External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. (File)India Independence Day 2020 PM Narendra Modi Speech: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Saturday thanked the foreign ministers of Russia, Bhutan, the Maldives, Lithuania and Latvia for their wishes on India’s 74th Independence Day. Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid tweeted that since independence, India has aimed to be, and now become, an enduring example of democracy and development, for the region and the world. Responding to his tweet, Jaishankar said their bilateral relationship is a shining example of ‘Neighbourhood First’.
In his address to the nation on the occasion of India’s 74th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday applauded frontline workers fighting against novel coronavirus. He said India was going through a unique phase owing to the pandemic but would come out victorious, thanks to the resolve of the people. PM Modi highlighted the importance to make India self-reliant, saying it was not just a word but should be a “mantra” for all countrymen.
PM Modi launched a National Digital Health Mission and said it will usher in a revolution in India’s health sector. He said every Indian will now get a unique health ID. He also said the country must not only ‘Make in India’ but also ‘Make for the World’.
The Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort was attended by over 4,000 people, including diplomats, officials and media personnel. Safety protocols were in place for the event, including social distancing and wearing masks.
India Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: Security has been tightened at Red Fort ahead of Independence Day.
Mamata Banerjee and her government officials skipped Independence Day programme hosted by Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar programme at Raj Bhavan on Saturday evening. Dhankhar took to Twitter to express his displeasure over the scenario, saying, “Absence of CM and officials @MamataOfficial on occasion of Independence Day celebration at Raj Bhawan has like many startled and stunned me. We need to rise to occasion as respect to freedom fighters who gave their all to secure for us freedom and democracy. I am at loss of words.”
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday said detractors of his government should first seek details under the RTI Act before criticising its policies and programmes. "Rather than criticising everything, anyone who has a grievance and doubt should seek proper information through RTI and get the facts correct," he said, addressing an Independence Day programme here, The chief minister also said strict action will be taken against private and government healthcare facilities that deny admission and necessary treatment to COVID-19 patients. (PTI)
Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech, the Left parties on Saturday said it was full of rhetoric while alleging that his "New India" is subservient to corporates and not self-reliant. Urging the citizens of the country to unite against the government's move to privatise India's assets, the Left parties said only a people's movement can fight the present regime. "The New India that the prime minister spoke about in his speech at the Red Fort is a negation of that India, which was established by our Constitution. This India is not self-reliant, but subservient to foreign corporates. A people's movement is the only way to reverse the multi-pronged attacks on our Constitution by this government," CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said at a webinar organised by the party. (PTI)
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee felicitates a Covid warrior at an Independence Day event on Red Road, Kolkata, on Saturday. (Express Photo: Partha Paul)
Frontline COVID-19 workers such as crematorium workers, ambulance drivers wear PPE suits as they get ready for the felicitation programme on Independence day in Kolkata on Saturday. (Express Photo: Partha Paul)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Saturday thanked the foreign ministers of Russia, Bhutan, the Maldives, Lithuania and Latvia for their wishes on India’s 74th Independence Day. Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid tweeted that since independence, India has strived to be, and now become, an enduring example of democracy and development, for the region and the world. Responding to his tweet, Jaishankar said their bilateral relationship is a shining example of ‘Neighbourhood First’. Bhutan Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji tweeted, "I take this privilege to wish every Indians, a very #HappyIndependenceDay. I pray for your great country to grow from strength to strength." Replying to Dorji, Jaishankar said, "Your warm sentiments reflect our unique relationship."
Beating retreat ceremony underway at the Attari-Wagah border on Independence Day.
In his address to the nation on the occasion of 74th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched on the topic of menstruation, which is still considered a taboo subject in the country, and received plaudits online.
During his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort, PM Modi spoke at length about women empowerment and women health. He underlined that his government has managed to provide affordable sanitary napkins to poor women through Jan Aushadhi centres for just one rupee each. “This government has been persistently concerned about better healthcare for poor sisters and daughters. We have done a huge job in providing sanitary pads at one rupee each in Janaushadhi Kendra. In a short span of time, more than 5 crore sanitary pads have been delivered to these poor women from 6000 Janaushadhi Kendras,” he said.
