Independence Day 2018 HIGHLIGHTS: PM Modi announces healthcare scheme Ayushman Bharat, roll-out on Sept 25

On the occasion of Independence Day, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Wednesday launched three new schemes, including free life insurance for farmers. Rao unfurled the national flag at the historic Golconda Fort in Hyderabad. He also launched an eye care initiative aiming to cover all citizens in the state and an economic support programme for backward classes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to poetry to highlight his vision of new India, on the occasion of Independence Day, saying "we are breaking chains" and are "determined to soar above the sky and build a new India". READ MORE

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal waves at school children during Independence Day celebrations in the national capital.

Colourful fans handcrafted by tribal artisans offered relief to the dignitaries, including foreign diplomats and politicians, braving high humidity levels during the Independence Day function at the historic Red Fort. An overcast sky with high relative humidity was a perfect recipe for a typical sultry morning in the national capital. At 5.30 am, humidity was 72 per cent, the Met department said. It was 88 per cent a couple of hours ago. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen wiping his face with a handkerchief several times while delivering the Independence Day speech from the Red Fort.

Also Read | Hand-crafted tribal fans help dignitaries beat-the-heat at Red Fort

Here are Independence Day pictures from the Red Fort 

“Hum tod rahe hain zanjeerein, (We are breaking the shackles)

Hum badal rahe hain tasveerein, (We are shaping the picture)”

These two sentences at the fag end of his speech summed up the essence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s near 80-minute fifth Independence Day address from the ramparts of Red Fort today. In his characteristic style, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s last speech from Red Fort before seeking a fresh mandate in 2019 sought to project that he has provided an assured stewardship of the leap of faith taken by the electorate in him in 2014.

Opinion |  PM Modi speech underlines he’s acted with pace and purpose, impatient to do more

As India celebrates 72nd Independence Day today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort for fifth and the last time as the Prime Minister. Wearing a saffron turban, Modi unfurled the Tricolour and said, ” We have to ensure social justice for all and create an India that is progressing rapidly.”  Here are keynotes from his speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address from the ramparts of Red Fort on Wednesday, said the country will see an Indian on a space mission under an indigenous space project called ‘Gaganyaan‘ before 2022. This was Modi’s last Independence Day speech ahead of general elections and as PM in the current tenure. Modi said when India celebrates the 75th year of Independence in 2022, “and if possible even before, an Indian son or daughter” will undertake a manned space mission on board ‘Gaganyaan‘ “carrying the national flag”. READ MORE HERE

For much of the 78 minutes, the PM delivered a report card of the NDA government, recounting the achievements of flagship programmes. But what was, in essence, an election speech had soaring moments. First, was the promise to put an Indian man or woman in an Indian-made spacecraft into space. The final frontier can galvanise societies, and have them aspire to a positive, forward-looking nationalism. Second, through the speech, Modi maintained a focus on the rights of women, of their equal place in society. Third, he sought to present himself and his government as standing for the marginalised and the poor. But there were omissions too. While most communities, including Dalits, Adivasis and OBCs were mentioned, minorities were not (except in the context of Triple Talaq). While the PM spoke of rape and the deterrent effect of hangings and the general importance of the rule of law, there was no mention of the lynchings and floggings that have been a major blot on the law and order apparatus across many states. Read more

(Express photo by Neeraj Priyadarshini)

(Express photo by Parveen Khanna)

(Reuters)

During his speech today, PM Modi announced that India will send an astronaut to space in the year 2022. “I make this announcement today, before 2022, an Indian astronaut – son or daughter – will be in space. One of us will carry the tricolor to the space to commemorate the 75th year of India’s Independence.” If India does launch the Gaganyaan mission, it will be the fourth nation to do so after the United States, Russia, and China. 

Read | What is Gaganyaan?

Delivering his fifth Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recounted the achievements of his government in the last four years. Emphasising that India has emerged as world’s sixth largest economy, the PM said, “We are proud of what we have achieved and at the same time, we also have to look at where we have come from. That is when we will realised the remarkable strides the nation has made.” Praising his government’s foreign policy, the PM said that India’s voice is being heard effectively at the world stage. “We are integral parts of forums whose doors were earlier closed for us.”

Also Read | PM Modi lists achievements, sees Indian in space by 2022, announces Ayushman Bharat for 50 crore people

After delivering the speech, PM Modi met with the children who were sitting at the Red Fort listening to him. In his iconic style, he shook hands with the children dressed in the colours of the tri-colour. 

Prime Minister Modi spoke about his aspirations and vision for the country. With the chants of 'Jai Hind' 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' 'Vande Mataram,' PM Modi concludes his Independence Day speech from Red Fort. National Anthem is being played now.

