Published 20:14 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020 LIVE Updates: India gets new Health Mission; COVID warriors speak up
As India steps into the 74th year of Independence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation from the majestic Red Fort in Delhi on August 15
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20:14 IST, August 15th 2020
Parliament House illuminated
18:48 IST, August 15th 2020
President Kovind hosts 'At Home' reception
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18:48 IST, August 15th 2020
Beating the Retreat ceremony at Wagah border
17:54 IST, August 15th 2020
Sonia Gandhi releases I-Day statement, pays tribute to Galwan warriors
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17:26 IST, August 15th 2020
Dr. Palash Sen pays musical tribute on I-Day
17:08 IST, August 15th 2020
Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani hoisted the national flag
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17:00 IST, August 15th 2020
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan: 'India has done better than most countries' in COVID'
Dr. Harsh Vardhan: 'Won't comment on Sputnik-V'
"We started our efforts in January and were one of the first ones to respond to the new virus. We are into the seventh month now. I feel satisfied that India, inspite of having 1.35 billion, has done remarkably better than most countries in its fight against COVID - be it in terms of cases, tests, deaths per million. I do feel sorry for those who lost their lives including our doctor colleagues," said Dr. Vardhan.
He added, "I would not like to comment on the Russian vaccine till the agencies evaluate it. The WHO is coordinating the efforts of vaccines all over the world - almost 139 candidates in the preclinical phase and 26 in clinical trial phase. Out of these 3 are in India. As far as India is concerned, our doctors are putting their hearts and souls in preparing the vaccine and we hope, pray that they succeed soon. We have simultaneously made efforts to go into manufacturing once its efficacy is proven and to enable access to our people in the future."
17:00 IST, August 15th 2020
Republic speaks to several COVID warriors
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17:00 IST, August 15th 2020
Kejriwal salutes Freedom fighters
Today is the day when we remember freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation. Also, since independence, so many of our soldiers have lost their lives for the security of our country. Let's salute them all today: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. #IndependenceDay
16:05 IST, August 15th 2020
Sonu Sood speaks about his COVID mission
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16:05 IST, August 15th 2020
'Had no Hope': How 106-year-old Mukhtar Survived 1918 Spanish Flu & Fought Off Covid Too
A resident of Nawabganj area of Delhi, Mukhtar Ahmed survived 2 pandemics - the Spanish flu in 1918 at the tender age of 4 years and Coronavirus at the age of 106 years. This elderly man survived against all odds and is an inspiration to those battling this virus. This oldest COVID-19 survivor in India narrated his recovery story to Republic on the special Independence Day broadcast to honour Covid warriors.
16:05 IST, August 15th 2020
Adnan Sami pays musical tribute
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16:05 IST, August 15th 2020
COVID Warrior ASI Harjeet Singh speaks to Republic
15:39 IST, August 15th 2020
US Envoy Greets India With A Fun Video
Ken Juster, the US Ambassador to India took to Twitter on Saturday and extended greetings to India on the country’s 74th Independence Day. He also posted a heart-warming video in which people can be seen waving the Indian Flag.
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15:37 IST, August 15th 2020
Nepal PM KP Oli Extends Greetings On 74th Independence Day
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli dialled his India counterpart Narendra Modi on Saturday and extended greetings to the PM and the Indian people on the occasion of the 74th Independence Day. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that PM Oli also conveyed congratulations for India’s recent election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
14:49 IST, August 15th 2020
I-day celebrated in Nagaland amid strict observance of corona protocols
Nagaland Saturday joined the nation in celebrating the 74th Independence Day by adhering to all COVID-19 protocols of social distancing, minimal attendance and devoid of the traditional march-past and cultural presentations at the state-level function. The main celebration at the State Secretariate Plaza had the minimum presence of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, couple of cabinet ministers, lone Rajya Sabha MP from the state, K G Kenye, senior bureaucrats, top ranking officials of the police, paramilitary and armed forces, besides a handful of head of departments. The diginitaries wore face masks while hand sanitisers were placed at the entrance.
