AUG 15: PM says ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ has begun and everybody’s effort is required to bring results. Calls for ‘Team India’, to take the country forward
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the ninth consecutive time, Mr. Modi offered tributes to a galaxy of freedom fighters, including Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Veer Savarkar, Bhagat Singh, Jawaharlal Nehru among others.
In India, where people are fighting poverty, we need to fight against corruption with all our might. Corruption and nepotism might come in the way of what the country should achieve in the next 25 years, Mr. Modi said.
In line with the “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose to wear a white safa with tricolour stripes and a long trail for his 76th Independence Day look.
The August 15 ceremony is particularly significant this year as it marks the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, with the government launching a host of exercises to add to the verve around the celebration.

August 15: On the occasion of 76th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hoisted the national flag and delivered the customary address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi.
Prior to that, he inspected the Guard of Honour which was positioned directly in front of the National Flag across the moat below the ramparts.
The GoC Delhi area conducted the Prime Minister to the Saluting Base where a combined inter-services and police guards presented the general salute to him, following which PM Modi inspected the Guard of Honour.
On his arrival in the Red Fort, the Prime Minister was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt and Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar.
Later, a combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard presented a general salute to the Prime Minister. Thereafter, PM Modi inspected the Guard of Honour.
Meanwhile, people are enthusiastically taking part in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign commenced on Saturday and will run till Monday.
The programme envisages inspiring Indians everywhere to hoist the national flag at their homes. The aim of the programme is to make the relationship with the national flag a more personal one rather than just keeping it formal or institutional, said the Union Ministry of Culture.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence and the glorious history of India’s people, culture and achievements.
This Mahotsav is dedicated to the people of India who have not only been instrumental in bringing India thus far in its evolutionary journey but also hold within them the power and potential to enable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of activating India 2.0, fuelled by the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The official journey of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav commenced on March 12, 2021, which started a 75-week countdown to our 76th anniversary of independence. (Agencies)

With the nation echoing with zeal and enthusiasm on the 76th Independence Day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hoisted the tricolour at his residence in the national capital on Monday.

“Unfurled the National Flag at my residence on the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence,” tweeted Singh. Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the customary address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi after hoisting the national flag.

Prior to that, he inspected the Guard of Honour which was positioned directly in front of the National Flag across the moat below the ramparts.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said the government has created a foolproof security apparatus to ensure that no anti-India element can cast an evil eye on the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the country.

Rajnath Singh unveiled the statue of renowned Marwari warrior Veer Durgadas Rathore in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

He asserted that the Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi accords top priority to the safety and security of the people of India and assured the nation that a befitting reply would be given to anyone who tries to disturb peace and harmony in the country.

He stated that the Armed Forces are being equipped with the latest weapons/platforms, adding that they are ready to deal with all future threats and safeguard national interests.

The Raksha Mantri underlined the importance of achieving self-reliance in defence production to build a strong military and said that the Ministry of Defence has undertaken a number of reforms to manufacture indigenous weapons/platforms for the Armed Forces under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.

He listed some of the reforms, including earmarking 68 per cent of the capital procurement budget for the domestic industry in 2022-23 and allocating 25 per cent of the domestic capital procurement budget for private industry.

The Defence Minister added that due to the measures taken by the Government in the last few years, India has leapfrogged to find a place among the top 25 defence exporters of the world.

“By the end of this decade, India will not only make defence equipment for itself but also fulfil the needs of friendly foreign countries. ‘Make in India, Make for the World’s’ is the new mantra of our Department of Defence Production.

Our resolve is to make India a net exporter of defence equipment in the times to come,” he said.

The Raksha Mantri paid glowing tribute to Veer Durgadas Rathore on the occasion, terming him as the symbol of social harmony, honesty, bravery and devotion.

He stated that people, irrespective of caste or religion, should take inspiration from Veer Durgadas Rathore, who strived for peace and harmony against divisive elements in society.