PM Modi greets spectators, interacts with students after Independence Day address

New Delhi [India], August 15 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort by greeting children and spectators in the audience circle.

After his speech, PM Modi interacted with students, shaking hands with the crowd, and waving as they cheered and raised slogans like 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai.'

This year's celebration marks the 11th time PM Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort on Independence Day, making him the third Prime Minister after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi to achieve this milestone.
The theme for this year's Independence Day is 'Viksit Bharat @ 2047,' aiming to drive the government's efforts to transform India into a developed nation by 2047.
During his address, PM Modi highlighted that India is moving towards self-reliance by improving domestic manufacturing and has even started exporting to other countries.
He emphasized that India has become self-reliant in mobile phone manufacturing and is now exporting to other countries.
"There was a time when we imported mobile phones, but today we have built a mobile phone manufacturing ecosystem, and now we have started exporting mobile phones to the world," the PM said.
PM Modi highlighted the women's self-help groups which have now around 10 crore women working in different sectors. "When women become financially independent this changes society," he said.
He also expressed his concern over the increasing frequency of natural disasters in recent years and offered his sympathies to the affected families.
"This year and for the past few years, due to natural calamity, our concerns have been mounting," the Prime Minister said.
"Many have faced devastating losses, including the loss of loved ones, property damage, and significant financial burdens. Today, I want to express my deepest sympathies to those affected and assure them that the nation is standing by their side through these challenging times," PM Modi said while addressing the nation.
Remembering the sacrifices of those who fought for the nation decades back, PM Modi said that the nation is indebted and grateful to them.
"This is the day to salute those who have fought and sacrificed their lives for the nation's independence. We bow down to every brave heart and pay our respects with reverence," PM Modi said.
He further highlighted the efforts and dedication of farmers, soldiers, and youth among other sectors in taking the country to new heights.
"They are our farmers, our soldiers, the courage of our youth, the contribution of our mothers and sisters, the Dalits, the exploited, the deprived and the oppressed. Today the feeling for national security and national development is there. I salute all these people today," he said.
The Prime Minister also urged the nation to work towards a developed nation to be achieved by 2047. He said that 40 crore Indians showed strength and courage to drive away the British decades back.
"Before independence, 40 crore Indians showed courage, dedication and bravery and moved with one motto, and broke the shackles of colonial rule despite all adversaries. Their only goal was freedom. If 40 crore Indians could do this, then 140 CR Indians of my family can do wonders if they take one pledge then despite all challenges we can make a Viksit Bharat by 2047," PM Modi said.
"Now is the time to live for Viksit Bharat 2047 and we Indians are determined. We have to become Atmanirbhar in every field. It is the determination of the Indians that is driving my resolve. India can become a developed nation by 2047. There was a time when people had a do-or-die attitude and we got freedom and now we must have the strength to live for the nation and that can make a strong India," he added.