'Housing for all, power for all, water for all, LPG for all, toilet for all, skill for all, health for all, insurance for all, connectivity for all,' PM Modi said. 'There are many countries who have gone ahead of us in development. I pray that our country goes ahead of all of them. Malnutrition is a big problem in the country. I am impatient to provide quality of life to my people,' PM Modi said

PM Modi remembering Atal Bihari Vajpayee talked about his way of Insaniyat, jammhuriyat and Kashmiriyat to bring peace in Jammu &  Kashmir, Modi said that the local body elections will soon be held in the state as demanded by the local Kashmiri. 

"The practice of instant triple talaq had left Muslim women miserable. Our government has strived to table the bill in Lok Sabha. But there are few people who do not want us to proceed. But I am promising my Muslim sisters that our government will make attempts to empower them," PM Modi said, 

'This is the first cabinet where a large number of women are present. Till now women only had short commission for women. But now, we have brought in  Permanent Commission for Women. Women will now be able to strengthen India along with their male counterparts. However, there are some hurdles in women empowerment. Legal framework is working to help women,' PM Modi said referring to fast-track court proceedings in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan for rape cases. 'We need to overpower the forces that hinder the growth of women. For us, the law of the land is supreme.'

If there is anyone who benefits from the policies of the country, it is not the government, but the tax payers. They have a major role in the progress of nation. Today India is celebrating the festival of honesty

"When the will power is strong and there is desire to do something for the country, then benami assets law is also implemented. I want to thank the tax payers of the country. It is because of these honest tax payers that we are able to launch multiple policies in the country. It is because of this effort that we are being able to lift people out of povert and feed them," PM Modi said. 

'Due to the Swachh Bharat mission, lakhs of children can lead healthier lives. Even the World Health Organisation has lauded the movement. It is high time we ensure that the poor of India get access to good quality and affordable health care,' PM Modi said, while announcing the launch of Aayushmaan Bharat

PM Modi announces his flagship health policy --Aayuhmaan Bharat. The ambitious Ayushman Bharat or National Health Protection Scheme aims to cover over 10 crore vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) and provide health cover up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year. The scheme will be rolled out on September 25, on the occasion of Deen Dayal Upadhyay's anniversary. The benefits of the scheme are portable across the country and a beneficiary covered under the scheme will be allowed to take cashless benefits from any public/private empanelled hospitals across the country.  Read | What is Ayushman Bharat?

Talking about his government's Ujjawala schemes, Saubhagya schemes, Modi said that we are working in the direction of taking India forward. He added that schemes have been made to reach the far corners of the country. Meanwhile, he mocked those who had taken a jibe at hi Swacch Bharat Mission. referencing a WHO reports, Modi said that 3 lakh children have been saved due to proper cleanliness from the scheme. Modi said that world organisations are recognising the initiative. 

Our country is second highest in fish production and will soon become number one. The production of honey has doubled and the production of sugar has tripled, said Modi talking about development in the farming sector across the country. 

"I would like to congratulate the farmers and those related to agriculture for the food revolution in the country. But our farmers still face distress and we are making attempts to resolve the crisis. We aim to double the income of farmers by 2022. A lot of people raise doubts about this. But we are firm in our decision. We want to excel in innovation and bring0-in record production of food grains," PM Modi said, talking about blue revolution, fish revolution, sweet revolution happening in the country

"Every Indian is proud of our scientists who achieved success in entering the orbit of Mars in the first attempt or be it sending 118 satellites in a go. We are developing in the space technology but we have dreamed that by 2022 we will send an Indian space shuttle piloted by an India in the space to become the fourth country to put a human in the space. By 2022 when India completes 75 years of Independence, or before that, a son or daughter of India will go to space with a tricolor in their hands," PM Modi said.

Talking about Indian youth, Modi said that they have changed the josh in them be it in fields of Startup India, Digital India. Modi also mentioned his government's to provide loans to youth and the people through Mudra loan which has helped them in starting new ventures. 

India is progressing in Sports, news of sportspersons coming out of North Eastern states is coming. The northeast is developing into a hub of change, in last four years, we have taken Delhi to the doors of the northeast, which once seemed far away. 

PM Modi said that today the image of India has improved at global platforms and the world is listening to Indian concerns. For many years we had waited for a place in these global platforms. Today India is a source of hope for countries talking about mitigating global warming and climate change effects. wherever India goes, the host country welcomes it with open arms, the power of Indian passport has increased across the world. 