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11:50 IST, August 15th 2020
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal hoists the National Flag
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal hoisted the National Flag at Delhi Secretariat. He began his speech with chants 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', 'Inquilab Zindabad' and 'Vande Mataram'. "Today is also the day to remember those who sacrificed themselves at the border in last 73 years, to keep the nation independent & safe. Our 20 jawans lost their lives at India-China border. Innumerable soldiers have laid down their lives like this, in last 73 years," he said.
11:50 IST, August 15th 2020
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla hoists the National Flag
Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla hoists the National Flag at his residence on IndependenceDay, today.
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11:50 IST, August 15th 2020
Senior Congress leader AK Antony hoists the National Flag at Congress party's headquarters; Rahul Gandhi present
11:50 IST, August 15th 2020
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami hoists the National Flag
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami hoists the National Flag at State Secretariat premises
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11:50 IST, August 15th 2020
Prime Minister of Nepal, KP Oli extends his greetings to Prime Minister Modi & people of India on 74th Independence Day
Congratulations and greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government and people of India on the happy occasion of the 74th Independence Day. Best wishes for more progress and prosperity of the people of India: Prime Minister of Nepal, KP Sharma Oli
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11:50 IST, August 15th 2020
I compliment PM Modi for his passionate Independence Day speech from the Red Fort today: VP Naidu
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11:50 IST, August 15th 2020
Australian PM Scott Morrison wishes PM Modi on Independence Day
11:50 IST, August 15th 2020
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh hoists the National Flag
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11:50 IST, August 15th 2020
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hoists the National Flag
11:50 IST, August 15th 2020
Union Home Minister Amit Shah hoists the National Flag at his residence
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11:50 IST, August 15th 2020
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray hoists the National Flag at Varsha Bungalow, his official residence
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10:40 IST, August 15th 2020
Home Minister Amit Shah hoists the National Flag
10:40 IST, August 15th 2020
J&K L-G Manoj Sinha hoists the National Flag
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10:40 IST, August 15th 2020
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal hoists the National Flag
10:40 IST, August 15th 2020
Veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani hoists the Tricolour
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09:02 IST, August 15th 2020
India will now have to move forward with new policy and new customs: PM
Independence Day 2020 LIVE Updates: In this decade of the 21st century, India will now have to move forward with new policy and new customs. Now simple will not work: PM
08:46 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: PM Modi makes a veiled attack on China
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: PM Modi says: We were challenged along our borders at LAC and LOC. But our country has given a befitting response to those attacking us in their language. We are dedicated to protecting the sovereignty of the country. The entire world has seen how we protected our borders in Ladakh. I salute all the Bravehearts.
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08:42 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: PM Modi announces Project Lion and Project Dolphin
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: PM Modi announces Project Lion and Project Dolphin to conserve Asiatic Lion and Dolphin
08:39 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: PM Modi says polls in J&K after delimitation process is over
Work towards delimitation in J&K is ongoing; and as soon as it is done, let there be MLAs, Ministers and Chief Minister for J&K: PM Modi
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08:39 IST, August 15th 2020
We have resolved that all 6 lakh villages will be connected with optical fiber within 1000 days: PM Modi
Only 5 dozen village panchayats were connected with optical fibre before 2014. In the last 5 years, 1.5 Lakh village panchayats have been connected with optical fibre. In the coming 1000 days, every village of the nation will be connected with optical fibre: PM
08:24 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: PM Modi speaks about the aspirations of India's giant middle-class
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: PM Modi speaks about the aspirations of India's giant middle-class; lists steps taken by his government to benefit them. "India’s middle-class does not want the government’s interference. They want opportunities."
