India Independence Day 2021 Highlights: PM Modi addresses nation from Red Fort; Prez Kovind pays tribute at National War Memorial

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made an appeal Sunday to Paresh Baruah, chief of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent), to join talks for peace.

“On behalf of the 3.09 crore people of Assam, I appeal to Paresh Baruah of the ULFA (I) to come forward for dialogue,” Sarma said during his speech on the country’s 75th Independence Day in Khanapara, Guwahati.

The Chief Minister said this was a particularly significant Independence Day for Assam, as it was for the first time that no militant outfit had called for a bandh. Earlier this week, ULFA (I) broke tradition and said it would not call for any armed protest on August 15. Sarma also posthumously conferred the ‘Chief Minister’s Special Service Medal in a Crisis Situation’ to six Assam Police personnel killed in violence along the interstate border with Mizoram on July 26. Read more.

A dance performance was held at the Attari-Wagah border as part of the Independence Day celebrations. Earlier in the day, BSF troops at the border had exchanged sweets with their Pakistani counterparts.

Punjab | 75th #IndependenceDay celebrations underway at Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar pic.twitter.com/FZ5FtWgbmR

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2021

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin unveiled the 75th Indian Independence Memorial Pillar in Chennai to mark the occasion.

An Indian Navy frontline frigate docked at Portsmouth harbour on England's south coast as part of a goodwill visit was at the heart of Sunday's Independence Day celebrations in the UK. INS Tabar, which arrived at Portsmouth on Thursday to undertake the annual bilateral exercise Konkan between the Indian Navy and Britain's Royal Navy, hosted a special flag hoisting ceremony with its approximately 300 crew on board under the command of Captain Mahesh Mangipudi.

A small group of special guests led by Indian High Commissioner Gaitri Issar Kumar were invited for the celebration of the 75th anniversary of India's Independence, held in a Covid-secure setting. (PTI)

Speaking after hoisting the national flag at a Mumbai school on the 75th Independence Day, the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said, if dependence on China increases, we will have to bow before it. 

“No matter how much we shout as a society about China and boycott Chinese items, but from where does everything that is in your mobiles come from? If the dependence on China increases, then (we) will have to bow before China,” Bhagwat said. “Economic security is important, he said, adding the adaptation of technology should be based on our terms. “We have to be swa-nirbhar”, he said. Read more. 

On the occasion of the 75th Independence Day, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Sunday called for strengthening voices against all forces that try to stifle freedom. Banerjee, who became Chief Minister for the third time earlier this year, also penned a song, “Desh ta sobar nijer” (This country belongs to us all), which she shared on Facebook.

“On the 75th Independence Day, let us all come together to strengthen our voices against all forces that aim to stifle our freedom. We must never forget the sacrifice of those who fought a long and hard battle for this day. Warm wishes to all my brothers and sisters. Jai Hind!,” she tweeted.

On Sunday, taking part in the Independence Day programme organised by her government at Red Road in Kolkata, the Chief Minister unfurled the national flag and took salutes from various police wings during the parade. Read more. 

Farmers in Haryana's Uchana Kalan, Jind carried out a Tiranga tractor parade, led by women, to mark the occasion of the 75th Independence Day.

Haryana: Farmers take out 'Tiranga Tractor Parade' in Uchana Kalan, Jind on the occasion of #IndependenceDay

"The parade is being led by women and the Tricolour has also been hoisted by them," says a participant pic.twitter.com/9wa4gqxhYe

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2021

A special anti-Naxal operations squad of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Sunday marked the Independence Day by hoisting the national flag for the first time at a newly-created base in a remote Maoist violence-hit region of Odisha, officials said.

The company operating base (COB) of the border guarding force is located at Mohupadar, about 90 km from the district headquarters here and deep inside the jungles along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. The base, manned by the troops of the 160th BSF battalion, was operationalised on May 28 as part of expanding the footprints of the security forces in some of the most troubled Naxal violence-affected regions of the state and simultaneous ushering of development works. (PTI)

In his Independence Day speech, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that they will form a committee to make a low on Population Control. 

In a slew of announcements, the chief minister also stated that students of Class 10 and 12 will be provided free tablets for their education. Dhami said the state government has also decided to constitute a high-level committee to address the apprehensions about the land laws in Uttarakhand, PTI reported.