Major Shweta Pandey, a woman Army officer assisted Prime Minister Narendra Modi in unfurling the national flag atop the ramparts of Red Fort on the 74th Independence Day celebrated on Saturday. Hailing from Lucknow, Major Pandey was commissioned in the Indian Army in March 2012 from the Officers Training Academy, Chennai. An alumna of City Montessori School, Lucknow, she holds a B.Tech degree in computer science. At the training academy, she won the Garhwal Rifles medal for exceling in tactics. Major Pandey has won more than 75 medals and 250 certificates in a a variety of national and international events during her school and college days. Major Pandey's father Raj Ratan Pandey served as an additional director in the finance department of the UP government and her mother Amita Pandey is a professor of Sanskrit and Hindi, PTI reported.
As part of Independence Day celebrations, a district in Arunachal Pradesh inaugurated a “plastic greenhouse” with approximately 2,000 recycled plastic bottles. “Patriotism has different meanings for different people. On this Independence Day, we have launched a 'Plastic Greenhouse' made from recycled plastic bottles and to be used for a plant nursery” said Devansh Yadav, DC, Changlang district, where the greenhouse was made. The structure has been handed to the Horticulture Department to maintain and grow a nursery of vegetables. “We did this in collaboration with Hyderabad based startup called 'Recykal',” said Yadav adding that the district’s Urban Development department made the greenhouse over the last 10 days.
Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani hoisted the national flag in Gandhinagar on the occasion of 74th Independence Day.
Indians across the world on Saturday celebrated India's 74th Independence Day by hoisting the tricolour and singing the national anthem and patriotic songs while wearing masks and adhering to the social distancing norms amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands of countrymen in New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, China, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Israel and several other countries marked the day with the national flag fluttering high and the national anthem reverberating at Indian missions abroad. In Beijing, Indian ambassador Vikram Misri hoisted the tricolour at India House where a large number of Beijing-based Indian diaspora attended the Independence Day celebrations. (PTI)
In his first Independence Day address in Srinagar, newly-appointed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha highlighted five key priorities for his administration. After unfurling the tricolour at the Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium, Sinha said that “equality and justice are being gradually restored to Jammu and Kashmir.” Sinha, a senior BJPleader and former Union Minister, was appointed as the new Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir earlier this month after Girish Chandra Murmu resigned.
Sinha also invoked former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s slogan of ‘Insaniyat, Jamhuriyat, Kashmiriyat’ and lamented that while in Kashmir, humanity kept losing to terrorism over decades. “Jamhuriyat was enveloped in greed and Kashmiriyat succumbed to the hatred that emanated from this,” said Sinha. Stating that it’s unfortunate that the story of cultural syncretism was defeated by sectarianism, the L-G said, “We want to change this narrative once again. We want to make development, peace, progress and social harmony the mainstay of the Kashmir narrative.”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee felicitated 25 Covid warriors at an Independence Day event on Red Road and later, met Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar at Raj Bhavan on Saturday.
Sources said in the meeting, which continued for almost an hour, they talked on recent political development, but none of them divulged any detail in public. Both their offices however maintained that it was a courtesy meet. A senior official from the state administration said, “The governor had extended an invitation for tea at Raj Bhavan today evening. The chief minister will not be able to attend that and hence met the governor in the morning morning.”
Before the meeting, Banerjee attended a small, unpretentious Independence Day programme on Red Road. In view of the Covid situation, the entire event was held with minimum arrangements and wrapped up within 15 minutes. The chief minister did not speak on the occasion but felicitated only 25 Covid warriors.
Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala was the chief guest at the Independence Day function in Gurgaon, where he also inaugurated/laid the foundation stone of development projects worth over Rs 10 crore.
As Mizoram observed the 74th Independence Day on Saturday, Chief Minister Zoramthanga reiterated the need to follow precautionary measures against coronavirus. Conveying his wishes to the people, he urged them to adhere to the health advisories amid challenges posed by the pandemic.
In his address, the CM also said the people of the state have faced difficulties due to frequent earthquakes, heavy rainfall, landslides, floods, during which they lost their dear ones and property. Expressing his condolences towards the lost family of the deceased, he assured that the state and central governments are striving to ease their hardships.