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08:19 IST, August 15th 2020
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund' of Rs 1 Lakh Crores has been created: PM Modi
An important priority of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' is Aatmanirbhar agriculture and Aatmanirbhar farmer. To provide modern infrastructure to the farmers of the country, 'Agriculture Infrastructure Fund' of Rs 1 Lakh Crores has been created: PM Modi
08:15 IST, August 15th 2020
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawans celebrate Independence Day on the banks of Pangong Tso
Ladakh: Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawans celebrate Independence Day on the banks of Pangong Tso, at an altitude of 14,000 feet. (Source: ITBP)
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08:12 IST, August 15th 2020
ITBP jawans celebrate Independence Day 2020
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawans celebrate #IndependenceDay at an altitude of 17,000 feet in Ladakh. (Source: ITBP)
08:12 IST, August 15th 2020
We have to move ahead from 'Make in India' to 'Make for World': PM Modi
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: The mindset of free India should be 'vocal for local'. We should appreciate our local products, if we don't do this then our products will not get the opportunity to do better and will not get encouraged. We have to move ahead from 'Make in India' to 'Make for World': PM Modi
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07:55 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: PM Modi's message on 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: History is witness that once India resolves, India does. When India becomes powerful in space, power, health sector. World benefits. It is mandatory that we strive to make best products in India. Our steel manufacturing was globally appreciated. We have to conserve the potential. We have to save creativity and move forward and become self reliant.: PM Modi on 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort in New Delhi
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07:51 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day: 35 Delhi Police personnel awarded Police Medals
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: 35 Delhi Police personnel awarded Police Medals
- Thirty-five Delhi Police personnel, including four women, have been conferred the Police Medal for their services, according to a list released by the police.
- Sixteen personnel were awarded the Police Medal for Gallantry, three the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service and 16 were awarded the Police Medal for Meritorious Service on the eve of Independence Day.
- Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Manishi Chandra, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Govind Sharma, and Inspectors Vinay Kumar, Sanjay Gupta, Rajesh Kumar, Kailash Singh Bisht, Dharmender Kumar, Ravinder Joshi and Vinod Kumar Badola were among those who were awarded the Police Medal for Gallantry.
- Sub-Inspectors Banay Singh, Devender Singh and Ajaibir Singh, and Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) Shiv Mangal Yadav, Nissar Ahmed Shaik and Parvesh Rathi were also awarded the medal.
- The Police Medal for Gallantry was awarded to Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma posthumously, according to the list.
- Special Commissioner of Police (Intelligence) Rajesh Khurana, and ASIs Mahesh Singh Yadav and Bhupender Singh were awarded the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service.
- Those who were awarded the medal for meritorious service included DCsP Amit Roy, Anil Kumar Lall and Mohd Irshad Haider and ACsP Nirmala Devi, Kailash Chandra, Rajesh Gaur and Chander Kanta, according to the list.
- Inspectors Rakesh Kumar Malik, Narender Kumar, Pramod Kumar, Sub-Inspector Manju Chauhan, ASI Rakesh Kumar Sharma and Head Constable Mukesh Kumar were also among those awarded for meritorious service.
- DCP (Special Cell) Manishi Chandra was conferred the Police Medal for Gallantry for his role in a 2013 encounter in which one of Delhi's most wanted gangster Neetu Dabodia and his two associaties were killed.
- Chandra, who was then an ACP, along with his team -- Inspector Ravinder Joshi, Inspector Vinod Kumar Badola and Sub-Inspector Banay Singh -- had gunned down Dabodia and his associates in an encounter near a hotel in South Delhi's Vasant Kunj area.
- Inspector Vinay Kumar and ASI Shiv Mangal Yadav were awarded the Police Medal for Gallantry for arresting gangster Sonu Dariyapur in September 2017.
- Dariyapur was involved in many cases of murder, attempt to murder, extortion, assault on police personnel and cases under the Arms Act.
- Late Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma, who was awarded the medal for gallantry posthumously, had along with his team killed a Jaish-e-Mohammed militant, Saifullah, in 2007 in Jammu.
- Sharma was killed during the 2008 Batla House encounter.
- Special Commissioner of Police Rajesh Khurana, who joined the Indian Police Service in 1994, has been awarded the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service.
- While heading presidential security, Khurana's dedication and devotion was appreciated during the visit of former US President Barak Obama and for the security arrangements for the 3rd India Africa Foreign Summit-2015.
- His role in quelling the anti-CAA riots at Delhi Gate, even at the cost of personal injury, was commendable.
- ACsP Nirmala Devi and Chander Kanta, women Sub-Inspectors Manju Chauhan and Nirmala Devi were awarded the Police Medal for Meritorious Service.
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07:47 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: PM Modi takes on 'vistarvaad' in his speech from Red Fort
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: Back then, people doubted how such a big country with so much diversity could come together to fight for independence. Yet, India's freedom struggle became a guiding light for the world: PM Modi takes on 'vistarvaad' in his Independence Day speech
07:44 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: PM Modi says we are going through extraordinary times
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: We are going through extraordinary times: PM Modi remarks on the change in protocol due to the pandemic after paying tribute to India's freedom fighters; adds his tribute to India's Corona Warriors
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07:44 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: PM Modi pays tribute to India's Corona Warriors.
