New Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called upon Indian professionals to lead the global gaming market and help establish the country as a global leader in the industry.

In his address during the 78th Independence Day celebrations here, the prime minister emphasised the need for Indian talent to dominate not just in gaming but in game production as well by leveraging the country's rich cultural heritage.

Asserting that those who create and produce games are largely foreigners, he said he sees that a huge market has emerged in the world of gaming.

"India has a rich heritage, and we can bring talent into the gaming world. We should attract everyone to our gaming sector, and I want Indian children and youth to lead the gaming industry," Modi said.

"I want the country's youth to lead the gaming industry, not just in playing but also in producing games. Indian games must reach the world," he added.

In April, the prime minister interacted with top Indian gamers on a host of issues relating to the gaming industry.

In a freewheeling interaction regarding the future as well as the challenges before the e-gaming industry, Modi had posed questions to gamers while also trying his hand at some of the games.

He had also said that the gaming industry does not require any regulation.

"It must remain free, only then will it boom..," Modi said in response to a question by a gamer.

New Delhi | India is attaining 'Aatmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in defence and gradually emerging as a global manufacturing hub of military equipment due to measures taken by the government in the last few years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday.

In his Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Modi said there was a time when the majority of the defence budget was used to procure military hardware from abroad, but his government focused on indigenous defence production.

"We are becoming self-reliant in the defence sector. Today, we have our own identity in defence manufacturing. India is emerging as a defence manufacturing hub," he said.

The prime minister complimented the defence ministry and the armed forces for taking a series of decisions, including the notification of a number of positive indigenisation lists under which over thousands of items are being procured from the Indian industry in line with designated timelines. According to the defence ministry, a total of 5,600 items have been identified for domestic manufacturing.

Modi expressed satisfaction that India, which was once dependent on import of defence equipment, is today exporting military hardware to numerous countries.

The annual defence production hit a record high of Rs 1.27 lakh crore in 2023-24, according to the defence ministry.

In the same fiscal, defence exports touched Rs 21,083 crore, an increase of 32.5 per cent over 2022-23.

There has been a significant jump in defence exports in the first quarter of 2024-25 as Rs 6,915 crore worth of defence equipment was exported.

The amount is an increase of 78 per cent from the first quarter of 2023-24, when it was Rs 3,885 crore.

In June, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, outlining his vision in the defence sector for the next five years, said the government will work assiduously to increase the exports of military hardware to Rs 50,000 crore by 2028-29.

According to estimates, the Indian armed forces is projected to spend around USD 130 billion in capital procurement over the next five-six years.

The government now wants to reduce dependence on imported military platforms and has decided to support domestic defence manufacturing.

On the growing role of women in all the sectors, the prime minister emphasised that women are not just participating in the progress of the nation, but are playing a leadership role.

"Be it the Army, Navy, Air Force or the space sector, we are witnessing the ever-growing Nari Shakti (women power) of our country," he said.

New Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday warned citizens against internal and external challenges, and those dreaming of "destroying" everything, asserting that the country will have to protect itself from them.

In his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort, he further said the country is marching forward but there are people who cannot stand its progress and prioritise their benefit over everyone else's welfare.

A handful of people nursing such "vikriti" (perversion) can be a cause of destroying everything and pave the way of anarchy, Modi said. "It inflicts such harm on the country that we will have to make a fresh beginning to repair the damage."

"They are dreaming to destroy everything. The country will have to understand it," he said, without making any direct reference to anyone or any incident.

There are uncountable internal as well as external challenges, the prime minister said, asking foreign powers to be not part of plans against India or be concerned with its progress as the country's growth is tied to humankind's welfare.

His remarks came in the backdrop of opposition parties seizing on a recent report of Hindenburg Research, which has charged the SEBI chairperson Madhabi Buch with conflict of interests in probing the Adani group of companies, to target the market regulator and the government.

The ruling BJP has in turn accused the opposition, especially the Congress party, of being hand in glove with the US-based short seller to bring about economic anarchy due to its "hate" for Modi.

In his address, the prime minister said the government with its good intentions, honesty and dedication to the nation can win the hearts of those inimical to India's interests and assured people that it will never flinch from its commitment to the country's development.

