15 August,2026 07:41 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pic/PTI
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 rule.
In a post on X, PM Modi said the sacrifices of the freedom fighters continue to inspire India's efforts to build a developed nation. He also highlighted the country's progress across different sectors and credited its citizens for driving the development journey.
"Warm greetings on the occasion of Independence Day," the Prime Minister said.
"We 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 Bharat," PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister said India's progress was being driven by its citizens and expressed confidence that the development journey would gain further momentum in the coming years.
"Powered by 140 crore Indians, our nation is scaling new heights of progress across different sectors," PM Modi said.
He added that the country should continue to move forward at a faster pace in the years ahead.
"May this journey keep progressing at an even greater pace in the times to come," the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi's 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 nation.
This year's Independence Day celebrations are centred on the 150th anniversary of the national song 'Vande Mataram' and the role of India's youth in building a developed nation by 2047.
For 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 song.
The focus on youth is part of the broader theme of India's development journey towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047. The celebrations will highlight the contribution of young Indians and their role in shaping the country's future.
The Prime Minister's address from the Red Fort also marks a significant milestone in his tenure.
PM Modi is delivering his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the historic monument, setting a new record among non-Congress prime ministers for consecutive Independence Day addresses from the Red Fort.
The annual Independence Day ceremony includes the unfurling of the national flag, a 21-gun salute and a ceremonial showering of flowers from a helicopter before the Prime Minister's address to the nation.
The programme is expected to underline the government's emphasis on India's long-term development goals and the participation of young people in the country's growth.
The celebrations also provide an occasion to remember the country's freedom struggle and the contributions of those who fought against colonial rule.
In his Independence Day message, PM Modi linked the sacrifices of the freedom fighters with India's present development goals, saying their dreams continue to guide the country's efforts to build a Viksit Bharat.
