VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PM Modi cuts I-Day speech to 75 minutes NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address from the Red Fort on Saturday lasted 75 minutes, making it his shortest speech in four years and the fourth shortest of his 13 consecutive appearances at the historic ramparts.The 2026 address was significantly shorter than his 103-minute speech last year, which was the longest of his tenure and surpassed his previous record of 98 minutes in 2024. Modi’s shortest Independence Day speech came in 2017, when he spoke for 56 minutes.The Prime Minister’s 2026 address was also considerably longer than his shortest-ever speech. In 2017, Modi spoke for 56 minutes. His first Independence Day address in 2014 lasted 65 minutes.Over the years, the Prime Minister’s speeches have ranged from under an hour to more than 100 minutes. He spoke for 88 minutes in 2015 and 96 minutes in 2016, followed by 83 minutes in 2018 and nearly 92 minutes in 2019.Also Read: 80th Independence Day: A throwback at PM Modi’s signature Red Fort turbansThe address lasted 90 minutes in 2020, 88 minutes in 2021, 74 minutes in 2022 and 90 minutes in 2023.The 75-minute speech came as Modi delivered his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort. Last year, he overtook Indira Gandhi’s record of 12 consecutive speeches, moving behind only Jawaharlal Nehru, who delivered 17 such addresses in succession.Nehru’s 1947 Independence Day speech lasted 72 minutes, while I K Gujral spoke for 71 minutes in 1997. Among the shortest addresses, Nehru and Indira Gandhi each spoke for 14 minutes in 1954 and 1966 respectively. Manmohan Singh’s 2012 and 2013 speeches lasted 32 and 35 minutes, while Atal Bihari Vajpayee spoke for 25 minutes in 2002 and 30 minutes in 2003.Despite the shorter duration, Modi used the address to set out a broad economic and national agenda. He unveiled “Shakti Ki Saptadhara”, describing seven streams of strength that would drive India’s next phase of development and its journey towards Viksit Bharat.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesManufacturing featured prominently in his economic pitch, with Modi calling for a major expansion of the sector. He also placed emphasis on national duty and youth participation.“Let us put country before self; national interest and sense of duty should be our identity, this is India’s hour,” Modi said.He also credited citizens with India’s economic progress, saying, “People’s efforts have resulted in taking India from fragile five to major economy in last 12 years.”Modi further said the capabilities of young people would be harnessed for nation-building, placing youth, manufacturing and economic expansion at the centre of his vision for the years ahead.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?NALSAR Row Erupts: CJI Raps BCI, As CJP Demands Resignation Of Bar Council Chief‘Why Rockets?’ Jaipur Residents Mock Potholes With Astronaut Protest After Monsoon RainsRajnath Singh Announces Rs 8.75 Lakh Crore Defence Modernisation Push on 80th Independence DayBomb Threat Email Targets Delhi Courts, Airport, Metro Ahead Of August 15; Security Checks BeginCM Vijay Urges PM Modi To Keep Lok Sabha Strength At 543, Opposes Population-Based DelimitationThey Want To Disturb Punjab’s Peace’: Sukhbir Badal Flags Larger Conspiracy After Nanded Attack’The Great Transshipment Scam’: India Among 40 Nations Aiding China’s Tarrif Evasion, Says USUttarakhand Tunnel Landslide: 7 Workers Dead, 1 Missing; Rescue Operations Continue in Chamoli123PhotostoriesIdli to Cheela: 9 ways to add sooji to daily breakfast7 quiet dog breeds that make great companions for familiesFrom lakeside retreats to Aravalli resorts: 5 luxury escapes in and around Delhi for the Independence Day weekendRani Mukerji goes from Sabyasachi saree to power suit as she collects an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Australia’s La Trobe University10 unusual baby girl names with fascinating historical roots10 naturally tricolour Indian foods to make this Independence DayInside Ruhaanika Dhawan’s luxury home: A massive living room, elegant decor and moreWhat happens to your brain when you slowly reduce your screen time before bed? Neurologist answers5 red vegetables rich in fibre: Simple ways to add them to Indian mealsIndependence Day Special: 7 historic Delhi eateries that have been serving since before 1947123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingOil Prices TodayIndiGo Fight CancelledDelhi High Court Bomb ThreatAmbala Sikh Community ProtestManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke Updated: Aug 15, 2026, 09:59 IST Sunny Deol reveals his UNFULFILLED DREAM which never became true due to father Dharmendra’s protective nature: ‘Kuch bhi aise karna chahe, ijazat nahi milti thi, so reh gaya’ Indonesia earthquake: Several killed, buildings collapse, multiple tremors recorded – top developments PM Modi on 33% women’s reservation NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged political parties to facilitate the implementation of the proposed 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies so that women can “actively contribute to shaping India’s policies.”He made the call while addressing the nation from the iconic Red Fort in Delhi on the 80th Independence Day.“Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, standing under the shadow of the Tricolour, I earnestly appeal to and urge all political parties of our nation: Come forward and celebrate the strength and capability of our women. Step forward in honour of our women, and as swiftly as possible, ensure our mothers and sisters receive 33% representation in the State Legislative Assemblies and the Lok Sabha so that they can actively contribute to shaping India’s policies,” the prime minister said.PM Modi also highlighted the contribution of women representatives in various elected bodies and pointed to the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in Parliament aimed at strengthening women’s representation in politics.“My dear fellow citizens, today in Panchayats, Municipalities, and Municipal Corporations, our women public representatives are guiding the nation in very large numbers, solving local challenges, and providing exceptionally capable and empowering leadership. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesKeeping this in mind, we passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in Parliament,” he added.However, he noted that “for one reason or another”, in the political arena over the last 40 years, the dream of greater representation for women had “persistently fallen victim to political games and political battlegrounds.”The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, was passed by both Houses of Parliament but has not moved ahead with implementation after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill fell in the Lok Sabha on April 17, failing to secure the constitutionally required two-thirds majority of members present and voting.The Bill proposed implementing 33% reservation for women in legislatures and delimiting Lok Sabha constituencies.(With ANI inputs)Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?NALSAR Row Erupts: CJI Raps BCI, As CJP Demands Resignation Of Bar Council Chief‘Why Rockets?’ Jaipur Residents Mock Potholes With Astronaut Protest After Monsoon RainsRajnath Singh Announces Rs 8.75 Lakh Crore Defence Modernisation Push on 80th Independence DayBomb Threat Email Targets Delhi Courts, Airport, Metro Ahead Of August 15; Security Checks BeginCM Vijay Urges PM Modi To Keep Lok Sabha Strength At 543, Opposes Population-Based DelimitationThey Want To Disturb Punjab’s Peace’: Sukhbir Badal Flags Larger Conspiracy After Nanded Attack’The Great Transshipment Scam’: India Among 40 Nations Aiding China’s Tarrif Evasion, Says USUttarakhand Tunnel Landslide: 7 Workers Dead, 1 Missing; Rescue Operations Continue in Chamoli123PhotostoriesIdli to Cheela: 9 ways to add sooji to daily breakfast7 quiet dog breeds that make great companions for familiesFrom lakeside retreats to Aravalli resorts: 5 luxury escapes in and around Delhi for the Independence Day weekendRani Mukerji goes from Sabyasachi saree to power suit as she collects an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Australia’s La Trobe University10 unusual baby girl names with fascinating historical roots10 naturally tricolour Indian foods to make this Independence DayInside Ruhaanika Dhawan’s luxury home: A massive living room, elegant decor and moreWhat happens to your brain when you slowly reduce your screen time before bed? Neurologist answers5 red vegetables rich in fibre: Simple ways to add them to Indian mealsIndependence Day Special: 7 historic Delhi eateries that have been serving since before 1947123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingOil Prices TodayIndiGo Fight CancelledDelhi High Court Bomb ThreatAmbala Sikh Community ProtestManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke Aug 15, 2026, 09:46 IST ‘No-go’ to ‘go-ahead’: PM Modi hails ‘Samudra Manthan’ for deep-sea exploration in Independence Day speech Amitabh Bachchan recalls overwhelming response to ‘Sholay’ at its restored screening in Italy: ‘Waha par 2000 Italians, raat ke 11 baje se subha 3 baje tak ‘Sholay’ dekha’ ‘Have to isolate dimaagi Naxals’: PM Modi in Independence Day speech from Red Fort CJI Kant said the blockade war must stop, groups must sit together, abjure violence, and cooperate with each other so that the supply of essential commodities and medicines are not disrupted. NEW DELHI: Blockading NHs in Manipur by ethnic groups to inconvenience opponents is common but the Supreme Court on Friday took serious note of the humanitarian crisis such actions unleash after an NGO of Kuki women claimed that blockading of NH-2 and connected supply routes to Kangpokpi has left the population in there without food and healthcare.Senior advocate Anand Grover, appearing for Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights, told a bench of CJI Surya Kant, and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana that the NH-2 and supply routes to Kangpokpi has been blocked by Naga groups creating a crisis for the population and requested the SC to direct the Centre and the state to reopen the NH. “The state just can’t sit and do nothing,” he complained.Intervening in the matter, an Imphal-based NGO – International Meitei Organization – through senior advocate Ngangom Junior Luwang said the Kukis had been “responsible for blocking all major NHs in Manipur since May 2023, after the Kuki-Meitei ethnic clashes began, and now they are playing the ‘victim card’ when faced with the consequences of such blockades by another ethnic group.”“It is a matter of record that since May 3, 2023, members of the community, of which the petitioner is a part of, have been blocking all major NHs in Manipur – NH2 (Imphal to Dimapur), NH-37 (Imphal to Silchar), and NH-102 (Imphal to Moreh) and except for intermittent flow of goods vehicles through extortion rackets reportedly perpetuated by Kuki community,” the NGO alleged.