Powered by 140 crore people, India scaling new heights: PM's Independence Day message

In his Independence Day message, PM Modi said India is scaling new heights of progress powered by its 140 crore citizens, and urged people to draw inspiration from freedom fighters to build a Viksit Bharat.

In Short

• PM Modi credits 140 crore Indians for India's development
• Pays tribute to freedom fighters on 80th Independence Day
• Prime Minister says India scaling new heights of progress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India is "scaling new heights of progress", powered by its 140 crore citizens, as he attributed the country’s growth to the collective efforts of its people in his Independence Day message.

“Powered by 140 crore Indians, our nation is scaling new heights of progress across different sectors,” PM Modi posted on X ahead of his address from the Red Fort.

Extending his greetings on the occasion, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the "countless freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment brought an end to colonial rule". He said their dreams continue to inspire the country as it works towards building a Viksit Bharat.

PM Modi expressed hope that India’s development journey would continue at an even greater pace in the coming years. He urged citizens to draw inspiration from the courage, struggle and dedication of the freedom fighters and work together to realise the vision of a developed India.

India is celebrating its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, with Modi set to lead the national celebrations at the Red Fort and address the nation from its ramparts.

For the first time, ‘Vande Mataram’ will be rendered during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. The ceremony will also mark 150 years of the National Song and highlight the energy and aspirations of India’s youth in the country’s journey towards ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.

Nearly 5,000 special guests from different walks of life have been invited to witness the celebrations, while more than 1,500 people from various states and Union Territories will also attend the ceremony.

The celebrations will feature the hoisting of the national flag, a 21-gun salute using indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns, and a Rashtriya Salute by the Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard.

Following the flag-hoisting, an Army band will play ‘Vande Mataram’, followed by the National Anthem. Two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters will shower flower petals over the venue.

At the conclusion of Modi’s address, 2,500 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets and My Bharat volunteers will sing ‘Vande Mataram’, followed by the National Anthem.

Independence Day celebrations are also being held across the country, with flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes and patriotic band performances planned at 343 prominent locations.

- Ends