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: PM Modi pays tribute to India's Corona Warriors.
07:38 IST, August 15th 2020
From the ramparts of the Red Fort, PM Modi begins his address to the nation on the 74th Independence Day
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07:32 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020: Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurls the national flag at Red Fort
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurls the national flag at Red Fort; will address the nation shortly.
07:28 IST, August 15th 2020
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Red Fort
#LIVE | Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Red Fort; will address the nation shortly.
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07:17 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Raj Ghat
07:11 IST, August 15th 2020
Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad salutes those who sacrificed themselves for India's freedom
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07:11 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates: Here's which roads will be closed in Delhi on August 15
- These roads will be closed to the general public from 4 am to 10 am: Netaji Subhash Marg, Lothian Road, SP Mukherjee Marg, Chandni Chowk Road, Nishadraj Marg, Espland Road and Link Road of Netaji Subhash Marg, Ring Road from Rajghat to ISBT, Outer Ring Road from ISBT to IP Flyover.
- Vehicles without parking labels for the rehearsal may avoid C-Hexagon India Gate, Copernicus Marg, Mandi House, Sikandra Road, W Point, A point Tilak Marg, Mathura Road, BSZ Marg, Subhash Marg, J.L. Nehru Marg and Ring Road between Nizamuddin Bridge and ISBT bridge and Outer Ring Road from IP Flyover through Salimgarh Bypass to ISBT and take the other routes as advised.
- The movement of goods vehicles between Nizamuddin Bridge and Wazirabad Bridge from midnight of August 12 to 11 AM on August 13 and from midnight of August 14 to 11 AM on August 15 will be prohibited.
- According to the traffic police, interstate buses between Maharana Pratap ISBT to Sarai Kale Khan ISBT will not be allowed to travel from midnight of August 12 to 11 am on August 13 and the same will be followed on August 15.
07:06 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020: Here's How The Celebrations Will Unfold At The Red Fort
Invitees sensitized about COVID-19 safety measures
To sensitize the invitees about COVID related safety measures, a specific Advisory for following COVID guidelines have been issued along with each invitation card.
"A request card, for the invitees to exhibit restraint and patience during the dispersal after the event concludes would be placed on each seat in this regard. The announcement regarding the same would be made from the commentary booth time and again," said the Defence Ministry.
The traffic police advisory will also have a note in the same regard. An orderly dispersal plan has been put into place for the implementation through the controlling officials in various enclosures.
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07:02 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: Home Minister Amit Shah wishes the nation
Home Minister Amit Shah took to Twitter and asked on this Independence Day, India should take a pledge to fulfill the dream of a Aatmanirbhar Bharat so that country can acquire new heights by making maximum use of indigenous things manufactured in India.
07:02 IST, August 15th 2020
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh unfurls the National flag at his residence
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh unfurls the National flag at his residence. He said: True independence will be when India becomes Aatmanirbhar Bharat, that's why we need to take an oath to make India Aatmanirbhar
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07:02 IST, August 15th 2020
Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal wishes the nation
06:47 IST, August 15th 2020
ITBP says its troops 'fought the whole night' during recent skirmishes with Chinese in Ladakh
The Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel "fought the whole night" and gave a befitting reply to the Chinese troops during the recent skirmishes in eastern Ladakh, the border force said on Friday. It said a total of 294 ITBP personnel have been awarded the Director General (DG) commendation for displaying bravery during these skirmishes.
In its first official account of the standoff between the two militaries, the ITBP revealed how its troops "not only effectively used shield to protect themselves but also responded fiercely to the advancing PLA (People's Liberation Army) troops and brought the situation under control". The ITBP said its troops "fought the whole night" in the area and they received the minimum casualties, while gave a befitting reply to the stone-pelters of the PLA.
"At places, they (ITBP) gave a determined standoff for about 17-20 hours throughout. "Due to the high-altitude training and manoeuver experience of the force in the Himalayas, the ITBP troops kept the PLA troops at bay and due to the all-out and befitting response of ITBP jawans at almost all fronts, many areas were safeguarded in the hyper-sensitive areas," it said.
