semiconductor industry was “killed in the womb” decades ago.
He also called for the development of indigenous jet engines for India’s fighter jets, urging young scientists and engineers to lead the charge.
PM celebrated India’s strides in the space sector, noting the return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from the International Space Station and preparations for the Gaganyaan mission. “We are also working towards building our own Space Station,” he announced, highlighting the contributions of over 300 startups in the space industry.
GST Reform and employment scheme
Modi unveiled the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana, a Rs 1 lakh crore scheme aimed at generating 3.5 crore jobs for India’s youth. “Young men and women getting their first job in the private sector will receive Rs 15,000 from the government. Companies that create more employment opportunities will also be given incentive amounts,” he said, positioning the initiative as a cornerstone of India’s economic growth.
#BREAKING | From Red Fort, PM Narendra Modi announces a Next Generation GST reform coming this Diwali.
GST on daily-use items will be significantly lowered, promising major relief to consumers and boosting affordability across the country. pic.twitter.com/ZMpdlp2ZBc
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) August 15, 2025
On tax reforms, Modi promised next-generation GST reforms to reduce the tax burden, declaring, “This Diwali, I am going to make it a double Diwali for you.” He also addressed the Indus Water Treaty, criticising its historical unfairness to Indian farmers. “The waters of rivers originating in India have been irrigating the fields of our enemies, while the farmers and the land of my own country remain thirsty without water,” he said, asserting that India’s farmers now have priority over water resources.
High-Power Demography Mission
Modi expressed solidarity with victims of recent natural disasters, including landslides and cloudbursts, assuring that the central and state governments are working tirelessly on rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
He also raised concerns about demographic changes due to infiltration, announcing the launch of a High-Power Demography Mission to address threats to national security and livelihoods. “Infiltrators are snatching away the livelihood of the youth of my country… This will not be tolerated,” he warned.
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi announces High-Power Demography Mission, warning of attempts to alter India’s demography.
He cites threats to youth, women, tribals, and national security, calling it a well-thought-out conspiracy. The mission aims to safeguard livelihoods, land, and… pic.twitter.com/wrC4czMHld
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) August 15, 2025
To strengthen national security, Modi introduced the Sudarshan Chakra Mission, inspired by Bhagwan Krishna, aimed at modernising India’s defence capabilities by 2035. “The nation will be launching the Sudarshan Chakra Mission,” he said, underscoring India’s resolve to protect its borders.
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi announces Sudarshan Chakra Mission inspired by Bhagwan Shri Krishna, aiming to expand, strengthen, and modernise India’s national security shield by 2035. He unveils the vision during his Independence Day speech. pic.twitter.com/7sx2oCoVlS
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) August 15, 2025
Social justice and inclusive development
PM reiterated his commitment to marginalised communities, stating, “There was a time when widowed women, the poor, tribal communities, and persons with disabilities had to wander from door to door fighting for their rights. Today, the government comes to their doorstep.” He highlighted that 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty through government schemes, calling it a “revolutionary achievement.”
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi launches Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana, a Rs 1 lakh crore scheme for youth. Under it, first-time private sector employees will get Rs 15,000, companies creating more jobs receive incentives, and nearly 3.5 crore new employment opportunities… pic.twitter.com/6wptcp8mol
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) August 15, 2025
PM also paid tribute to social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, announcing events to mark his 200th birth anniversary and emphasising policies prioritising the poor and backwards communities.
Celebrated 100 years of RSS
He celebrated the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), describing it as “the biggest NGO in the world” with a 100-year history of service to the nation.
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi salutes RSS, applauding 100 years of selfless service to Ma Bharti.
He hails the century-long journey of swayamsevaks devoted to serving the nation, saying Bharat is proud of their dedication.
He says, “Today, I would like to proudly mention that 100… pic.twitter.com/VMeUZaYB5n
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) August 15, 2025
He said, “Today, I would like to proudly mention that 100 years ago, an organisation was born – Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). 100 years of service to the nation is a proud, golden chapter. With the resolve of ‘vyakti nirman se rashtra nirman’, with the aim of welfare of Maa Bharati, swayamsevaks dedicated their lives to the welfare of our motherland…In a way, RSS is the biggest NGO of the world. It has a history of 100 years of dedication…”
A call for ‘Vocal for Local’
Modi urged citizens to embrace the “vocal for local” mantra to build a prosperous India. “If we could get independence from the sacrifices of people, then with commitment, vocal for local, we can get prosperous India,” he said, appealing to influencers and political parties to promote indigenous products. “We should only buy indigenous products,” he emphasised, framing it as a collective mission transcending political boundaries.
Health and social awareness
Addressing health concerns, Modi highlighted the growing threat of obesity, urging citizens to reduce cooking oil usage by 10 percent. “In the coming years, experts say that one in every three people will suffer from obesity. We must protect ourselves from this,” he cautioned, promoting healthier lifestyles as a national priority.
Vision for unity and progress
Modi described Independence Day as “a festival of 140 crore resolutions,” reflecting the collective aspirations of India’s 1.4 billion citizens. “Today, 140 crore citizens are immersed in the colours of the Tiranga,” he said, celebrating the nation’s unity and pride.
He called for a unified effort to extend India’s global influence, stating, “If we do that, the world will admit our strength.”
PM Modi concluded his address with a message of resilience and ambition, urging the nation to focus on its strengths rather than external challenges. “Kisi doosre ki lakeer chhoti karne ke liye, apni oorja hamein nahi khapani hai. Hamein poori oorja ke saath hamari lakeer ko lamba karna hai,” he said, inspiring India to chart its own path to greatness.
As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day, PM Modi’s address has set a bold agenda for a self-reliant, developed, and united nation, with the Constitution as its guiding light and the collective resolve of its people as its driving force.
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