New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address on the occasion of 74^th Independence Day said that, I am confident that India will realize its dream of becoming self-reliant (Aatmanirbhar). “I am confident of the abilities, confidence and potential of my fellow Indians,” the prime minister said. Once we decide to do something, we do not rest till we achieve that goal”, said PM.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the National Flag from the historic Red Fort on Saturday, reinstating that independent India’s resolve to overcome all challenges is unshakeable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to the stage and addressed the nation, paying homage to the contributions of all Indians who won the Independence and all members of the armed forces and personnel who guard our independence and keep us safe.

He lauded the nation’s Covid-19 warriors for their selfless act of fighting against the deadly contagion, helping hundreds and millions without even caring for their lives. “Next year we will enter the 75th year of our independence. A big festival is in front for us,” he said. He started his speech by paying his homage to all those who have laid their lives down in the line of duty, members of the armed forces and frontline workers amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“In this extraordinary time of Covid-19, our doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, ambulance personnel, sweepers, policemen, servicemen, many people, are working round the clock, regardless of their lives, with the spirit of Seva Parmo Dharma,” he said.

“India has always believed that the entire world is one family. While we focus on economic growth and development, humanity must retain a central role in this process and our journey,” he added. Wearing a white and saffron turban, the Prime Minister also pointed to the absence of the hundreds of school children who sit in front of the dais every year. He said the Covid-19 pandemic has curtailed the celebrations as he also acknowledged the corona warriors and all those who have succumbed to the viral disease.

Modi also talked about his aim to turn India into a $5-trillion economy within five years and announced the creation of a new post of chief of defence staff to ensure better coordination of the army, navy and air force, along the lines of western military forces. A multilayered security ring, including snipers from the National Security Guard (NSG), elite SWAT commandos and kite catchers, has been thrown in around the Red Fort. More than 300 cameras have also been installed and their footage is being monitored round-the-clock.

Around 4,000 security personnel stood guard at the Red Fort in adherence with social distancing norms. There was heavy security deployment along the route taken by the Prime Minister to reach Red Fort as well. Eight roads—Netaji Subhash Marg, Lothian Road, SP Mukherjee Marg, Chandni Chowk Road, Nishad Raj Marg, Esplanade Road and its Link Road to Netaji Subhash Marg, Ring Road from Rajghat to ISBT and Outer Ring Road from ISBT to IP flyover—have been closed from 4am to 10am.