Modi hoists Tricolour at Red Fort, says this festival of freedom moment of pride in collective achievements

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PRIME Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag and addressed the nation from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort in the national capital.

He said this great festival of freedom is a festival of 140 crore resolutions.

“This festival of freedom is a moment of pride in collective achievements. Every heart is filled with enthusiasm. The nation is continuously strengthening the spirit of unity," he said in his much-awaited address.

He said that in 1947, with infinite possibilities and the strength of countless arms, our country became free.

“The aspirations of the nation were taking flight, but the challenges were even greater. Following the principles of revered Bapu, the members of the Constituent Assembly fulfilled a very important responsibility. For the past 75 years, the Constitution of India has been a guiding lighthouse for us,” PM Modi said in his address.

The PM said, "On this great festival of independence, I heartily congratulate the people of the country, the lovers of India spread across the world, and our friends."

"Today, we are celebrating the 125th anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the first great man to sacrifice his life for the Constitution of India. When we abrogated Article 370 to fulfil the vision of 'One Nation, One Constitution', we gave him a true tribute, " PM Modi said..

Earlier, as the Prime Minister arrived at the ramparts of the Red Fort to lead the nation in celebrating the 79th Independence Day, two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force flew above the Red Fort and showered flower petals.

One flew with the Tiranga, the other displayed a banner of Operation Sindoor. The showstopper of the event is Operation Sindoor -- India's strongest retaliatory action against Pakistan-backed terror bases.

Before arriving at the Red Fort, PM Modi paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

The theme of this year's celebrations is 'Naya Bharat' and the celebrations serve as a platform to commemorate the continuing rise of a prosperous, secure and bold New India, the government has said.

From promise of GST cuts to a space station

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, August 15, used his 79th Independence Day address from the Red Fort to unveil a broad spectrum of reforms and initiatives, from major tax cuts to a new space station. The major announcement was the rollout of “next-generation GST reforms” by Diwali this year, promising a “double Diwali” for citizens.

“This Diwali, I am going to celebrate a double Diwali for you. The countrymen are going to get a big gift, there will be a drastic cut on GST on common household items,” PM Modi said and added that the reforms would drastically reduce Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on common household items, ease compliance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and rationalise slabs to make the tax regime more transparent and business-friendly. He called the overhaul “the need of the hour.”

The announcement follows eight years of GST, which was rolled out on July 1, 2017, unifying India’s indirect tax structure. Modi said a high-powered task force had been formed to lead the reform process, with consultations held with states. Several reports indicate that the government is considering removing the 12% tax slab and redistributing items to the 5% and 18% categories, which could make several goods cheaper.

On the jobs front, the Prime Minister launched the Rs 1 lakh crore Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, aimed at creating 3.5 crore jobs over the next two years. Effective immediately, the scheme offers Rs 15,000 to every young person entering their first private sector job and incentives of up to Rs 3,000 per month per new hire for companies, with extended benefits for manufacturing. 

In the technology sector, Modi declared that Made-in-India semiconductor chips will be available in the market by the end of 2025. Six manufacturing units are in the pipeline, four of which are moving off the drawing board. He linked the milestone to India’s aspiration to be a leader in critical sectors like semiconductors, AI, and clean energy, emphasising that “self-reliance is not limited to trade, it is about our own capability.”

On agriculture, Modi sent a message to global trade partners amid US tariff threats, pledging to stand as a “shield” for farmers, fishermen, and other workforces. He said India has achieved as the world’s second-largest producer of wheat, rice, fruits, and vegetables, and added that agro exports have touched Rs 4 lakh crore. The newly launched Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana will target 100 districts needing extra support.

In the space sector, the Prime Minister said that India is working towards its own space station, building on the success of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission to the International Space Station. The experience, Modi said, will be crucial for the upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. Over 300 startups are now active in the space sector, backed by reforms that have attracted $430 million in investment.

Modi also asked political leaders, influencers, and citizens to adopt ‘Vocal for Local’ as a national mantra. Citing successes like Operation Sindoor, he called self-reliance the “greatest measure of a nation’s self-respect” and invited the youth to come forward with innovative ideas. “2047 is not far away, every moment is valuable, and we do not want to waste even a single moment,” he said.