New Delhi:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning unfurled the national flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort commencing the 74th Independence Day celebrations here.
After unfurling the tricolour, PM Modi went on to acknowledge the greetings from the people present at the grand event.Woman Army Officer assisted the Prime Minister in unfurling the National Flag.
Clad in a saffron-cream turban and a white-red border Indian scarf around his neck, Mr Modi arrived at the Lahore Gate of Red Fort at 0718 hrs where he was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar.
The Defence Secretary then introduced the General Officer Commanding (GoC), Delhi Area, Lieutenant Gen Vijay Kumar Mishra to the Prime Minister. The GoC Delhi Area then conducted the PM to the saluting Base where a combined Inter-Services and Police Guards presented general salute and he inspected the Guard of Honour.
All precautions were taken to maintain social distancing measures in view of the COVID situation.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat will be realised: PM Modi
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday pitched for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, saying "this dream and aspiration you are seeing turn into a mantra for 130 crore Indians" would be realised.
Addressing from the Red Fort ramparts after unfurling the tricolour on India's 74th Independence Day, Mr Modi said "I am confident that India will realise this dream. I am confident of the abilities, confidence and potential of my fellow Indians. Once we decide to do something, we do not rest until we achieve that goal."
Calling for making India produce goods and services for the world, he said "Today, many big companies are turning towards India. We have to move forward with the mantra of 'Make for world' along with 'Make in India'", he said, adding that history was witness that once India resolved, India does.
He also took a swipe at forces of expansionism in his Independence Day speech, warning that "India became a challenge to forces of expansionism with its freedom struggle" and hoped that the nation would be bestowed with all the blessings of peace and stability.
Mr Modi was delivering his seventh straight Independence-Day speech from Red Fort amid Covid-19 pandemic. More than 4,000 people, including members of the Union Cabinet, diplomatic corps and distinguished citizens were seated at Red Fort while maintaining social distancing.
PM Modi lauds success of 'Jal Jeevan Mission'
New Delhi:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed happiness over the success of 'Jal Jeevan Mission' (JJM) scheme saying it provided drinking water from the tap to more than two crore households.
Delivering his Independence speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 74th Independence Day, Mr Modi said the scheme was announced from the same place on the same occasion last year and expressed happiness on its success. Under this scheme, drinking water is being provided to more than a lakh houses and more than two crore households have been linked to the project, he said.
If pure drinking water reaches large population of rural areas of the country, it will improve the lives of people and change their lifestyle.
The Prime Minister said that the scheme is improving people's health. ''If they get pure drinking water, they will get relief from water-borne diseases and the money spent on medical treatment of the poor will be saved,'' he stated.(UNI)