Defence Minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh said on Saturday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech on the occasion of Independence Day reinforces the resolve of a self-reliant India. Delivering his seventh straight Independence Day speech, Modi said the call for 'aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) has captured people's imagination and become a "mantra" for everyone, as he pushed for raising the country's share in the global economy.
Modi addressed the nation on the occasion of India's 74th Independence Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort, and asked the citizens to prepare themselves for a self-reliant India. Lauding the prime minister's call, Singh said there may be challenges but there is also the ability to solve all the problems. "Today, on the occasion of Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address reinforces the resolve of self-reliant India. There may be challenges in this resolution, but there is the ability to solve all the problems within this country," the defence minister said in a tweet in Hindi.
A new era of normalcy and development has dawned in Jammu and Kashmir in the last one year, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Saturday and urged the youths to engage in activism that helps the nation to progress. In his Independence Day speech at Sher-e-Kashmir cricket stadium here, Sinha asserted that the government is committed to providing a better alternative that stands for development, welfare and social transformation for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
"After the constitutional change enacted in 2019, the central government took not one or two, but historic 50 decisions to transform the face of the region. A new era of normalcy and development has dawned due to the changes effected in the last year; a new journey has been undertaken," the LG said referring to the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35-A in August last year.
Industry leaders on Saturday said India's self-reliance will determine how high and strong the country's flag of freedom flies, and also welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of National Digital Health Mission in his Independence Day speech.
In a tweet, Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani said, "Every Independence Day is a tribute to millions of sacrifices that earned us the freedom to be born and raised in a free country full of opportunities. From now on, our Atmanirbharta will determine how high and strong the flag of freedom flies. Happy #IndependenceDay."
Welcoming the National Digital Health Mission, Biocon CMD Kiran Mazumdar Shaw said it gives India's healthcare sector a digital backbone and it is vital to make a difference to India's healthcare sector.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that his government will soon launch a project to conserve Asiatic Lions and its landscape in a holistic manner. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on India's 74th Independence Day, Modi reminded people about Project Tiger and Project Elephant that were launched previously.
Project Lion will entail habitat development, engage modern technologies in lion management and address the issue of diseases among lions and its associated species through advanced world-class research and veterinary care, according to the environment ministry. The project will address human-wildlife conflict and will be inclusive involving local communities living in the vicinity of Lion landscape and will also provide livelihood opportunities, a spokesperson of the ministry said.
On this Independence Day, every Indian, especially the youth, must resolve to be at the forefront to fight attempts by forces that try to create dissensions among the people, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said on Saturday. In a Facebook post to mark the 74th Independence Day, he said for India to achieve new heights of development and prosperity, every citizen, including people in public life, must perform their duty.
"As we approach the 75th anniversary of Independence, it is time for an objective introspection. At this juncture, we must ask ourselves what we aspire to achieve as a nation by 2022," Naidu observed. "By 2022, India must be aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) in every sense of the word. We all must work with renewed vigour and determination to eradicate poverty, end social and gender discrimination and eliminate corruption," he said. The vice president said India needs a cultural renaissance and a refreshing flowering of literature and artistic expression in its national languages.
Nepal PM K P Sharma Oli called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. They spoke for 11 minutes. Officials say the call was to wish PM Modi on India’s Independence Day. This was the first phone conversation since the controversy over the border issue.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami hoisted the national flag at Fort St George in Chennai.
As coronavirus pandemic forced people to stay home, the 74th Independence Day celebrations were not only muted but also virtual. Amid numerous videos of celebrations that are emerging on the day, there’s one particular clip of Indians singing the national anthem from every part of the country that is going viral.
Called the ‘Sounds of India’, the video is an initiative of the Prasar Bharati that has been made possible with the help of tech giant Google, which has transformed people’s voice into one musical creation with Google AI.
On the occasion of the 74th Independence Day, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced the ‘Restart Meghalaya Mission’, which comprises a series of interventions encouraging different development activities that were brought to a standstill by the pandemic. On Saturday morning, CM Sangma unfurled the Tricolour first at his official residence, followed by the celebration in Polo Ground, Shillong. He announced that an amount of Rs 14,515 crore has been earmarked for the mission, which has at its core farmers and entrepreneurs. Out of the total amount, Rs 7,839 crore has been earmarked for this year.“Meghalaya will move towards Aatmanirbhar in the production and marketing of agricultural and allied products,” he said. Under the mission, special focus will be put on agriculture and piggery sectors, women empowerment and rural development.