Uttarakhand CM @pushkardhami in #IndependenceDay2021 speech announced to form a committee to make a law on #PopulationControl @IndianExpress

— Lalmani Verma (@LalmaniVerma838) August 15, 2021

Army and BSF personnel on Sunday exchanged sweets with their Pakistani counterparts at various forward posts and border outposts along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion of India's 75th Independence Day, officials said. 

Troops at Tatapani crossing point in Mendhar, the Rawalakot crossing point in Poonch and border outposts of Octerio, Chinaz and Chambiliyal, exchanged sweets with the Pakistani counterparts, PTI reported.

Meanwhile, troops at the Attari-Wagah border in Punjab also shared sweets on the occasion.

On the occasion of 75th Independence Day, ex-servicemen on Sunday held a march at the Singhu border where protesting farmers are celebrating 'Kisan Mazdoor Azadi Sangram Diwas', PTI reported. 

Veteran farmer leader Satnam Singh hoisted the Tricolour at the Singhu border and some cultural programmes are also lined up, farmer leader Raminder Singh Patiala said. 'Satnam Singh (85) hoisted the Tricolour at 11 am, following which the former servicemen marched in their dresses. Students of DAV college in Jalandhar will perform 'Bhangra' for around one-and-half-hour,' he said.

Meanwhile, another leader said that the national flag was hoisted at the Tikri border and a Tiranga yatra will be carried out at the Ghazipur border.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police jawans celebrated the 75th Independence Day at the banks of Pangong Tso in Ladakh.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday said he is committed to resolve all the water disputes including the contentious Mekedatu balancing reservoir across Cauvery river, Mahadayi drinking water project and the third stage of the Krishna Upper project.

“We have to complete the third stage of Upper Krishna project to irrigate 5.5 lakh hectares land. That is our priority. We know the background of it,” Bommai said in his maiden Independence Day speech as Chief Minister from the Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Parade Ground.

The Chief Minister also announced a number of schemes in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to celebrate the event till August 15, 2023 to mark the platinum jubilee (Amruth Varsh) or 75th year of the Independence Day of India, starting from Sunday. Read more.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal unfurled a 115-feet high National Flag in his constituency, New Delhi, Sunday, while remembering the Anna Andolan against corruption in the national capital.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today unfurled a 115-feet-high National Flag in his constituency New Delhi. "While hoisting the flag, I recollected the 'Anna Andolan' days, how Anna Ji would say "Bharat Mata Ki Jai", he said at the event.#IndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/EEPDiO2hlG

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2021

The Indian army personnel along with members of the Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, who are on a 4-day visit to Kashmir and Ladakh to review facilities being provided to the troops, celebrated the Independence Day in Srinagar. 

Members of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, who are on a 4-day visit to Kashmir & Ladakh to review facilities being provided to Indian troops in mountainous areas, celebrated 75th #IndependenceDay with Army personnel in Srinagar pic.twitter.com/bnCdUDWihR

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2021

In a statement on Saturday, US President Joe Biden wished all those celerating, "a safe and happy Indian Independence Day." He said that India's journey was "guided by Mahatma Gandhi’s message of truth and non-violence" and its "foundational commitment to respecting the will of the people through democracy continues to inspire the world and is the basis of the special bond between our two nations."

"This past year, our nations have come together in new ways as we tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, including working in partnership with Japan and Australia—through the Quad—to expand global manufacturing of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines and to strengthen our “last-mile” coordination to reach people throughout the Indo-Pacific. In this moment of great challenges and opportunities, the partnership between India and the United States is more important than ever," the statement read.

The Congress on Sunday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of only making announcements about schemes in his Independence Day speeches and not implementing them, even as it hit out at him for not withdrawing the three agri laws against which the farmers have been protesting. Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said for seven years the country has been listening to the "same speeches" by the prime minister but nothing is being done for any aggrieved section, including small farmers.

"He announces new schemes but these are never implemented or seen on the ground. He says a lot of things but never adheres to them. And now, by bringing the three new farm laws, he has spelled doom for the farmers," Kharge told reporters after the prime minister's Independence Day speech. Kharge also took exception to the prime minister targeting the previous regimes on the issues of small farmers and development, saying the country will not progress by criticising the Congress from the ramparts of the Red Fort again and again. (PTI)

The Deshbhakti curriculum will be implemented in schools across Delhi starting September 27, to mark freedom fighter Bhagat Singh’s birth anniversary.