The ITBP added that recommendations for awarding gallantry medals to 21 troops posted in this area, led by a Commandant-rank officer, have been sent to the government. "Also, 294 personnel have been awarded with the DG's commendation rolls and insignias by ITBP chief S S Deswal on the eve of the Independence Day," the force said. It said the ITBP troops displayed the highest order of professional skills and fought shoulder-to-shoulder and also brought the injured Indian Army troops to the rear.
Also, among the Independence Day decorations are recommendations for the home minister's special operations medal to 358 ITBP and other paramilitary forces personnel for their dedicated services in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. "The names of 318 ITBP personnel and 40 other CAPF personnel have been sent for award of Union home minister special operations medals for their dedicated services in the fight against COVID-19," it said.
The about 90,000-personnel strong ITBP is the primarily tasked to guard the 3,488-km long Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China that runs from the Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh
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06:35 IST, August 15th 2020
India's 74th Independence Day
As India steps into the 74th year of Independence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation from the majestic Red Fort in Delhi on August 15. PM Modi is slated to arrive at Lahore Gate of Red Fort at 7:18 am and will unfurl the National Flag. He will be received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar. The Guard of Honour contingent for the Prime Minister will consist of one officer and 24 men each from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police. The Guard of Honour will be positioned directly in front of the National Flag across the moat below the ramparts.
On unfurling the National Flag by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the National Guard will give ‘Rashtriya Salute’ to the National Flag. The Army Grenadiers Regimental Centre Military Band will play the National Anthem during unfurling of the National Flag and the ‘Rashtriya Salute’. All Service personnel in uniform will stand & salute, the rest will be requested to stand and give respect to the National Flag. The Band will be commanded by Subedar Major Abdul Gani.
Major Shweta Pandey will assist the Prime Minister in unfurling the National Flag. The unfurling of the tri-colour will synchronise with the 21 Gun Salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 2233 Field Battery (Ceremonial). The ceremonial battery will be commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Jitendra Singh Mehta and the Gun Position Officer will be Naib Subedar (AIG), Anil Chand.
06:35 IST, August 15th 2020
President recalls sacrifice of freedom fighters, hails India's COVID fight on I-Day eve
Addressing the nation on the eve of India's 74th Independence Day, President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday extended his good wishes to all the citizens of the country. He opined that this was a day for the youth to understand the sacrifice of the freedom fighters. The President stressed that we are the citizens of a free nation only due to the sacrifice of the freedom fighters. Mentioning that modern India is being built on the foundation of the sacrifices of freedom fighters, he lauded the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in the freedom struggle.
Acknowledging that this year's Independence Day celebrations won't have the usual fervour owing to the COVID-19 crisis, he went on to detail the impact of the pandemic. He hailed the Centre's timely steps to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. On this occasion, President Kovind pointed out that India had been successful in saving the lives of many people with the support of state governments. He expressed his gratitude towards doctors, nurses and others at the frontline in the fight against COVID-19. Moreover, he appreciated the efforts of COVID warriors who ensured that no one is deprived of essential services during the coronavirus-induced lockdown period.
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06:35 IST, August 15th 2020
President Kovind's remarks encapsulate the spirit of 130 crore Indians: PM Modi
Hailing President Ram Nath Kovind's Independence Day eve speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that his remarks encapsulate the spirit of 130 crore Indians and highlight the path ahead to build a strong, prosperous and united nation.
"Insightful speech by Rashtrapati Ji. His remarks encapsulate the spirit of 130 crore Indians and highlight the path ahead to build a strong, prosperous and united nation," Modi tweeted after the President's speech.
In his address to the nation on the eve of the 74th Independence Day, President Kovind said while India believes in peace it is also capable of giving a befitting response to any attempt of aggression as shown by its troops in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh after "some in our neighbourhood" tried to carry out their "misadventure of expansion", in a veiled message to China.
He also spoke about the 'Aatmanirbhar' initiative launched by the prime minister, and allayed fears of foreign investors, saying India's self-reliance means being self-sufficient without alienating or creating distance from the world, with which it would continue to engage.
06:35 IST, August 15th 2020