78th Independence Day Highlights: Principles, ideals of freedom movement under threat, says Mamata Banerjee

Social justice top priority, says President Droupadi Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said tendencies that stoke discord based upon perceived social hierarchies have to be rejected.

Read more

Explained | Why is the tricolour hoisted on Independence Day and unfurled on Republic Day?

The tricolour is hoisted on Independence Day to symbolise the birth of a nation and India's freedom from the British rule.

Read more

When and where to watch Independence Day speech of PM Modi

As the nation approaches its Independence Day celebrations, all eyes will be on Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Read more

Mumbai's Atal Setu illuminated in tro-colours ahead of 78th Independence day celebrations

Glimpses from preparations ahead of Independence day celebrations across the country

Delhi's Red Fort decked up to witness India's 78th Independence Day celebration

PM Modi wishes countrymen on occasion of Independence Day

Lal Chowk in Jammu & Kashmir's Srinagar decked up in tricolour

Rajnath Singh hoists the national flag at his residence

Union Ministers Giriraj Singh has arrived at the Red Fort for India's 78th Independence day

Watch the celebrations of the 78th Independence Day here

PM Modi arrives at Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi

Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, J P Nadda among other leaders present at Red Fort.

PM Modi reaches Red Fort

PM Narendra Modi arrives at the Red Fort

PM Modi inspects the guard of honour

PM Narendra Modi is set to deliver his 11th Independence Day address, from the ramparts of the Red Fort soon

PM Modi hoists the national flag from the ramparts of iconic Red Fort in Delhi

PM Modi addresses nation from ramparts of Red Fort

Today is the day to pay tributes to the uncountable 'Azaadi ke deewane' who made sacrifices for the nation. This country is indebted to them, PM Modi

Country indebted to freedom fighters; it is a day to remember their sacrifices: PM Modi

Natural disasters have heightened our concern over last few years; I express my sympathies to affected families: PM Modi

If 40 crore people can break shackles of slavery to gain freedom, just imagine what can be achieved by resolve of 140 crore people: PM Modi

If we resolve and move together in one direction, then we can become 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 by overcoming all obstacles in the way, says PM Modi at Red Fort

'Viksit Bharat 2047' are not mere words, they are reflection of resolve and dreams of 140 crore people: PM Modi in his I-Day speech

People have given many suggestions to make India developed by 2047, including making nation manufacturing hub, seed capital: PM Modi

People's suggestions for Viksit Bharat include governance reforms, speedy justice delivery system, promoting traditional medicines: PM Modi

Jal Jeevan Mission has reached 15 crore beneficiaries: PM Modi in his Independence Day speech

People want 'shri anna (millets)' to reach every dining table of world as super food: PM Modi

When country's armed forces carry out surgical and air strikes, every Indian is filled with pride: PM Modi in his Independence Day speech

Earlier, people wanted change, but their aspirations were not paid heed to; we brought about big reforms on ground: PM Modi

Our commitment to reforms not for temporary applause or due to compulsions, but has resolve to strengthen country: PM Modi

PM Modi hails banking sector reforms, says Indian banks now count among strongest in world

Our country administered vaccines to crores of people the fastest of all, across the world. This is the same country where terrorists used to come and attack us, says PM Modi

We gave the mantra for 'Vocal for Local'. Today, I am happy that Vocal for Local has become a new mantra for the economic system. There is an environment of 'One District One Product', says PM Modi

Path of reforms chosen by us has become blueprint for growth and not just for debate clubs: PM Modi in his Independence Day speech

Earlier, people used to plead with govt for amenities, now they get them at doorstep: PM Modi

Be it tourism, education, health, MSME, transport, farming and agriculture sectors- in every sector a new modern system is being created. We want to move forward by adopting best practices by integration of technology, says PM Modi

Country's youth does not want to go slow, this is our golden era: PM Modi in his Independence Day speech

Ten crore sisters have joined women self-help groups and are becoming economically independent: PM Modi

When women become financially independent, they become part of the decision-making system in a household leading to social change...Till now, 9 lakh crores have been given to self-help groups in the country, says PM Modi