The curriculum, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, will be activity-based, and aims to inculcate patriotism among children.

“This is not something that will require rote learning. Children will be told about the stories of the nation, there will be discussions about their responsibilities and duties to the nation and how they can contribute,” he said. The curriculum was adopted by the State Council of Educational Research and Training last week.

As India and Pakistan celebrate 75 years of their Independence, the quest in the hearts of Punjabis — to trace their roots on the either side, to get just one glimpse of their ancestral homes, and to revisit the streets where they spent their childhood in — remains.

While most of families, who moved either to India or Pakistan in 1947, have been unable to revisit their ancestral homes again, some like Tarunjit Singh Butalia (56), have been lucky. In his case, the search began with a “kaala mor (black peacock)” that his grandmother would often mention in conversations about the past. The black peacock was painted outside their ancestral haveli at village Butala in Pakistan’s Gujranwala in 1947. With that as landmark, Butalia finally traced the haveli, 72 years after the Partition, in December 2019. Most of the plaster from the haveli’s wall was gone, but the black peacock was still perched there. Read more

In the video that is going viral, a young girl is seen playing ‘Jana Gana Mana’ on a santoor. Dressed in a yellow kurta, and a colourful headscarf, the young artiste’s beautiful rendition has left many mesmerised. While it went viral across social media sites, including WhatsApp, what really caught the attention of netizens was the fact that the girl is not an Indian.

The Congress' Uttar Pradesh unit will honour freedom fighters, their families and farmers in every village of the state under a new campaign, party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said on Sunday. Greeting people on the country's 75th Independence Day, the Congress leader said the party would undertake the "Jai Bharat Jan Sampark Abhiyan" on the occasion. "On 75th Independence Day, the UP Congress will honour freedom fighters, their families, farmers in every village of UP under 'Jai Bharat Jan Sampark Abhiyan' and thank each and every person of the state for their contribution in strengthening the country," Priyanka Gandhi tweeted in Hindi. 

Stating that Telangana's per capita income is higher than the national average, Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Sunday said the average income of a person in the state has doubled to Rs 2.37 lakh per annum. Speaking after unfurling the national flag as part of the Independence day celebrations at the historic Golconda Fort here, Rao said the State Gross Domestic Product which was pegged at over Rs 4.51 lakh crore during 2013-14 has now grown to Rs 9.80 lakh crore in 2020-21. "Likewise, when the state was formed in the 2013-2014 financial year our State Per Capita Income was Rs. 1,12,216 whereas now Telangana's State Per Capita Income has reached Rs.2,37,632. Presently, our country's Per Capita Income is recorded as Rs. 1,28,829. It is to be noticed that the Telangana State Per Capita Income is more than that of the country Per Capita Income," he said.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Sunday greeted people on the country's 75th Independence Day and announced the creation of four new districts in the state as well as development of parks exclusively for women in all districts of the state. The CM also said that steps taken to curb the Naxal menace in the state were "showing encouraging results". "Taking the process of decentralisation further, four new districts will be created - namely Mohla-Manpur, Sakti, Sarangarh-Bilaigarh and Manendragarh, while 18 new tehsils will also be formed," Baghel said addressing an Independence Day function at the police parade ground.

The four new districts will take the total number of administrative districts in the state to 32. Baghel also said that in every district headquarters and municipal corporation, a park will be developed exclusively for women, which will be known as the 'Minimata Udyan'. 

President Ram Nath Kovind paid tribute at the National War Memorial on Independence Day

Delhi | President Ram Nath Kovind paid tribute at the National War Memorial on Independence Day

Defence Minister, the three Service chiefs, Chief of Defence Staff were also present pic.twitter.com/1TuaAL4l8D

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2021

The Indian Express film critic makes a movie map – 75 films across seven decades – that celebrates the journey of the world's largest democracy. Read more

While India has achieved many things post independence, social and economic inequalities, poverty, failure to ensure women's safety, racial discrimination and threat of religious sectarianism are "shackles" from which the country is yet to be liberated, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in his Independence Day message on social media. The Chief Minister, on his Twitter handle, urged the people to pledge to liberate the country from these shackles and "recapture the meaning of freedom in all its glory." 

