PM Modi greets nation on 75th Independence Day, addresses nation from Red Fort

"I would like to begin by conveying greetings on this special occasion of Independence Day. This is a day to remember our great freedom fighters," Modi said addressing the nation from the historic Red Fort.

Reaching the venue, he unfurled the flag at the Red Fort on the 75th Independence Day, which is being marked as the "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav" with year-long celebrations.

Modi said he hoped that the year of "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav" will infuse new energy into the country.

"Greetings to you all on Independence Day. May this year of the ''Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav'' infuse new energy and new consciousness among the countrymen. Jai Hind!" tweeted PM Modi.

This is PM Modi's eighth consecutive Independence Day speech from the iconic ramparts of the Red Fort. This is also the second consecutive year when the historic day is being celebrated under the shadow of the COVID pandemic.

During his address, PM Modi lauded the efforts of the athletes for their achievements at the Tokyo Olympics which have made India proud.

"They have not only won our hearts but also inspired future generations," he said.

Modi also appreciated doctors, scientists and other health workers for serving the nation as well as developing the vaccines to combat COVID-19.

"During COVID-19, our doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, sanitation workers, scientists who were developing vaccines and crores of citizens were working with a sense of service... all those who devoted every moment to serve others in this period, deserve our appreciation," he said.

The Prime Minister also paid tribute to all the past leaders who fought for India's Independence, saying: "Be it Nehru ji, the first Prime Minister of India, Sardar Patel, who turned the country into a united nation or Babasaheb Ambedkar, who showed India the way to the future, the country is remembering every such personality, the country is indebted to all of them."