India (Commonwealth Union)_ Independence Day 2023 becomes not just a historical marker but a reflection of India’s resilience, progress, and aspirations. As the sun rises on this momentous day, the hearts of Indians beat in unison, acknowledging the sacrifices of the past while embracing the promise of a brighter tomorrow. With gratitude and a sense of responsibility, the nation stands poised to steer its destiny towards greater heights, embodying the ideals of justice, liberty, and equality that the struggle for independence epitomized.
Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 77th Independence Day by unfurling the flag at Delhi’s iconic Red Fort, a symbolic gesture that resonates with India’s storied history. In his address, PM Modi eloquently conveyed the immense opportunities that lie before the nation, while also delivering a veiled critique directed towards his political opponents. As the tricolor flag unfurls against the azure sky, it symbolizes not only the physical emancipation of a nation but also the collective hope, potential, and dreams of over a billion people. It is a reminder that the journey of a nation is an ongoing one, a path that’s marked by growth, challenges, and the tireless pursuit of progress.
Upon his arrival at the majestic Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi was received by an esteemed entourage, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, and the three heads of the armed forces. With the flag soaring above, the Prime Minister’s presence initiated an enchanting cascade of flower petals from two Advanced Light Helicopters Mark-III Dhruv of the Indian Air Force. Elevating the inclusivity of the occasion, around 1,800 distinguished individuals from diverse professions, including nurses, village leaders from Vibrant Villages, educators, farmers, and fishermen, were specially invited as guests, aligning with the government’s vision of “Jan Bhagidari” or people’s participation.
In a departure from his customary addresses, Prime Minister Modi, who had been subjected to sustained pressure from the opposition to address the situation in Manipur, commenced his discourse by acknowledging the strife-torn state in India’s northeast. He voiced his concern about the distressing incidents of violence and atrocities against women in Manipur, pledging solidarity with the region’s healing process. He remarked, “In the last few weeks, Manipur witnessed a wave of violence. Several people lost their lives, and our mothers and sisters were dishonored. But, peace is slowly returning to the region. India stands with Manipur”. The Prime Minister underscored the collaboration between the central and state governments to restore harmony.
Reiterating his commitment to the region, PM Modi asserted, “The people of Manipur should build on the peace that has been restored over the past few days. The path for a solution will be found through peace in Manipur”. Throughout his address, Manipur remained a focal point as he emphasized the necessity of respecting regional aspirations and fostering holistic development. Tracing his government’s achievements, the Prime Minister highlighted a track record of initiatives aimed at empowering citizens and fostering national progress. With conviction, he asserted that India’s steadfastness in fulfilling its resolutions was evident in its accomplishments, projecting a promising trajectory towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy within the next five years.
Invoking the principle of unity, PM Modi encapsulated the interconnectedness of diverse Indian states, stating, “When I talk about unity…if there’s violence in Manipur, the pain is felt in Maharashtra as well”. His speech bore the mark of continuity as he embarked on his tenth consecutive Independence Day address. Greeting the nation’s 1.4 billion citizens as his parivarjan, or extended family, he expressed gratitude to Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagrah movement and paid homage to the sacrifices of freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev. He said, “I pay homage to all those who contributed to the independence of the county, made sacrifices”.
Recognizing the confluence of demography, democracy, and diversity, PM Modi proclaimed that these forces collectively possessed the potential to manifest the nation’s aspirations. The metaphorical “Triveni” of these elements was poised to transform India’s dreams into reality. Emphasizing his administration’s strides in poverty eradication, the Prime Minister celebrated the upliftment of over 13.5 crore individuals from destitution to the neo-middle and middle classes in just five years. With a forward-looking vision, he envisaged a developed India commemorating its 100th Independence Day in 2047. Concluding his speech, he expressed his intention to return the following year and be blessed with the people’s support.
As a testament to national pride, the “Har Ghar Tiranga” (Every Home a Flag) campaign continued this year, encouraging citizens to adorn their homes with the national flag. In a nod to digital patriotism, PM Modi encouraged the adoption of a profile image featuring the flag across social media platforms. Adding a touch of innovation, the government established selfie points at prominent Delhi landmarks, such as the National War Memorial, India Gate, New Delhi Railway Station, Pragati Maidan, and Raj Ghat, to highlight its initiatives. In the spirit of engagement, an online selfie contest was organized by the Defence Ministry through the MyGov portal from August 15-20.
The festivities at the historic Red Fort unfolded under vigilant security measures, including the deployment of 1,000 facial recognition cameras, anti-drone systems, and a contingent of over 10,000 police personnel. At precisely 7:30 AM, Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the flag-hoisting ceremony at Delhi’s revered Red Fort, commencing a memorable day of celebrations. In a departure from his customary address style, he extended his regards to India’s vast population of 1.4 billion as “parivarjan” or family members. This distinguished occasion saw the presence of cabinet ministers, political leaders, the three heads of the armed forces, and government officials, all of whom congregated to commemorate the nation’s Independence Day.