"Today, let's take the pledge that we will liberate our country from the shackles of poverty, caste discrimination, gender inequality, communal ideologies, sectarianism & all social injustices to recapture the meaning of freedom in all its glory. "Happy #indiaIndependenceday" he tweeted. He also posted Independence day wishes on his Facebook page in which he said, "As an independent nation, we have achieved many things. There is still room for improvement in many areas. Economic and social inequalities are strongly prevailing in the country. Poverty has not been eradicated.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot Sunday said people should follow the spirit of the Constitution to keep the country united. In a video message on the 75th Independence Day of the country, he said the spirit of unity in diversity should be imbibed by the new generation. He greeted people on the occasion and said the country has reached here due to the sacrifices made by great leaders such as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad who fought under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. "We should follow the spirit of the Constitution to keep the country united and undivided. On the 75th Independence Day, people, especially the younger generation, should take a pledge that they will protect the Constitution and walk on the path shown by it," Gehlot said in the message.  (PTI)

The "jungle raj" in Jammu and Kashmir ended on the "eve of 2020" and the grassroots level democracy was strengthened in the union territory by conduct of violence-free district development council (DDC) elections, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Sunday.

Referring to the Centre's decision to revoke the special status of the erstwhile state, Sinha said in 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had marked the beginning of a new era for Jammu and Kashmir. "The grass-roots democracy has been strengthened, fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the common citizens. With the spirit of Kashmiriyat i.e. taking along all religions and creeds on development odyssey, we are achieving new milestones," Sinha said in his Independence Day speech at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket stadium here.

He said the "Vajpayee principle of Jamhooriyat' was not allowed to flourish on the ground for decades in Jammu and Kashmir and there was a famous ?collectorate tradition of democracy (PTI)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said the COVID-19 pandemic took everyone to "pre-independence days", and appealed to people to take the pledge to make the state and the country free of the disease. In his address after unfurling the national flag at the state secretariat 'Mantralaya' on the country's 75th Independence Day, Thackeray said the state was fighting COVID-19 with determination and the vaccination drive against the disease was also being expedited. 

"Just yesterday, we achieved a milestone of vaccinating 9.5 lakh citizens on a single day," he noted. The CM said the country achieved independence due to people's struggle and movement. "We are now celebrating 75 years of freedom, and we have to take the pledge that we will make our state and the country free of coronavirus and celebrate the Independence Day next year freely. The pandemic had taken everyone back to the pre-independence days and we all were experiencing the same in the last one-and-a-half years," he said. (PTI)

?????? ??????????? ??????????? ??????????? ????? ????????? ????? ??????? ????? ????????????? ????????? ????????? ??????? ???. ?????? ??????? ????? ??????? ??????? ??????. ????? ????? ???? ?????????? ?????? ?????? ? ?????????? ???????????????? ?????? ????? ?????. pic.twitter.com/eoaPBEuSyA

— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) August 15, 2021

Muzaffar Wani, the father of slain Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani, hoisted the national flag at a school in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district as part of Independence Day celebrations Sunday, officials said. Muzaffar Wani, who is a teacher by profession, unfurled the national flag on the premises of the Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Tral, they said. 

Burhan Wani's killing in an encounter with security forces in July 2016 in South Kashmir had triggered a massive five-month summer agitation in Kashmir that left over 100 people dead and thousands injured. 

As part of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', the union territory administration has directed all departments including the education department to ensure that flag hoisting is held in all offices on Independence Day. (PTI)

Ex-serviceman, environmentalist and writer, Lahore-born Partition victim Parkash Singh Bhatti (83) is not amused by PM Narendra Modi’s call of observing August 14 as Partition Remembrance Day.

“Partition’s pain can never be forgotten. Millions of our sisters and brothers were displaced and many lost their lives due to mindless hate and violence. In memory of the struggles and sacrifices of our people, 14th August will be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day,” tweeted PM on Saturday.

However, angry with politicians and historians for ignoring Punjab’s pain, Bhatti said: “Observing remembrance day doesn’t make any sense. I am afraid that now it is more like gimmick to counter the ongoing farmer protest in Delhi. PM must understand that many of the farmers sitting in Delhi are also partition victims and they have not got any justice since Independence.” Read more

On the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for the country’s transformation to newer heights, new levels of prosperity, world-class modern infrastructure, and access to quality facilities for all Indians irrespective of the region and class they belong in the next 25 years.