Today people are laying the red carpet for India, we have improved in ease of doing business for a country which once had an impression of policy paralysis and India was counted in fragile five. this image has changed and the world says Indian is a multi-billion dollar investment destination. Worl knows that the sleeping elephant has begun its race and for next three decades India will provide direction and speed to the global economy and the world. 

The veterans of armed forces were demanding One Rank One Pension, but no one was listening to them. when we came to power we took the decision to provide them OROP. We have the acumen to take bold decisions. 

The farmers were asking for MSP, demands were raised from people representatives so we took the decision to provide 1.5 times the MSP to the farmers. There was a delay in taking decisions previously, now the government takes the decision instantly and boldly. Modi talking about GST said that it has given new confidence to small and big traders, acknowledging the initial problems Modi said that traders accepted GST. 

Talking about Digital India, Modi said that the government is working with the aim of becoming a Digital country. We are combining spiritual, sciences to bring in developments in various sectors. Our forces are working tirelessly across the country in every part of the country helping the common people. The same forces are also capable of successfully conducting surgical strikes when called into actions. 

"Its the same land, same sky, sea, government offices and the country but in last four years India is moving with a new zeal and therefore today India is construction twice the highways and producing record crops and manufacturing record number of mobile phones", Modi says from the Red Fort 

Modi talking about his government's work in last four years said that if we would have worked with the speed of 2013 (UPA) it would have taken a century in making India open defecation free, or electrifying every part or even providing the LPG gas connection to every woman in rural and urban areas. he added that if we would have worked with the speed of 2013, an entire generation would have taken to connect the country with optical fibre. 

PM Modi said that when 125 crores, dreams, hard work and aspirations of people come together change happens. Modi said that the 125 crores Indian did not just stop at forming the government in 2014, instead, they continuously strive to make the country better. This is the strength of India. Referring to Aurobindo, Modi said Our country is not just an imagination but a huge power which brings us together. 

'To fulfil the dreams of Indians, freedom fighters and all such people who struggled for it, Baba Saheb Ambedkar gave us the Constitution which has been a guide for our country and taking forward the people.' PM Modi from Red Fort 

The Constitution of India, given to us by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar has spoken about justice for all. We have to ensure social justice for all and create an India that is progressing rapidly: Modi

During his address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke about the success of the recently concluded monsoon session of Parliament 'The session was one devoted to social justice. The Parliament session witnessed the passage of the bill to create an OBC Commission. Dalits, women and other weak sections of the society have been empowered,' he said.

Many parts of the nation witnessed a good monsoon but at the same time parts of India have been affected by flooding. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives due to floods in various parts of India. 

Meanwhile, heavy rains continue to batter Kerala.  Follow our LIVE UPDATES on Kerala rains

Stating that that next year will be the 100 years of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, PM Modi said the sacrifice of the martyrs should inspire us. He also paid tribute to the matryrs. 

PM Modi talking about his government said that they have been working for the upliftment of Dalits and backwards mentioning the constitutional rights given to OBC and SC-ST commission. Modi said that every India living across the world is proud that we are the sixth largest economy of the world. In such positive events, we are celebrating the festival of freedom. 

Talking about freedom fighters Modi said that revolutionaries were hanged for the freedom. Modi remembered all such freedom fighters who gave their lives for the tri-colour. Modi said that our soldiers give their lives for the tri-colour, our police force works day and night for the betterment of the society. 

PM Modi talking about the women of India says that daughters from various states across the seven seas and coloured them in the colours referencing to the Indian Navy all-women crew of INS Tarini which circumnavigated the world. 

A sea of students in green, white and saffron can be seen, depicting the national flag of India. Prime Minister Modi who has begun his address to the nation, extended his wishes to the country. 

PM Modi begins his fifth Independence Day speech from Red Fort by greeting the nation. Modi said that the country is full of self-confidence and is regularly crossing new heights. Modi added that this day brings with itself a new exhuberation. 

PM Modi hoists the national flag on the ramparts of the Red Fort, followed by the national anthem. This will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s fifth and final address of his current tenure. PM Modi’s Independence Day speech is likely to focus on highlighting the achievements of the NDA government as well as announcing his flagship health policy–National Health Protection Scheme or Aayushman Bharat.

PM Modi after reviewing the guard of honour reached the ramparts of Red Fort where he will hoist the national flag. PM Modi was received by the three service chiefs of the armed forces. 

After reviewing the guard of honour PM Modi is now headed to the ramparts of the historic Red Fort where he will deliver his fifth Independence Day speech. He will hoist the national flag followed by the national anthem before beginning his speech. 

