New Delhi, August 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hoisted the National Flag at the Red Fort and addressed the nation on India’s 80th Independence Day, calling on citizens to set ambitious goals and work collectively towards building a developed India by 2047.
The unfurling of the Tricolour was followed by a 21-gun salute, while a ceremonial shower of flowers from a helicopter was also held as part of the celebrations.
Beginning his address, Modi invoked ‘Vande Mataram’ and paid tribute to freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country’s Independence. He also extended Independence Day greetings to citizens and remembered Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters.
The Prime Minister said this year’s celebrations were historic as ‘Vande Mataram’ was being heard from the Red Fort on Independence Day for the first time since Independence, coinciding with the commemoration of 150 years of the national song.
“It is a historic day today. After Independence, on August 15, for the first time, Vande Mataram is echoing from the Red Fort. As we celebrate 150 years of Vande Mataram today, no other day could be more appropriate for this,” he said.
Modi also expressed solidarity with people affected by floods in parts of the country and conveyed condolences to families who lost their loved ones. He assured those affected that the entire nation stood with them.
Emphasising the importance of ambition, capability and determination in national development, Modi said India should not restrict itself to modest goals.
“Any nation becomes great when it progresses on the strength of its capabilities and goals. We do not need to have small dreams; we should dream big. Big dreams increase the pace of progress,” he said.
The Prime Minister reiterated the national goal of making India a developed country by 2047, when the nation completes 100 years of Independence.
“India has dreamed a big dream, to touch new heights. The dream is that when we complete 100 years of Independence, we will make Viksit Bharat in 2047, with the contribution, efforts and participation of 140 crore people of our nation,” he said.
Modi also said the scale of India’s ambitions would influence how the country is perceived globally.
“It changes the way the world sees us when we dream big,” he said.
The address was Modi’s 13th consecutive Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, setting a record among prime ministers from outside the Congress party for consecutive Independence Day addresses from the historic monument.
This year’s Independence Day celebrations focus on the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’ and the role of Yuva Shakti in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
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