The stronger India will become, the more challenges it will face, especially from the outside, he said. "I want to tell them that India's development has never brought a crisis for anyone. Even when it was prosperous, it never plunged the world into war."

It is the land of Buddha and is committed to peace, he said. It is in India's nature to challenge every challenge, he added.

New Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday issued a call to bring one lakh youth who do not have any political lineage into politics as public representatives, saying the move will also help end casteism and dynasty politics.

Such youths could join any party they like and not necessarily one party, he said in his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

"In the country, in the realm of politics, we want to have one lakh public representatives. We want to have one lakh such youths who do not have any political background.

"Their parents, siblings, uncles, aunts, nephews have never been in politics in any generation.. such talented youths, fresh blood. And, whether it is for panchayat, nagarpalika, zilla parishad, or Vidhan Sabha or Lok Sabha... There should be no political history of that family... so that one can get rid of casteism and dynasty politics," Modi said.

The prime minister said this move will bring "fresh blood" with fresh ideas and capabilities.

In the 98-minute speech, his longest Independence Day speech, Modi asserted that it is India's golden era and a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 awaits the nation. The prime minister reiterated his push for ridding Indian politics of casteism and nepotism.

New Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday delivered his longest Independence Day speech at 98 minutes as he addressed the country from the ramparts of historic Red Fort.

The 78th Independence Day speech was also the longest by any prime minister in India's history.

His longest I-day speech before Thursday was 96 minutes in 2016 while his shortest speech was in 2017 when he spoke for around 56 minutes.

On the 78th Independence Day, Modi also became the prime minister to hoist the tricolour on Independence Day and deliver a speech for the third highest time.

Modi delivered his first Independence Day speech in 2014, which lasted for 65 minutes.

His speech in 2015 lasted for about 88 minutes. This was Modi's 11th address as PM and his first after taking charge for a third term.

In 2018, Modi addressed from the ramparts of the Red Fort for 83 minutes. Subsequently, in 2019, he spoke for nearly 92 minutes, which was his second-longest to date.

In 2020 Modi's I-day address lasted for 90 minutes.

His Independence Day speech in 2021 lasted 88 minutes and in 2022 he spoke for about 74 minutes.

Last year, Modi's speech was 90 minutes long.

Before Modi, Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947 and IK Gujral in 1997 had the longest speeches at 72 and 71 minutes, respectively.

Nehru and Indira also gave the shortest speeches on record at 14 minutes in 1954 and 1966, respectively.

Former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee also gave some of the shortest Independence Day speeches from the Red Fort.

Singh's speeches in 2012 and 2013 lasted only 32 and 35 minutes, respectively. Vajpayee's speeches in 2002 and 2003 were even shorter at 25 and 30 minutes.

New Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday slammed the culture of patronage and "termite" of corruption, saying that some people glorify it but he will persevere against them.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day, Modi expressed concern over corruption and its glorification, describing it as a major issue for the society.

"Every citizen of this country has been troubled by the termite of corruption," Modi said, adding, corruption erodes public trust and hinders national progress.

"I know I have to pay a price for this battle, my prestige may be at stake, but national interests are more important than personal prestige," he said.

The PM said, "Can one imagine that in our country, despite having such a great Constitution, some people are openly glorifying corruption?"

He said that in the past, citizens had to endure a "mai-baap" culture, pleading with the government for every necessity.

"Unfortunately, people had to endure this system. Today, we have transformed this governance model," Modi said.

New Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said a "secular civil code" is the need of the hour as the existing set of laws are "communal civil code" and are discriminatory.

In his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Modi said, "A large section of the country believes, which is true also, that the civil code is actually in a way is a communal civil code. It discriminates (among people)."

He said laws which divide the country on communal lines and become a reason for inequality have no place in a modern society.

"I would say, it is the need of the hour that India should have a secular civil code. We have lived 75 years with a communal civil code. Now, we have to move towards a secular civil code. Only then would religion-based discrimination end. It would also end the disconnect the common people feel," he said.