Freedom has always meant different things to different people. While for some, it is the happiness of hoisting the tricolour, for others is the euphoria that follows a big victory for the National Cricket Teams. But regardless of its relevance, it is largely agreeable that freedom cannot be contained, for William Faulkner has famously said, “We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.”
On Independence Day, we asked four persons from different walks of life how they view the day if they see any change in its relevance, their memories that they dearly hold on to, and what they want future generations to know; here is what they said.
On the occasion of the 74th Independence Day, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal hoisted the tricolour at Judge’s Field, Guwahati on Saturday morning. In his speech, CM Sonowal reiterated his government’s commitment to implementing Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, which ensures safeguards to protect the identity and heritage of “Assamese” people. The Chief Minister’s statement comes in the context of the confidential Clause 6 report being made public by a few members of the high-level committee last Monday. “In the last 35 years, no govt was keen on implementing Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. The committee formed under Rtd Justice Biplab Kumar Sarma shows the intent of the Central & State govts,” he said, adding that the government has continued to take steps towards implementation despite the obstacles of Covid-19 and floods.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday exhorted the people to adapt to the 'new normal' to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the northeastern state. Khandu, while unfurling the Tri-colour at the Indira Gandhi Park here on the occasion of the 74th Independence Day, said people must adhere to safety measures like hand sanitisation, wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing to defeat COVID-19.
The public was not allowed in the venue and the programme was held with only a few government officials, journalists and security personnel. Also, no march past or cultural programmes were organised.
In his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the expansion of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in coastal and border districts of India. He announced that from the 173 coastal and border districts, one lakh cadets, a third of them girls, will be trained.
A look at the NCC, arguably the world’s largest voluntary uniformed youth organisation and significance of its expansion in coastal and border districts of the country and the road ahead.
The Red Fort lawns that remain filled to the brim on Independence Day, saw many vacant seats this year with the attendees wearing masks and maintaining social distancing, displaying an image of the "new normal" in times of the coronavirus pandemic. The Independence Day event at the historic Red Fort, where prime minister unfurls the tricolour and delivers a speech to the nation, was scaled down this year. Around 4,000 invites, a quarter of the usual, were issued to officers, diplomats, local leaders and others. Still, a number of seats across all enclosures remained empty.
A security official said they expected that a few seats would remain empty considering the COVID-19 situation. "The number of invitees was one-fourth the normal. Still, lesser number of people turned up. Adequate arrangements were made to ensure physical distancing and masks, sanitisers and gloves provided to all the attendees," he said.
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday announced the virtual inauguration of two major projects for Mohali district, including a 66 KV sub-station and construction of the building of Punjab Biotechnology Incubator. The announcements were made by the Chief Minister while speaking at the state-level Independence Day programme here.
The 66KV Sub-station 1 will be set up at Sector 82 in IT City Mohali-2, while the Punjab Biotechnology Incubator building is being constructed at a cost of Rs 31 crore in Knowledge City, Sector 81, said the Chief Minister. Construction of the Incubator building was started recently by PWD (B&R), and work is in progress on the basement. -- ENS
To celebrate the spirit of free India on the occasion of 74th Independence Day, renowned violinist L Subramaniam released his new composition titled “Vande Mataram”. The over five-minute rendition gives voice to the spirit of patriotism and is a treat to the ears.
The beautifully shot song features many Indian celebrities including Hema Malini, Mohanlal, Juhi Chawla, Esha Deol Takhtani, S P Balasubrahmanyam, Kavita Krishnamurti Subramaniam, Hariharan, Kumar Sanu, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Bindu and others. All the artistes shot for the song during the pandemic from their homes.
Thewelfare of women found a prominent place in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech today with the Prime Minister announcing that his government will soon reconsider and determine the right age of marriage for women in India. At the moment the age of marriage for women is 18.