Liz Mathew, Ravish Tiwari analyse PM Modi's I-Day speech

Gandhian ideals are the "greatest weapon" to give direction to the country which is facing challenges related to caste, religion and creed and this should be instilled in the minds of the youth, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said on Sunday. 

In his address after unfurling the Indian tricolour in Chennai on the occasion of the 75th Independence Day, the chief minister also announced hiking pension and family pension being given to the freedom fighters from the state. "Lets take a vow to instil in the youths' mind that Gandhian ideals are the greatest weapon to lead India which is facing challenges related to caste, religion and creed," he said. Mahatma Gandhi had a "deep relationship" with Tamil Nadu and it was during one such visit to the state that he decided to opt for simpler outfit. (PTI)

Congress president Sonia Gandhi hoists the national flag at party headquarters in Delhi; Rahul Gandhi also present.

LIVE: Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi Hoists the National Flag at AICC on #IndependenceDay https://t.co/cRRjV446zs

— Congress (@INCIndia) August 15, 2021

The Tricolour was hoisted in the inhospitable terrain of Donkyala pass at 18300 ft - the highest pass in the Eastern Sector

The Tricolour was hoisted in the inhospitable terrain of Donkyala pass at 18300 ft - the highest pass in the Eastern Sector to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of India's Independence, today: A Bharat Bhushan Babu, Principal Spokesperson, Ministry of Defence#IndependenceDay2021 pic.twitter.com/ZGQr1cxJIc

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2021

While India actively went about ensuring the states’ accession to the Indian Union, on the other side of the border the new born nation of Pakistan remained rather unconcerned about them. The counterpart of the States’ Department in Pakistan headed by Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar was largely inactive right upto the day of Independence. Complicating matters was the fact that Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of the new nation, kept to himself the intricate job of negotiating with the princes who wished to accede to Pakistan. Read more

India used to import mobile phones worth USD 8 billion seven years ago and now the country is exporting such devices worth USD 3 billion while reducing imports significantly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday. "Electronic manufacturing sector is an example of the change that the scheme is bringing. Seven years ago we used to import mobile phones of approximately USD 8 billion. Now imports have reduced. Today, we are exporting mobile phones worth USD 3 billion," he said. The Ministry of Electronics and IT has cleared 16 proposals from domestic and international companies entailing investment of Rs 148 billion under the production linked incentive (PLI) for global majors as well as domestic companies.

Fiqe is Shafiq Ahmad, whose family is the only Muslim one now in this village of 3,000, most of them Jat Sikhs, located just 15 km from the India-Pakistan border at Wagah. In the Partition wave of 1947, among those who crossed over to Pakistan were families from Jhabal Pukhta, including several relatives of Ahmad.

Among the tales of Partition horrors and divided families, his is that happy story: of a border that has not come in the way. Whenever there is an important occasion in the family — be it this side or that — they make sure to get their travel permits to participate together. By road, Jhabal Pukhta is an hour’s drive from Lahore. Read more

They are raring to vote, and to seize their Constitutional rights: to free speech, to education, to pursue their dreams, to marry a person of their choice. They are glad India has travelled so far, in girl’s rights, technology, economy; but worry over the divides hurting the country’s diversity, the rich-gap poor, the insecurity for women.

When India turns 75 next year, these 17-year-olds come of age, as voters, as citizens with questions and some very pointed answers. Here, they answer 1) What is freedom to them? 2) Which freedom do they value most? 3) Will they vote? 4) What do they want in a govt? 5) What makes them most proud of India, the least proud? Plus 6) How has India changed in 75 years? Read our special, here

PM Modi greets the Indian contingent that participated in Tokyo Olympics

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the Indian contingent that participated in #TokyoOlympics and NCC cadets, who participated in #IndependenceDay2021 celebrations at the Red Fort. pic.twitter.com/cCE4e5PQjE

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concludes his address to the nation on the 75th Independence Day at Red Fort

Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi concludes his address to the nation on the 75th Independence Day at Red Fort pic.twitter.com/J7yX7x8Dvt

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2021

‘We have to make India a green hydrogen export hub,’ PM Modi said in his Independence day speech at Red Fort. “Green growth will give rise to green jobs," the PM added.

Talking about terrorism, PM Modi said: "India is fighting against terrorism. Surgical strikes showed our resolve and sent a message to our enemies."