The prime minster noted that the Supreme Court has given various directions in this regard. The spirit of the Constitution also encourages such a code, he said, referring to Article 44 under the Directive Principles of State Policy.

It states that it is the duty of the State to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India.

"It is our responsibility to fulfil the dream of the makers of our Constitution. I believe there should be a serious discussion on the subject," he said.

Uttarakhand came out with its own uniform civil code recently.

The government had referred the issue of a common code to the Law Commission which last year began fresh public consultations on the issue.

A uniform civil code in India has been a key agenda of successive BJP manifestos.

New Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day address on Thursday said that people's concerns over natural disasters have been growing in recent years.

His remarks come in the wake of the devastating landslides in Kerala's Wayanad on July 30 that claimed more than 230 lives and torrential rains and flooding in several other states.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day, PM Modi said, "This year and over the last few years, we have all become increasingly concerned about natural disasters."

"Many people have lost their family members and property to these calamities and the nation has also suffered significant losses. I offer my condolences and assure them that the nation stands with them in this hour of crisis," he added.

Heavy monsoon rains and flooding in several states, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi, have claimed many lives and destroyed both public and private properties.

Before the monsoon, India experienced one of its longest and harshest summers this year.

According to official data, the country recorded 41,789 suspected heat stroke cases and 143 heat-related deaths in the summer season. However, heat waves are not included in the list of notified national calamities.

New Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday made a strong pitch for 'one nation, one election' and urged political parties to come forward to realise the dream while contending that frequent polls were creating hurdles in the nation's progress.

Addressing the nation on the 78th Independence Day, he said extensive consultations have been held across the country on the issue and all political parties have given their views while a committee has submitted an excellent report.

"Frequent elections are creating hurdles in the progress of the nation. It has become easy to link any scheme/initiative with elections. There are elections somewhere every three to six months. Every work is linked to elections," Modi said from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

"The nation has to come forward for one nation, one election," he said.

The prime minister urged political parties "from the Red Fort and with the national tricolour as a witness to ensure the nation's progress".

He also asked the parties to ensure that "national resources are used for the common man. We have to come forward to realise the dream of one nation one election".

'One nation, one election' is one of the key promises made by the BJP in its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections.

New Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said many global companies want to invest in India and asked the state governments to compete among themselves to attract them.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day here, Modi said most of the people he met in his third term wanted to invest in India.

"It's a golden opportunity" to make India a hub of global manufacturing, he said, and called upon state governments to make polices to attract investment, while ensuring good governance and law and order.

Modi also said the country needs to work on "Design In India" and "Design for the World".

The Prime Minister in his 11th Independence Day stress from the Red Fort also said Indian professionals must lead the rising global gaming industry.

In sync with the Industry 4.0 revolution, the PM said the government's focus is on comprehensive skill development, spanning every sector, from agriculture to sanitation.

Through 'Skil India' programme, India has ignited growth and a new momentum, he added.

"Vocal for Local" has become the mantra of India's Arthatantra (economy), he said.

With "One District, One Product," each district now takes pride in its produce and strives to identify its unique strengths to specialise in one particular product, aiming to boost exports, he said.

The country is also working tirelessly towards becoming 'Aatmanirbhar' in the energy sector and combating climate change, Modi added.

New Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hoped that the situation in Bangladesh will improve soon even as he expressed concern over the safety of Hindus and other minorities in that country.

In his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Modi said India will always be supportive of Bangladesh's growth and development.

"India always wants our neighbouring countries to march in the path of prosperity and peace. We are committed to peace," Modi said.

As a neighbouring country, India is concerned over what happened in Bangladesh, the prime minister said.

"As a neighbouring country, I can understand the concern regarding whatever has happened in Bangladesh. I hope that the situation will improve at the earliest," he said.

"We will continue to wish well for Bangladesh in its development journey," Modi said.

New Delhi | India is the only country among G20 nations to have achieved its climate targets under the 2015 Paris Agreement ahead of schedule, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day, he said India's efforts to tackle the global issue of climate change have "reassured and surprised" the world.

"I want to tell the world about the strength of my country's people. My country and its people have accomplished what other G20 nations have not.