The Prime Minister pointed out that a number of welfare issues for women had been tackled by his government including the decision to provide six months maternity leave to women apart from a regular salary during this period. (Read top quotes from PM Modi’s Independence Day speech)
Touching on his government’s achievement of banning Triple Talaq in the country, Modi said that this has assisted thousands of Muslim women gain freedom from an oppressive system.
During today’s Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that technology will play a big role in developing the country. PM also made a crucial announcement related to the importance of cyber security. Modi announced India will soon introduce a new cyber security policy.
Addressing the nation from New Delhi’s Red Fort, PM Modi talked about threats from cyber space that can harm the country’s society, economy and development. He said, “threats from cyber space can endanger all these aspects of Indian life.” “The government is alert on this,” PM Modi said added and said the government of India will soon come out with a policy on this. The details related to the cyber security policy will be revealed in the days to come.
Reiterating his “mantra” of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) to face the economic challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech on Saturday warned those who attempted to challenge the sovereignty. He said India will give befitting reply to them while fiercely combating “terrorism” and “expansionism.”
Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the occasion of 74th Independence Day, the Prime Minister said, “When we embark upon an extraordinary journey to achieve an extraordinary target, multiple and unusual challenges come in our way.”
“In the midst of such a disaster, there have been vicious attempts to challenge the country’s strength at the borders. But, from LOC to LAC, whoever raised his eyes on the sovereignty of the country, our brave soldiers have answered to him in his language,” PM said in an indirect reference to China’s aggression on Ladakh border.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the Independence Day speech to launch the National Digital Health Mission, announce a new cyber security policy and promise optical fibre connectivity to all six lakh villages in 1,000 days. The announcements mark the culmination of projects that have been in the offing for a few years, or are a reaction to the present situation, as in the context of the tensions with China. Here is the context of the three big announcements around Digital India today.
Optical-fibre connectivity
Modi government calls it the “world’s largest connectivity project”, but BharatNet — which envisages laying of about 8 lakh kilometre of incremental optical fibre cable (OFC) to all the 2,50,000-plus Gram Panchayats (GP) in the country at an estimated cost of Rs 42,068 crore ($6.2 billion) — has had significant snags in deployment for years now. Read More
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday said the delimitation process is underway in Jammu and Kashmir and the government will hold the assembly elections in the Valley as soon as it gets completed. “India is committed to holding assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir once the delimitation exercise is complete,” PM Modi said while delivering his speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of 74th Independence Day.
Highlighting the journey of Jammu and Kashmir in the last one year since the abrogation of special status to the Valley under Article 370, the Prime Minister said, “It was a year of a new development journey for Jammu and Kashmir. This one year is the year of the rights received by the women and the Dalits in Jammu and Kashmir. This one year is also the year of a life of dignity for the refugees in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Union Territory (UT) “Lakshadweep will be connected to submarine optical fibre cable” in the next 1,000 days. PM Modi highlighted that technology will play a crucial role in the development of the country and it will help connect every citizen digitally.
“We have around 1,300 islands. Keep in mind their geographical location and their significance in the development of the nation, work to begin in new projects in some of these islands is underway. We have chosen some islands for rapid development. Recently, we connected Andaman & Nicobar Islands with an undersea cable for a better internet. Next, we will connect Lakshadweep,” he said while delivering his Independence speech from the Red Fort.
Not just Lakshadweep, Modi also said that in the upcoming 1000 days all six lakh Indian villages will be connected with optical fibre.
Without mentioning either China or Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday underlined that India has given a befitting response to those who challenge India’s sovereignty. This comes two months after the Galwan incident in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed in eastern Ladakh LAC in violent clashes between Indian and Chinese troops.
He said India’s sovereignty is its biggest priority and the Indian soldiers have shown that what the soldiers can do. “The commitment shown by our brave soldiers, what the country can do, that has been seen by the world in Ladakh,” he said in a pointed reference to the Galwan clash.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday said his government was determined to provide equal employment opportunities to women. Addressing the nation on India’s 74th Independence Day, PM Modi said women have always made the country proud with their achievements.
“Whenever women received an opportunity, they made India proud and strengthened the country. Today, the nation is determined to provide equal opportunities for self-employment and employment to them,” PM Modi said from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
“Today, women are working in underground coal mines as well as touching the sky while flying fighter aircraft. India is now among those countries where women are being recruited in Navy and Air Force combat operations,” he added.