We have taken big steps towards modernising infrastructure, also given priority to ease of living: PM Modi in his Independence Day speech

Hundreds of start-ups have come up in space sector; private satellites, rockets are being launched: PM Modi

We were given a huge responsibility and we introduced major reforms on the ground...I would like to assure the countrymen, our commitment to reforms is not limited to pink paper editorials, says PM Modi

We prioritised justice over punishment in new criminal laws: PM Modi in his Independence Day speech

Middle class gives a lot to nation; expects quality life; will be our endeavour to ensure minimum government interference: PM Modi

Space sector which is becoming vibrant is an essential element towards making India a powerful nation. We are focusing and giving strength to this sector with a long-term idea, says PM Modi

India's contribution in global growth has increased; country's exports have gone up: PM Modi in his Independence Day speech

Reforms in governance have to be pushed to realise goal of 2047; delivery system in governance has to be strengthened: PM Modi

Youth of my country does not intend to walk slowly now. Youth of my country does not believe in incremental progress. Youth of my country is in the mood to take a leap, it is in the mood to leap and achieve new goals, says PM Modi

PM Modi urges all levels of government to work on improving ease of living on mission mode

I extended my good wishes and congratulations to the country. The way our country is growing...we are all trying to make the country keep growing like this, says DIG SS Chandel after hoisting the national flag at Attari Wagah Border in Punjab

For third term in government, only message is to serve everyone, every family and take nation to newer heights of development: PM Modi

We want to build such an education system in country that students don't have to go abroad for studies: PM Modi

For working women, maternity leave has been increased from 12 weeks to 26 weeks, says PM Modi

Launch of Chandrayaan has fired up scientific temper among youths, educational institutions should nurture it further: PM Modi.

Students spend lakhs and crores for medical education abroad; we will create 75,000 new medical seats in next 5 years: PM Modi

India's farmers can make country organic food basket of world, we will work towards it: PM Modi in his Independence Day speech

We are becoming self-reliant in the defence sector. Today, we have our own identity in defence equipment manufacturing. India is emerging as a defence manufacturing hub, says PM Modi

Need of hour is to widely publicise punishment for atrocities against women so that there is fear of consequences: PM Modi

India rolled out 5G at very fast pace; have not stopped at that and are working on 6G tech on mission mode: PM Modi

We have to move forward with mantra of 'design in India' and 'design for world': PM Modi in his address to nation on Independence Day.

Urge states to draft clear policies to attract new investors, assure them about good governance, law and order: Modi in his I-Day speech

India only country among G20 nations to achieve ahead of time climate goals committed at Paris conference: PM Modi

Need to give up old habits, come forward with clear policies for investors at a time when world is keen to invest in India: PM Modi

We want to make India global hub for green hydrogen, it has potential for generating 'green jobs': PM Modi

It is India's dream that Olympics 2036 is held in the country, we are preparing for that: PM Modi

People need to understand that a few people with negative mindset conspiring to create imbalance in country: Modi in his I-Day speech

Challenges are there within country and outside; as we become more powerful, challenges will increase: PM Mod

We want to tell world that they should not be worried of a progressing India: PM Modi

We hope situation normalises in Bangladesh soon; Indians want that security of Hindus, minorities there is ensured: PM Modi

India will always be well-wisher of Bangladesh's progress: PM Modi in his Independence Day speech

India's development not detrimental for anyone; we are country of the Buddha, 'yudh' (war) is not our path: PM Modi

I want to create fear in minds of the corrupt to stop tradition of looting common man: PM Modi

Attempts to glorify corruption emerging as a challenge for a healthy society: PM Modi in his address to nation on Independence Day

It is need of hour to have a secular civil code and do away with discriminatory communal civil code: PM Modi

Nepotism, casteism harming society; have to get rid of these from politics: PM Modi in his address to nation on Independence Day

Request everyone to come together to achieve resolve of 'one nation, one election': PM Modi in his Independence Day speech

I am committed to working round the clock to achieve goal of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047: PM Modi

I pay tributes to the freedom fighters and security forces due to whom we attained freedom, says Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini arrives at the venue for Independence Day celebrations

Tripura CM Manik Saha hoists the National Flag on the occasion of Independence Day

Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari hoists the national flag on 78th Independence Day in Bhopal

We will all strive to have a Viksit Madhya Pradesh and a Viksit Bharat, says Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav

We remembered and honoured all those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and independence of the country, says Tripura CM Manik Saha

DIG BSF Amritsar Sector, S S Chandel hoists the Tiranga on 78th Independence Day

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma hoists the national flag

I extend my good wishes to all the citizens of the country on this day. Freedom fighters sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country, says Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde as he hoists the national flag

As the tricolour is hoisted on 78th Independence Day in Delhi, the Indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns of 1721 Fd Bty give the traditional 21 Gun Salute

Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha Harivansh hoisted the National flag on the occasion of Independence Day at his residence in Delhi

Credit: X/@ANI

I congratulate everyone on the occasion of Independence Day. We are determined to ensure we always remain independent, says RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav

https://x.com/ANI/status/1823938390141886913Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created sand art at Puri beach, on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day

We remember all those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the motherland. We all want our country to progress, says RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav

AIMIM President & Member of Parliament, Asaduddin Owaisi hoists Tricolour in Hyderabad

Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai addresses the public during 78th Independence Day celebrations in Raipur

Indian and Sri Lankan Army jointly practice yoga on the occasion of India's Independence Day

Credit: X/@ANI

Credit: X/@ANI

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar hoists the national flag in Patna

Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge hoists the National Flag at AICC Headquarters in Delhi

BJP President JP Nadda hoists tricolour at party headquarters in Delhi

Every person is resolute in making India a developed nation...Today, the PM has set targets for us in various areas including education, science and health to make India a developed nation, says Nadda

I pay my respects to the freedom fighters whose sacrifices helped us attain independence. This reminds us of when our citizens and youth made the supreme sacrifice for the country, says Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee hoists tricolour on 78th Independence Day, in Kolkata

Let us pledge on this Independence Day that we will continue to fight against dictatorship till our last breath, says Atishi

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar hoists the national flag at his official residence in Delhi

Norway's Ambassador to India, May-Elin Stener tweets, "Happy Independence Day India! With love from Norway! स्वतंत्रता दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ!"

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla hoisted the Tiranga at his residence in Delhi

I-Day celebrations underway at Manekshaw Parade Ground, in Bengaluru

This is the day which reminds us of the duties we have to discharge towards each other and the nation in realising all the values of the constitution, says CJI DY Chandrachud

BSF celebrates Independence Day at Nadabet, the Indo-Pak border zero point in Gujarat’s Banaskantha

Union Minister Jitendra Singh hoisted the national flag at his residence earlier today

"PM's address to the nation on Independence Day is kind of a declaration of intent of the government's past achievements and the roadmap ahead," Singh said.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann takes part in 78th Independence Day celebrations in Jalandhar

Tiranga hoisted at the residence of veteran BJP leader L K Advani in Delhi

Credit: X/@ANI

Credit: X/@ANI

Indian Border Guarding Force (176 battalion) exchanged sweets with counterpart Border Guard Bangladesh (18 BGB) at ICP Fulbari in West Bengal

amil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai took part in the 78th Independence Day celebrations held a party office in Chennai today

Yog Guru Swami Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved MD Acharya Balakrishna hoist the national flag at Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu took part in the 78th Independence Day celebrations today

NCP (SCP) MP Supriya Sule attends Independence Day celebrations at NCP-SCP office in Mumbai

Former Odisha CM & BJD chief Naveen Patnaik attends 78th Independence Day celebrations in Bhubaneswar

Odisha DGP Arun Kumar Sarangi says, 'Celebration of Independence Day across the state has been peaceful. In the Maoist-affected areas also, there is no incident of any kind of Maoist activity.'