"We have met the climate targets set under the Paris Agreement ahead of schedule. India is the only nation among the G20 countries to do so, and we are proud of it," the prime minister said.

As part of its national climate plan, or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, India has committed to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity installed capacity by 2030.

The prime minister expressed his confidence that India will meet this target.

"This is important for humanity and will serve as a guarantee of a bright future for our children," he said.

At present, the country has a power generation capacity of 446 gigawatts (GW), including around 195 GW from non-fossil energy sources.

New Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday stressed the need to transform the agricultural sector and said the government is making comprehensive efforts to make the lives of farmers better.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day, he also expressed concerns on deterioration in soil health due to use chemical fertilisers.

He said the government has launched programmes to encourage natural farming, and budget allocations too have been increased to promote such farm practices.

Modi expressed confidence that India can become the organic food basket of the world.

"It is very important to transform our agriculture system. This is the need of the hour," he said.

Modi said his government was providing all help to farmers to adopt modern practices.

Easy loans for purchase of drones he cited as one such measure.

New Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said there is a need to widely publicise punishments given for atrocities against women, so that there is a fear of consequence.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort on 78th Independence Day, Modi said his government has worked on a "women-led development model," but he was still concerned over incidents of rape and violence against women.

The Prime Minister said there is anger among people against such incidents.

"We have worked on a women-led development model. Whether it is innovation, employment, entrepreneurship, in every sector women are marching ahead," Modi said.

"Look at the defence sector -- air force, army navy, space sector, we are seeing the strength of women everywhere. But on the other hand, some disturbing things also come forward," he said.

"Today from the Red Fort, I want to express my pain. As a society, we will have to think seriously about the atrocities against our mothers, sisters and daughters. There is anger among common people because of this. I can feel that rage," he said.

The PM said the country must take such incidents seriously and the fear of reprisal must be struck among the perpetrators.

"Crimes against women should be probed swiftly, and stringent punishment should be given to those who commit demonic acts, it is important to instil confidence in the society," he said.

"Need of hour is to widely publicise punishment for atrocities against women so that there is fear of consequences," he said.

"Those who commit such sins should know that they will be hanged. It is important to have that fear," Modi added.

New Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said 75,000 more medical seats will be created in the next five years.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day, Modi said that even today, children, mostly belonging to the middle class, are going abroad for medical education. They spend "lakhs and crores" on medical education abroad, he said.

"In the last 10 years we have increased the medical seats to nearly 1 lakh," Modi said.

"Around 25,000 youths every year go abroad for medical education and they go to such countries, I get surprised when I hear about them.

"So we have decided, 75,000 new seats will be created in the medical line in the next five years," Modi stated.

New Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that his government has taken big steps to boost infrastructure in the country in the last 10 years.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day, the prime minister said,"There has been tremendous progress in infrastructure in the last ten years. We have also given priority to ease of living."

He said four crore houses have been constructed by his government, and three crore more are on the way.

"We have taken big steps to boost infrastructure in the country in the last ten years," the prime minister said.

Modi said 140 crore citizens of India can achieve the goal of a prosperous and developed India if they walk with a united resolve.

There may be challenges and shortages of resources but people united in their goal can overcome them, he added.

New Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday broke the record of his immediate predecessor Manmohan Singh by hoisting the national flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the 11th consecutive time.

With this, Modi has become the prime minister to hoist the tricolour for the third highest time.

The record lies with first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru who did the honours 17 times from 1947 to 1964.

Nehru's daughter Indira Gandhi holds the record of hoisting the national flag for the second highest time. She did so 16 times, just one short of her father's record. However, this was done in two different stints from 1966-1977 and 1980-1984. Manmohan Singh, who was prime minister of the Congress-led UPA government for 10 years, hoisted the national flag 10 times between 2004 and 2014.

Of India's 15 prime ministers, Gulzarilal Nanda and Chandra Shekhar were the only ones who did not get a chance to hoist the tricolour even once.

Chandra Shekhar, who became the first prime minister of India to head a coalition government at the centre, held the top post from November 1990 to June 1991. Nanda, India’s second prime minister, served the nation for two brief terms---May 27-June 9, 1964 and January 11-24, 1966.

