Independence Day 2022: Prime Minister Narendra Modi wishes all Indians and all who support India a happy Independence Day, and said, "it is a day to step towards a new direction with a new resolve."


Calling India the "mother of democracy," PM Modi stated: "India has proved that it has a precious ability, and faced many challenges during its journey of 75 years."


Highlighting the strength of women in India's freedom struggle, PM Modi said, "Every Indian is filled with pride when they remember the strength of the women of India- be it Rani Laxmibai, Jhalkari Bai, Chennamma, Begun Hazrat Mahal."



Paying tribute to freedom fighters, PM Modi stated: "The citizens are thankful to Bapu, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Veer Savarkar who gave their lives on the path of duty. Kartvya path hi unka jeevan path raha."


Speaking about the freedom struggle, PM Modi said, "When we speak of freedom struggle, we can't forget the tribal community. Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Sidhu-Kanhu, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Govind Guru - there are innumerable names who became the voice of the freedom struggle & inspired tribal community to live & die for mathrubhumi."


"This nation is thankful to Mangal Pandey, Tatya Tope, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ashfaqulla Khan, Ram Prasad Bismil and our innumerable revolutionaries who shook the foundation of the British Rule," he added. 


PM Modi also paid respect to Narayana Guru, Swami Vivekananda, and Rabindranath Tagore, among others, for raising the awareness of the country. "The people of our country made many efforts, did not give up and did not let their resolves fade away," he said. 


PM Modi stated that despite post-independence hardships, nothing could dampen the fervour of Indian folks.


"India is an aspirational society where changes are being powered by a collective spirit. The people of India want positive changes and also want to contribute towards it. Every govt has to address this aspiration society," PM Modi said. 


Speaking about the horrors of Partition, PM Modi said, "During 'Azadi Mahotsav', we remembered our many national heroes. On Aug 14, we remembered the horrors of partition. Today, is the day to remember all citizens of the country who contributed towards taking our country forward in these last 75 year."


"Be it those who fought for independence or built the nation -Dr Rajendra Prasad, Nehru ji, Sardar Patel, SP Mookerjee, LB Shastri, Deendayal Upadhyaya, JP Narayan, RM Lohia, Vinoba Bhave, Nanaji Deshmukh, Subramania Bharati -it's the day to bow before such great personalities," PM Modi said. 


Before his address at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his tributes at Rajghat. He then inspected the Guard of Honour, and hoisted the national flag amidst a 21-gun salute by the indigenously developed howitzer gun, ATAGS. 


Earlier, on the eve of India’s 75th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu stated: “We Indians proved skeptics wrong. Democracy not only grew roots in this soil, it was enriched too.” She also said that India helped the world discover true potential of democracy. She also said that in celebrating Independence Day, we celebrate our ‘Bharatiyata’.


Security Around Red Fort Beefed Up


The Delhi Police had undertaken elaborate security measures in and around the Red Fort area and the national capital in preparation for the Independence Day 2022 celebrations.


At the Red Fort, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his speech to the nation, a multi-layered security cover and Facial Recognition System cameras have been erected at each access and departure point.


Over ten thousand police officers have been deployed to provide complete security.