Delhi Police personnel have been specifically asked to keep an eye on the sky to ensure that no stray kites are seen in the areas around the Red Fort. Last year a black kite landed near the podium during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at the Red Fort, and earlier in 2016 when a kite was seen above the ramparts before the address began.

While the restriction on any kind of flying object is imposed every year as a precautionary measure to avoid any untoward incident, this is for the first time that personnel have been deployed to check for kites. The Delhi Police has restricted kite-flying till 11 am around Red Fort on Independence Day. Read More

Commander P R Jagan of the Indian Navy receives the Prime Minister as he leads the Guard of Honour. The tri-services guard of is one of the traditional proceedings of the Independence Day celebrations.  

After paying his respects to Mahatma Gandhi PM Modi's cavalcade is on its way to the Red Fort where he will be given the guard of honour. For the 72nd Independence Day celebrations, the Indian Navy is the coordinating service. The Guard of Honour will be commanded by Commander P R Jagan Mohan of the Indian Navy.

Beginning the proceedings of the Independence Day, PM Modi reached Raj Ghat and paid his respects to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of Independence Day. it was the efforts of Gandhi and many others like him who won India its freedom on 15th August 1947. 

The Red Fort has been put under a heavy security cover. While 70,000 Delhi Police personnel are guarding the national capital, close to 10,000 cops have been deployed at the Mughal-era fort, which will see the presence of senior ministers, top bureaucrats, foreign dignitaries and common people during the PM's address.

Over 500 CCTV cameras have been installed on the routes leading to the Red Fort with over 200 cameras in the fort itself. The footage is being monitored round the clock, the police said. At the Red Fort, a special team of NSG snipers and commandos will form the inner layer of the security cordon, while anti-aircraft guns have been deployed to prevent any aerial intrusion by objects like drones and projectiles.

Today marks the fifth Independence Day speech of PM Modi since he came to power in 2014. This will be Modi’s last Independence Day speech before the 2019 elections and will be viewed in the context of the promises he made during his previous four speeches. As he goes for his final Independence Day speech, his supporters and opponents are expected to be all ears to get a sense of his 2019 pitch.

2014

Having decimated the Congress in the 2014 elections, Modi’s maiden Independence Day speech sought to acknowledge the contribution of political opponents. Modi also used his maiden speech to contrast his government with its predecessors through a series of new initiatives.

2015

In his second speech, he announced fewer schemes — Start-Up India, Stand-Up India, electrification of 18,000 villages within the next 1,000 days, and abolition of interviews for job-seekers in groups C & D — but sought to project his government’s success in resolving legacy issues carried over from the UPA government. In particular, he announced acceptance of One Rank, One Pension for the armed forces and dwelt at length on how he had managed to clear the mess in allocation of natural resources — coal, minerals and spectrum — by instituting an auction mechanism.

2016

In his third speech, the Prime Minister refrained from new announcements and instead projected his government’s record in delivery of his promises. “I can present before you a very detailed account of work done and also multiple issues regarding the performance of the Government. During the tenure of two years, the Government has taken innumerable initiatives and multiple tasks have been done. If I start giving details about them, I am afraid I will have to talk about it for a week from this very rampart of the Red Fort,” Modi said from the Red Fort in 2016. “Today, the government is not surrounded by charges and allegations, but by expectations,” Modi said, promising efficiency in governance.

2017

His fourth speech from the Red Fort last year had only one announcement, the launch of a website to provide an account of the valour of the Gallantry Award winners in 2017. Modi chose to set out goals for a ‘Majestic India’ by 2022. Read more

On the occasion of 72nd Independence Day, we bring to you a collection of SMSes, WhatsApp and Facebook messages that you can share with your near and dear ones to mark this day. READ MORE HERE

(Express photo by Neeraj Priyadarshini)

Stating that India is at a “pivotal moment”, President Ram Nath Kovind said on Tuesday that “contentious issues and extraneous debates” should not be allowed to “distract us”. In his televised address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day, Kovind recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s “most noble mantra” on the “power of ahinsa” (non-violence) being “far greater than the power of hinsa” (violence). “The power to stay your hand is far greater than the power to strike with your hand and hinsa has no place in society,” he said. READ MORE HERE

Google on Wednesday marked the 72nd anniversary of India’s Independence with a colourful and artistic doodle inspired by the nation’s truck art. The doodle features a couple of peacocks crossing their beaks at the centre and the national birds are flanked on both sides by a Bengal tiger and an elephant. Other elements in the doodle comprise India’s national flower, the lotus with the sun rising in the backdrop and a riot of colourful flowers. READ MORE HERE