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi took part in the 78th Independence Day celebration in Bhubaneswar

Independence Day celebrations held in Ladakh's Leh

It's very easy to take freedom and liberty for granted, but it is important that we dwell on the stories of the past to remind us how precious liberty is, says CJI

The dream of medical independence is still a major dream because by consuming the poisonous medicines of allopathy, crores of people are dying every year, says Yog Guru Swami Ramdev

PM Narendra Modi's whole speech was a call and a blueprint for a New India, Empowered India, and a Viksit Bharat by 2047, says Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh

Independence Day celebrations at BSF Babliyan Chowki, located at the India-Pakistan border in Tanot, Jaisalmer

Indian Army hoists the national flag in Akshar cruise on Sabarmati riverfront as India celebrates its 78th Independence Day in Gujarat

J&K LG Manoj Sinha hoisted the national flag in Srinagar

Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Sanjeev Kumar hoisted the Tiranga at Delhi Air Traffic Services Complex, IGI Airport

Manipur CM N Biren Singh hoisted the Tiranga, at First Manipur Rifle Ground in Imphal

"Every citizen of India should get involved in every manner to unify India. So, at many places all across the districts, we organised 'Har Ghar Tiranga' under the guidance of PM Modi successfully," said Singh.

Manipur CM N Biren Singh.

Minister Kailash Gahlot hoisted national flag on behalf of CM Arvind Kejriwal at Delhi's Chhatrasal Stadium

National flag hoisted at Lal Chowk's Ghanta Ghar in Srinagar

Watch | PM meets Indian Olympic contingent at his residence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Indian Olympic contingent at his residence on Thursday. 

Watch |Independence Day celebrations at India House in London

Here what PM Modi said on youth in his I-day speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called for bringing one lakh youth without any political lineage into politics as public representatives at various levels, saying it will help end casteism and dynasty politics.

He said these youth whose families are not connected to politics could join any party of their choice and the induction of fresh blood would mean "new thinking" and "new capabilities".

Modi's remarks during the Independence Day address from the ramparts of Red Fort came at a time political parties, including the ruling BJP, are facing criticism over choosing leaders from dynasties and not giving opportunities for the younger generation. In his third term, Modi also chose to continue with most of his old ministers.

It also comes at a time when the average age of MPs of the 18th Lok Sabha is 56 years, the highest in India's Parliamentary history. While the first Lok Sabha (1952-57) had MPs with an average age of 46 years, it rose to 54 years in the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-24).

“One of the missions is that we want to bring forward one lakh youth as people's representatives in the political life of the country at the earliest. In the beginning, we want to bring forward one lakh such youth whose family members have no political background, whose parents, siblings, uncles, maternal uncles and maternal aunts have never been in politics,” he said.

Such talented youths, fresh blood should come so that there is freedom from casteism, freedom from nepotism and democracy prospers, he said.

“It is not necessary that they go to one party, they should go to the party they like…The country should decide that in the coming days, one lakh such youngsters, such fresh blood, whose families are not connected with politics become public representatives so that there will be new thinking and new capabilities,” he said.

Congress slams PM Modi for 'making LoP Rahul Gandhi sit in 5th row'

The Congress on Thursday said that making Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi "sit in the fifth row" at the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort shows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "pettiness" and lack of respect for democrat...

The opposition party's attack came after sources involved in organising of the event said all seating arrangements were done "as per the table of precedence".

Read more

Principles, ideals of freedom movement under threat: CM Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed regret that the principles and ideals that guided the freedom struggle and are enshrined in the Constitution are now under attack from sectarian political forces.

Hundreds gather for India's Independence Day celebrations in London

Nearly 1,000 people of Indian heritage gathered at the High Commission of India in London on Thursday to celebrate the 78th Independence Day, with music, dance and patriotic chants.

Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, marked the beginning of the event by unfurling the tricolour followed by the National Anthem echoing across India House in Aldwych.

Delhi prisons announces remission for 1160 convicts to mark Independence Day

Director General of Delhi Prisons Satish Golcha announced the grant of remission to more than 1,160 convicts.

Read more

Putin underlines Russia's commitment to 'privileged strategic partnership' with India

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday extended warm wishes to India on its Independence Day, underlining Moscow's commitment to strengthening the particularly "privileged strategic partnership" between the two nations.

"For 77 years of independent development, your country has achieved universally recognised successes in socio-economic, scientific, technological and many other spheres and gained high prestige in the world arena," Putin said in a statement addressed to his Indian counterpart Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of India's Independence Day.