At fifth spot is Atal Bihari Vajpayee, prime minister for 13 days in 1996 and two incomplete terms from 1998 to 2004, with six times.

Vajpayee is followed by Rajiv Gandhi, who became the youngest prime minister of India and served for a single term from 1984 to 1989. He hoisted the tricolour five times.

His record was equalled by another Congress PM, P V Narasimha Rao, who served as PM for a single term from 1991 to 1996.

Lal Bahadur Shastri and Morarji Desai hoisted the flag two times each.

Shastri was prime minister from June 1964 to January 1966. He is credited with leading India to victory in the India-Pakistan war of 1965.

Desai served as prime minister for two years from 1977 to 1979.

Four PMs – Charan Singh, V P Singh, H D Deve Gowda and IK Gujral – hoisted the flag once each.

Charan Singh served as prime minister of India for 170 days between July 1979 and January 1980 and V P Singh from 1989 to 1990. Deve Gowda was prime minister for slightly less than a year, June 1996 to April 1997. Gujral, too, was prime minister for slightly less than a year (April 1997 to March 1998).

New Delhi | Suggestions ranging from making India “skill capital” of the world to judicial reforms have been given by citizens for making India a developed nation by 2047, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday.

“'Viksit Bharat 2047' are not mere words, they are reflection of resolve and dreams of 140 crore people,” Modi said addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day.

“Suggestions have been collected from citizens, and crore of people gave suggestions for Developed India 2047. The dreams of every citizen and their confidence is reflected in those suggestions,” the prime minister said .

“Some people gave the suggestion of making India the ‘skill capital’ of the world, some suggested making it a global hub of manufacturing,” he added.

“Some people expressed concern over delay in justice, and they said there is a requirement for judicial reform."

Other suggestions included making India universities global, having a 'global media', making skilled Indian youth the first preference for the world, making India self-reliant in every aspect, and greenfield cities.

"Some even suggested India should have a space station, some said traditional Indian medicine should be promoted, while some people said India should become the third biggest economy soon," he added.

New Delhi | About 10 crore new women have joined self-help groups and have become integral to family decision-making, contributing to broader social change, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday.

On the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort and hailed women empowerment.

"We are proud to see that women are becoming economically self-reliant," Modi said.

"When women become self-reliant, they participate in family decision-making processes, which will ensure significant social transformation," he said.

Modi drew a parallel between the global success of Indian CEOs and the achievements of women in these self-help groups, remarking, "While our CEOs gain global recognition, one crore women are becoming Lakhpati Didis."

He also said the government has decided to allocate between Rs 10 and 20 lakh to these groups.

"So far, Rs 9 lakh crore have been provided to support our women's self-help groups," Modi said.

New Delhi, Aug 15 (PTI) Indian banks are among the few banks that are strong globally, owing to major reforms undertaken by his government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of historic Red Fort, the Prime Minister said a strong banking system gives strength to the formal economy.

He said that earlier the banking sector was going through tough times, but there is growth in the segment.

"Just imagine what was the condition of our banking sector. There was no growth, no expansion, and there was no faith (in the banking system). Our banks were going through difficult times...We took big reforms to make the banking sector strong. Today, because of the reforms, our banks are among the few strong banks globally," Modi said.

He emphasised that a strong banking system is crucial to fulfil the needs of the middle class, farmers, homebuyers, startups, and the MSME sector.

New Delhi, Aug 15 (PTI) India has made more efforts in the renewable energy sector compared to other G20 countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day, the prime minister said, "India is working to become self-reliant for its energy needs and deal with the global problem of climate change."

"We had vowed for renewable energy. India has done more than the (other) countries of G20," he said.

As part of its national climate plan or nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, India has committed to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity installed capacity by 2030.

At present, the country has 446 gigawatts (GW) of power generation capacity which includes around 195 GW from non-fossil energy sources.

New Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday unfurled the national flag for the 11th time in a row from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day, and asserted that India's 140 crore citizens can achieve the goal of a prosperous and developed country if they walk shoulder to shoulder with united resolve.

He said his government has worked to break the mindset of living with status quo by rolling out big reforms aimed at changing the lives of of the middle class and the poor.