The US and India share close bonds of friendship and democratic traditions, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said as he greeted Indians on the occasion of their 74th Independence Day. "On behalf of the government of the United States of America and the American people, I extend greetings and best wishes to the people of India on your Independence Day," Pompeo said in his India Independence Day greetings message on Friday.
"The United States and India have shared close bonds of friendship and democratic traditions since India gained its independence seventy-three years ago," he said. Over the years, the relationship has grown into a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, involving ever closer cooperation on issues vital to global security and prosperity in the 21st century, Pompeo said. -- PTI
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has awarded J&K Police Medals for meritorious services to six police officers on the eve of Independence Day, officials said on Friday. The officers who have been awarded are Inspector General of Police (IGP) T Namgiyal, Senior Superintendents of Police Haseeb-ur-Rahman, Swarn Singh Kotwal, Showkat Ahmad Dar, DySP Surinder Kumar Sharma and Inspector Ashiq Hussain Malik, an official spokesman said. The administration has also awarded Jammu and Kashmir Police Medals for Gallantry to 202 police officers and officials, the spokesman said.
Invoking the resolve exhibited by the soldiers in defending the country’s borders in Ladakh recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his 74th Independence Day speech, said that from the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, India is committed to defend its sovereignty.
The Prime Minister said India is capable of tackling the challenges, whether it is terrorism or expansionism. “Even amdist all these disasters,” he said, referring to the global pandemic, “there have been ill-attempts to challenge the country’s power on the borders”.
“From LoC to LAC, anyone who has cast eyes on the sovereignty of the country, the country’s forces, our brave soldiers have responded to them in their own language.”
Google Saturday celebrated India’s 74th Independence Day by displaying a vivid artwork that features iconic Indian folk instruments, a testament to India’s rich musical legacy.
The Google Doodle, illustrated by Mumbai-based guest artist Sachin Ghanekar, features folk instruments like the tutari, shehnai, dhol, veena, sarangi and bansuri. From the versatile double-reeded shehnai to the resonant stringed sarangi, these instruments are but a few that make up India’s rich musical legacy, which dates back over 6,000 years.
The musical diversity represented by this unique collection reflects the patchwork of Indian cultures that is celebrated across the nation today.
With all eyes on the development of an antidote against Covid-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delivering his seventh Independence day speech, said three probable vaccine candidates are at different stages of testingand the entire roadmap of its production and delivery are ready.
“Today three vaccines are in testing stages in India. As soon as the scientists give a green signal, the country will begin their large scale production. As soon as tests are complete, the entire roadmap of its production and delivery to the public in the shortest time is ready,” PM Modi said while addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort to mark the 74th Independence Day.
In his address to the nation on India’s 74th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday launched the National Digital Health Mission that he said would “revolutionise” the country’s health sector. Under the mission, he said, every Indian would receive a unique health identity card. PM Modi’s announcement comes at a time when the country is battling the coronavirus pandemic.
Education has a crucial role to play in making India self-reliant, modern and prosperous and it is with this objective the government has drafted the new National Education Policy (NEP), Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his address to the nation on the Independence Day.
The National Research Foundation (NRF) proposed in the new National Education Policy (NEP), Modi said, is one such example as it would catalyse innovation and aid the country’s progress. “The new education policy lays special emphasis on the National Research Foundation because innovation is important for the country’s progress. Only when we strengthen innovation and research will our country remain competitive and move ahead,” he said in his Independence Day speech Saturday.
Three months into the new year, the country announced it was going into a state of lockdown for a temporary period, which eventually got extended to several more weeks. As of August 2020, India has gone through many phases of lockdown and unlockdown, with several restrictions, new guidelines and policies, all to make sure it deals with the ongoing global health crisis effectively.
The COVID-19 pandemic waged an unprecedented war, which is being fought unceasingly by the country’s healthcare sector. The efforts of the frontline warriors have been nothing short of heroic, but they also come at a cost. Since March 2020, doctors, nurses and other healthcare officials have been fighting night and day to keep patients alive, to contain the spread of the virus — often getting infected themselves — to educate people on proper hygiene and social distancing norms, to allay their fears and doubts, and to offer both physical and psychological support. Read More
With distancing protocols due to the pandemic forcing changes in ceremonial functions across the world, the Rashtrapati Bhavan’s At Home function, on the occasion of Independence Day, will be conducted differently on Saturday. The focus this time is on honouring Covid Warriors — among those invited include hospital owners, doctors, nurses, midwife, an MCD worker, a crematorium staff and a sanitation worker —and Rashtrapati Bhavan is ensuring that every staff member who will interact with the guests have undergone Covid-19 test.
India became independent on August 15, 1947, or did it? Jawaharlal Nehru’s famous speech, ‘tryst with destiny’ delivered on the midnight of August 15, is remembered as the moment a new nation was born thereon. In reality though, that was the moment when India and Pakistan acquired dominion status. While India remained a dominion till 1950, Pakistan retained the status till 1956.
In simpler words, dominions were autonomous communities within the British Empire which were “equal in status” but had an “allegiance to the Crown”. What it meant was that King George VI continued to reign as the Emperor of India and Lord Mountbatten was the first Governor-General of the country. Nehru was sworn in as the premier, but served on the command of the British Governor-General, and unelected Indian nationalist leaders were administered oaths in the name of the British King-Emperor. What it also meant was that a British field marshall led the Indian army and judges appointed by the British continued to be part of the high courts and the federal court. Read the full story here
The call for Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) as we fight the Covid-19 pandemic has captured people’s imagination and should be the mantra for everyone, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he delivered his seventh consecutive Independence Day speech. He also announced the launch of National Digital Health Mission under which every Indian will get a unique health ID.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort to mark the 74th Independence Day, PM Modi, in his nearly 90-minute speech, put forward the mantra of ‘Make for World’ alongside his pet initiative of ‘Make in India’ as he exhorted all Indians to be ‘vocal for local’.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday said the country must not only ‘Make in India’ but also ‘Make for the World’. The new phrase was coined during his address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi on the occasion of India’s 74th Independence Day. PM Modi reiterated the importance of becoming self-reliant, saying it was not just a word but a mantra Indians should follow. He added that self-reliance would help increase India’s share in the world economy.
“It is necessary for us to make India self-reliant. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Indians must resolve to become ‘self-reliant’. This is not just a word, but a mantra for the people,” PM Modi said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his Independence Day address by paying tributes to the frontline ‘corona warriors’ and said these warriors had lived up to the mantra of ‘Seva Parmo Dharma’ by serving the people of the country selflessly.
“We’re going through distinct times. I can’t see young children in front of me today. Coronavirus has stopped everyone. In these times of COVID, Corona warriors have lived the mantra of ‘Seva Parmo Dharma’ and served the people of India. I express my gratitude to them,” he said at the 74th Independence Day celebrations. Follow coronavirus pandemic LIVE updates
“We will achieve victory over this coronavirus with the resolve of people of country,” he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves from the Red Fort after addressing the nation on 74th Independence Day today.
PM Narendra Modi greets people at the Red Fort, after addressing the nation on the Independence Day.
PM Modi said, "Now the expansion of NCC will be ensured to 173 border and coastal districts of the country. Under this campaign, special training will be given to about 1 lakh new NCC Cadets. In this, about one-third of the daughters will be given this special training."
Coronavirus may be a big challenge but not so big as to stop India's march towards self-reliance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
PM Modi said, "Construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya started 10 days ago. Ramjanmbhoomi issue that prevailed for centuries, has been resolved peacefully. The conduct of people of the country has been unprecedented and is an inspiration for future."
PM Modi’s address at 74th Independence Day was for almost 90 minutes. Focus on self-reliant India, economy and warning to those who attempted to challenge India’s sovereignty. 'Coronavirus can be a hindrance but can’t beat India’s resolve for Atmanirbhar Bharat, he says.
'There are more than 1300 islands in our country. Keeping in mind their geographical location and their significance in the development of the nation, work to begin new projects in some of these islands is underway,' says PM.
He says, "In the next 1000 days, Lakshadweep will also be connected to submarine optical fiber cable."