New Delhi:Milling crowds reached the Red Fort to celebrate the 70th Independence Day with Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurling the National Flag and delivering his address on the occasion. Mr Modi hoisted the tricolor at the iconic fort amid the presence of a galaxy of politicians, diplomats, foreign dignitaries, bureaucrats and officers of the Defense forces. As soon as the Prime Minister's cavalcade reached the Red Fort, school students and others present on the occasion stood up to get a glimpse of Mr Modi.
The sea of humanity gathered at the Red Fort around 0700 hrs. People started assembling at the venue from various parts of Delhi and the NCR as early as 0530 hrs as Metro was running normally from 0500 hrs. Patriotism rent the air as 3,500 girl students from 42 government schools of eastern, north-eastern, northern and central zones of Directorate of Education, of the Delhi Government unitedly sang the National Anthem. Patriotic songs in different regional languages during the celebrations were also sung.
On this occasion, these schoolchildren, attired in yellow and blue costumes, formed 70, depicting 70th Independence Day when seen from above. On arrival at Lahori Gate of Red Fort, the Prime Minister was received by Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar, Minister of State for Defense Subhash Bhamre and Defense Secretary G Mohan Kumar. The Defense Secretary introduced the General Officer Commanding (GoC), Delhi Area, Lt General Vijay Singh to the Prime Minister. The GoC Delhi Area then escorted the Prime Minister to the saluting base where a combined Inter-Services and Police Guards presented a general salute to Mr Modi.
PM announces 20 pc increase in freedom fighters' pension
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced an increase of 20 per cent in the pension of freedom fighters. Mr Modi made this announcement from ramparts of Red Fort while addressing the nation on the occasion of 70th Independence Day. "Pension for our freedom fighters will be increased by 20 per cent. So those receiving monthly pension of Rs 25,000, will now get Rs 30, 000.(UNI)