The commitment to reforms is the blueprint for growth and is not borne of any political compulsion but the dedication to nation first. In this context, Modi noted the growth of the banking sector, which he added has powered the progress in every sector.

In his address on the country's 78th Independence Day, Modi said it is a day to pay tribute to the countless people who made sacrifices and struggled for the country's freedom. "The country is indebted to them," he said.

Modi also paid condolences to families who lost their loved ones in recent national disasters. The surge in cases of such disasters is a matter of concern, he added.

His first Independence Day address of his third term takes him past Manmohan Singh, who unfurled the tricolour 10 times from the ramparts of Red Fort during 2004-2014, and places him behind Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, who did the honours 17 and 16 times respectively.

Before reaching Red Fort, he paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial.

Modi said 140 crore citizens of India can achieve the goal of a prosperous and developed India if they walk shoulder to shoulder with united resolve. There may be challenges and shortages of resources but people united in their goal can overcome them to achieve their target, he added.

Speaking of his goal for 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, he said people from all corners of the country and communities have offered suggestions for the agenda. He recounted many of these ideas-- including reform in justice system, campaign for capacity building, developing India's traditional systems of medicine.

He cited his government's success in taking electricity to unelectrified areas, piped water to crores of homes, expanding 'vocal for local' programme and boosting renewable energy to assert that it has infused a new confidence and consciousness among people.

The nation feels proud when the world wants to learn from its achievements in the fintech sector, Modi said.

New Delhi | The Indian contingent from the Paris Olympics, student beneficiaries from the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), workers of the Border Roads Organisation and sarpanches were among the 6,000 special guests who attended the 78th Independence Day celebrations here on Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in marking the day as he unfurled the national flag and addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi along with NDA allies, including LJP's Chirag Paswan, JDU's Lalan Singh, were among those present.

Those sitting in the front row included Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Amit Shah and S Jaishankar.

The theme of this year's Independence Day is 'Viksit Bharat @ 2047'.

The gathering comprised people from different walks of life, categorised as youth, tribal community, farmers, women and other special guests, who have excelled in various fields with the help of various government schemes/initiatives.

Students benefiting from the Atal Innovation Mission and PM SHRI (Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India) scheme, and volunteers of the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) and National Service Scheme under 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' attended the event. The invited guests also included tribal artisans, 'Van Dhan Vikas' members and tribal entrepreneurs funded by National Scheduled Tribes Finance & Development Corporation and beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and representatives of farmers producing organisations. Accredited social health activists (ASHA), auxiliary nurse midwives (ANM) and anganwadi workers; elected women representatives; beneficiaries of Sankalp: Hub for Empowerment of Women, Lakhpati Didi and Drone Didi initiatives and Sakhi Kendra scheme; and workers of Child Welfare Committees and district child protection units also witnessed the ceremony.

One guest from each block of the aspirational blocks programme, workers of the Border Roads Organisation, students from PRERANA School programme, and sarpanches of panchayats which achieved saturation in priority sector schemes were there as well. The gathering comprised nearly 2,000 people from various states and union territories dressed in their traditional attire also attended the grand ceremony. Besides, 3,000 winners of different online competitions, organised by the Defence Ministry in collaboration with MyGov and Akashvani, were part of the celebrations.

A total of 2,000 boy and girl cadets (from Army, Navy and Air Force wings) of the NCC from different schools across the country participated in the celebrations. These cadets were seated on Gyanpath, opposite the ramparts. They formed 'My Bharat' logo with customised tricolour kits.

A total of 500 National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers also took part.

New Delhi | The national flag for the 11th time in a row from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day.

In his address on the country's 78th Independence Day, Modi said it is a day to pay tribute to the countless people who made sacrifices and struggled for the country's freedom. "The country is indebted to them," he said. Modi paid condolences to the families who lost their members in the recent national disasters.

His first Independence Day address of his third term takes him past Manmohan Singh, who unfurled the tricolour 10 times from the ramparts of Red Fort during 2004-2014, and places him behind Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, who did the honours 17 and 16 times respectively.

Before reaching Red Fort, he paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial.