Independence Day 2024 Highlights: PM Modi Interacts With Students After Addressing Nation

As India celebrates 78th Independence Day, four-leeged soldiers participate in the Beating Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border in Punjab's Amritsar. 

"...We chose in 1950, the uncertainty of freedom. What is happening today in Bangladesh, is a clear reminder of how precious liberty is for us... 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...," CJI Chandrachud said.

Former President Ram Nath Kovind said, " My Independence Day wishes to all Indians and I appeal to everyone to keep giving your participation to make this country 'Viksit Bharat'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his Independence Day address by greeting children and spectators in the audience circle. Concluding his speech, he also interacted with students, shaking hands with the crowd, and waving as they cheered and raised slogans like 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai.'

In the next five years, medical seats in the country will be increased by 75,000, announced PM Narendra Modi on Thursday from the ramparts of the Red Fort during his address on the 78th Independence Day.

PM Modi also highlighted that the government, in the past decade, has increased medical seats to nearly one lakh, but still around 25,000 students each year go abroad for medical studies. The decision to further increase medical seats will help these students.

"In the past decade, we have increased medical seats to nearly one lakh. Today, around 25,000 youths go abroad every year for medical education. Therefore, we have decided that in the next five years, 75,000 new seats will be created in the medical field," said PM Modi.

In his address for the 78th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored India’s progress toward self-reliance through advancements in domestic manufacturing. He noted that India has achieved self-sufficiency in mobile phone production and has begun exporting these devices internationally.

"In the past, we relied on importing mobile phones, but now we have established a robust mobile phone manufacturing ecosystem and are exporting these phones globally," PM Modi stated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the nation, spoke about the ongoing situation in Kolkata after the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor, which sparked a nationwide protest.

"There is public outrage over atrocities against our mothers and sisters. I feel this outrage. The country, the society, our state governments need to take this seriously. Crimes against women must be probed as soon as possible, those involved in demonic acts must face strict punishment at the earliest, this is necessary to create faith in society," he said.

Addressing at Red Fort, PM Modi said, "We have brought the three new criminal laws to ensure justice for all. We prioritised justice over punishment in new criminal laws. For third term in government, only message is to serve everyone, every family and take nation to newer heights of development."

In his speech, PM Modi announced 'Rashtriya Poshan Mission' and said that India will have 75,000 new seats will be created in medical colleges in the next five years.

"In the next five years, 75,000 new seats will be created in medical colleges in India. Viksit Bharat 2047 should also be 'Swasth Bharat' and for this, we have started Rashtriya Poshan Mission," he said.

PM Modi said, "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. Our commitment to reforms is not for a few days of appreciation. Our reform procedure is not under any compulsions, it is with the intention of strengthening the country. That is why, I can say that our path to reforms is the blueprint of growth in a way. This reform, this growth, this change is not just a matter of discussion for debate clubs, intellectual societies and experts. We did not do this for political compulsions...we have just one resolve - Nation First."

PM Modi, in his independence day speech, hailed 'vocal for local' initiative and said, "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. Every district has started taking pride in its produce. There is an environment of 'One District One Product."

Addressing the nation, PM Modi said, "We are proud that we carry the blood of the 40 crore people who had uprooted the colonial rule from India...Today, we are 140 crore people, if we resolve and move together in one direction, then we can become 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 by overcoming all obstacles in the way."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as he began his speech for Independence Day, expressed solidarity with the victims of the natural disaster.

"This year and for the past few years, due to natural calamity, our concerns have been mounting. Several people have lost their family members, property in natural calamity; nation too has suffered losses. Today, I express my sympathy to all of them and I assure them that this nation stands with them in this hour of crisis," he said.

PM Modi is addressing the nation from Red Fort after hoisting the flag from the 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," he said.

PM Narendra Modi hoisted the Tiranaga on the ramparts of the Red Fort and began the Independence Day celebrations. He is set to deliver his 11th Independence Day address from here, shortly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid floral tributes to Mahatama Gandhi at Rajghat ahead of the August 15 celebrations at Red Fort.

Union Ministers Giriraj Singh, Mansukh Mandaviya, and Bhupender Yadav among others arrived at Red Fort ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.

Six thousand guests will attend this Independence Day celebration including students benefiting from Atal Innovation Mission and Pradhan Mantri School Scheme for Rising India and volunteers of National Service Scheme. Nearly two thousand people from different states wearing traditional attire have been invited to watch the program. Three thousand winners of online competitions of the Ministry of Defense in collaboration with MyGov and Akashvani will also attend the celebration.

The Indian Olympic contingent will reach Red Fort to attend Independence Day celebrations today. On India's performance in the Paris Olympics 2024, team India finished their Paris Olympics campaign with six medals, which included one silver and five bronze medals.

Independence Day Celebrations 2024: The historic Red Fort has been all decked up to witness India's 78th Independence Day celebration. PM Modi will hoist the national flag at 7:30 AM.

The India Gate, the North Block, Samvidhaan Sadan (Old Parliament House), Safdarjung Tomb and the Vikas Minar were lit up in the tricolour on the eve of Independence Day.

As the nation prepares for the 78th Independence Day festivities, a stringent security perimeter has been established around the capital city, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi poised to lead the celebrations in Delhi.

Delhi Police have greatly heightened security measures to guarantee a safe and peaceful event. This includes bolstering surveillance with AI-driven cameras, conducting thorough vehicle inspections, and increasing patrolling throughout the city.