Pays tribute to freedom fighters, calls for ‘secular civil code’ in India
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hoisted the national flag and delivered his 11th consecutive speech to the nation from the Red Fort on the occasion of 78th Independence Day.
The theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’, aims to propel the country towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
The ceremony at the Red Fort began with Prime Minister Modi being received by senior government and military officials, followed by an inspection of the Guard of Honour, which this year was coordinated by the Indian Navy. A symbolic moment followed when the prime minister hoisted the national flag, accompanied by a 21-gun salute by the 1721 Field Battery, using indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns.
This year, around 6,000 special guests representing diverse sections of Indian society, including youth, tribal communities, farmers, women, and beneficiaries of various government schemes, have been invited to witness the ceremony.
