PM Modi on Independence Day 2026: 'Powered by 140 crore Indians, India is rising'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted the nation on its 80th Independence Day paying tribute to the freedom fighters whose courage and sacrifice brought an end to colonial ruleIn a post on X PM Modi said the sacrifices of the freedom fighters continue to inspire Indias efforts to build a developed nation He also highlighted the countrys progress across different sectors and credited its citizens for driving the development journeyldquoWarm greetings on the occasion of Independence Dayrdquo the Prime Minister saidldquoWe remember with gratitude the countless freedom fighters whose courage sacrifice and unwavering commitment ensured the end of colonial rule Their dreams continue to inspire us as we work together to build a Viksit Bharatrdquo PM Modi saidPM Modi highlights Indias development journeyThe Prime Minister said Indias progress was being driven by its citizens and expressed confidence that the development journey would gain further momentum in the coming yearsldquoPowered by 140 crore Indians our nation is scaling new heights of progress across different sectorsrdquo PM Modi saidHe added that the country should continue to move forward at a faster pace in the years aheadldquoMay this journey keep progressing at an even greater pace in the times to comerdquo the Prime Minister saidPM Modis message came as India marked its 80th Independence Day with celebrations being held across the country The Prime Minister is leading the national celebrations at the historic Red Fort in Delhi where he is scheduled to unfurl the national flag and address the nationVande Mataram takes centre stage in celebrationsThis years Independence Day celebrations are centred on the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram and the role of Indias youth in building a developed nation by 2047For the first time Vande Mataram will be rendered as part of the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort NCC cadets and My Bharat Volunteers are set to participate in the mass singing of the national songThe focus on youth is part of the broader theme of Indias development journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 The celebrations will highlight the contribution of young Indians and their role in shaping the countrys futurePM Modi to deliver 13th consecutive Red Fort addressThe Prime Ministers address from the Red Fort also marks a significant milestone in his tenurePM Modi is delivering his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the historic monument setting a new record among nonCongress prime ministers for consecutive Independence Day addresses from the Red FortThe annual Independence Day ceremony includes the unfurling of the national flag a 21gun salute and a ceremonial showering of flowers from a helicopter before the Prime Ministers address to the nationIndependence Day celebrations focus on Viksit BharatThe programme is expected to underline the governments emphasis on Indias longterm development goals and the participation of young people in the countrys growthThe celebrations also provide an occasion to remember the countrys freedom struggle and the contributions of those who fought against colonial ruleIn his Independence Day message PM Modi linked the sacrifices of the freedom fighters with Indias present development goals saying their dreams continue to guide the countrys efforts to build a Viksit Bharat