Today, we have to pledge to make India energy independent before completing 100 years of independence. India has moved towards electric mobility and work is underway on 100% electrification of Indian Railways with the aim to becoming net-zero carbon emitter by the year 2030

"There was a time when sports wasn't considered a part of the mainstream. Parents used to tell children that they would spoil their life if they kept playing. Now, awareness regarding sports & fitness has come within the country. We have experienced this in Olympics this time," PM Modi said

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government will fortify the rice distributed to the poor via different schemes such as Midday Meal in a bid to address the problem of malnutrition. "Malnutrition and lack of micro-nutrients are affecting the growth of poor children. Looking at this, it has been decided to fortify the rice given to the poor via different government schemes," Modi said in his Independence Day speech. Whether through ration shops or the Midday Meal scheme, the rice made available under every government programme will be fortified by the year 2024. 

Currently, out of the 15 states identified for the 'Central scheme on fortified rice and its distribution via public distribution system (PDS)', five are implementing it in one district each on a pilot basis. Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Chhattisgarh have started distributing fortified rice -- mixed with nutrients -- in their respective identified district. 

PM Modi said that all Sainik schools will be opened for girls. Now, a girl child will be able to take admission in Sainik schools. "It is a matter of pride for the country whether it is education or sports, board results or Olympic medal, our daughters are performing phenomenally today," he said. 

'Earlier, the govt was sitting in the driver's seat. Maybe it was needed at that time. But the time has changed now. Efforts have increased in the last 7 years to free the people from the web of unnecessary laws & procedures. Several unnecessary laws have been scrapped so far. Our priority will be to ensure that the services reach the last person seamlessly. For the all-round development of the nation, it is essential to end the unnecessary interference of govt and government procedures in the lives of people,' PM Modi added

Stressing that India now has the political will to make changes, PM Modi said, "This is the new chapter of governance in the country. Political will is required to bring in big changes, big reforms. Today, the world can see that there is no dearth of political will in India. Good and smart governance is needed to bring reforms. Several old laws are scrapped and new India is dreaming big."

In 75 weeks of 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav', 75 'Vande Bharat' trains will connect different parts of country

"Along with modern infrastructure, India also needs to adopt a holistic approach in infrastructure construction. We will soon be launching Prime Minister's Gatishakti - National Master Plan soon. The scheme will transform India and help create jobs for the youth"

"Our mantra is 'Chhota kisan bane desh ki shaan'. It's our dream. In years to come, we've to further increase the collective strength of small farmers of the country, we will have to provide them new facilities. 'Kisan rail' runs on more than 70 rail routes of the country today," PM Modi added. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said over 4.5 crore new households received piped water connection under the Jal Jeevan Mission in the last two years. The scheme aims to provide tap water connections to all rural households by 2024. "Over 4.5 cr new households have received piped water supply within two years of Jal Jeevan Mission," Modi said in his Independence Day speech from the historic Red Fort. The ambitious scheme was announced by Modi during his Independence Day speech in 2019.

On farmers, Modi said: "In the coming years, we will have to increase the collective power of the small farmers of the country. We have to give them new facilities. They must become the country's pride."

Talking about development in the rural areas, Modi said: "Today we see our villages changing rapidly. In past few years, facilities like road & electricity have reached villages. Today, the optical fiber network is providing the power of data to villages, the internet is reaching there. Digital entrepreneurs are getting ready in villages too."

"Delimitation Commission has been constituted in Jammu and Kashmir and preparations are on for assembly elections in the future. The development of J&K is visible on the ground. On one hand, Ladakh is witnessing the creation of modern infrastructure, while on the other hand Indus Central University will make Ladakh a center of higher education," PM Modi said. 

"Besides caring about basic facilities, reservation for Dalits, backwards, tribals, economically weak sections of general category. Recently reservation was granted to OBCs, under all-India quota, in medical education. States have been granted the right to make their own OBC lists," PM Modi said. 

"Development should be inclusive. Whether our eastern India, North East, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh including the entire Himalayan region, be it our coastal belt or tribal region, it will become a big base for India's development in future," PM Modi further said

"It is essential to fully utilise the capabilities of India to take it to new heights, in the 21st century. For this, we have to hold hands of the section that is lagging behind, the area that is lagging behind. We have to bridge the gap between lives in villages and cities. Over 4.5 cr new households have received piped water supply within two years of 'Jal Jeevan Mission'," PM Modi said