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesCJI Kant said the blockade war must stop, groups must sit together, abjure violence, and cooperate with each other so that the supply of essential commodities and medicines are not disrupted. When Luwang welcomed the CJI’s suggestion, Grover immediately offered the petitioner organisation’s cooperation but wondered who would bring the Naga group to the talks.SC issued notices to the Centre, Manipur govt and National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and said the larger public interest demands removal of blockade of all NHs in the state as well as restoration of supply to Kangpokpi district.It said Grover assured that his client in cooperation with social organisations would work towards the same and recorded similar sentiments expressed by Luwang on behalf of the Meitei NGO. It asked all the parties to suggest modalities for reopening all NHS without engaging in blame games. It posted the matter for further hearing after two weeks.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?NALSAR Row Erupts: CJI Raps BCI, As CJP Demands Resignation Of Bar Council Chief‘Why Rockets?’ Jaipur Residents Mock Potholes With Astronaut Protest After Monsoon RainsRajnath Singh Announces Rs 8.75 Lakh Crore Defence Modernisation Push on 80th Independence DayBomb Threat Email Targets Delhi Courts, Airport, Metro Ahead Of August 15; Security Checks BeginCM Vijay Urges PM Modi To Keep Lok Sabha Strength At 543, Opposes Population-Based DelimitationThey Want To Disturb Punjab’s Peace’: Sukhbir Badal Flags Larger Conspiracy After Nanded Attack’The Great Transshipment Scam’: India Among 40 Nations Aiding China’s Tarrif Evasion, Says USUttarakhand Tunnel Landslide: 7 Workers Dead, 1 Missing; Rescue Operations Continue in Chamoli123PhotostoriesIdli to Cheela: 9 ways to add sooji to daily breakfast7 quiet dog breeds that make great companions for familiesFrom lakeside retreats to Aravalli resorts: 5 luxury escapes in and around Delhi for the Independence Day weekendRani Mukerji goes from Sabyasachi saree to power suit as she collects an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Australia’s La Trobe University10 unusual baby girl names with fascinating historical roots10 naturally tricolour Indian foods to make this Independence DayInside Ruhaanika Dhawan’s luxury home: A massive living room, elegant decor and moreWhat happens to your brain when you slowly reduce your screen time before bed? Neurologist answers5 red vegetables rich in fibre: Simple ways to add them to Indian mealsIndependence Day Special: 7 historic Delhi eateries that have been serving since before 1947123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingOil Prices TodayIndiGo Fight CancelledDelhi High Court Bomb ThreatAmbala Sikh Community ProtestManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke India’s big semiconductor push: PM Modi says 7-8 plants coming up; stresses self-reliance in chips Check download steps, response sheet and objection process Brad Pitt is not losing hope over reconciliation with his kids; he’s not despairing about the situation “The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for” From Riyadh to Paris: How EWC’s unexpected move accelerated its global plans The Supreme Court of India NEW DELHI: More than 75 years of the Constitution coming into force, the derogatory practice of witch-hunting that targets defenceless women due to prejudice, suspicion, superstition and irrational fear, continues in the country, the Supreme Court lamented while upholding life term for two who murdered a woman in a tribal village of Odisha in Feb 1998.A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and N V Anjaria said the facets of the case had a disturbing impact on the court as a defenceless woman was branded a practitioner of witchcraft and was brutally assaulted in front of her daughter. “What effect it must have had on the daughter of the deceased who had to witness her mother being killed in the most brutal way,” the bench wondered.Writing the judgment, Justice Mishra said the malady of with-hunting continues to plague sections of our society, where prejudice, superstition, and irrational dear supersede the rule of law and constitutional morality.“The brutality associated with witch-hunting extends far beyond the act of killing; where victims mostly women are subjected to torture, beatings, sexual violence and social ostracization. In such a situation, superstitious beliefs or fears are given precedence leading to vulnerable women becoming victims of collective hostility,” he said.IN Feb 1998, in the remote village of tribal inhabited Sundergarh district, one Manobodha Naik’s daughter died, and family members claimed that she died because of witchcraft practice of one Puni Naik. Hearing this Udai Oram dragged Puni Naik to Naik’s house and with his associate, mercilessly assaulted her with sticks leading to her death. The trial court had convicted the duo in 2002, but the Orissa HC took two decades to uphold the conviction and life sentence.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesJustices Mishra and Anjaria said, “Sometimes in the most difficult situations, it often becomes an easy escape to blame a woman for the acts she did not commit, thus reflecting a deeply rooted social prejudice that often seeks scapegoats rather than solutions. In such situations, what can be given an ascendency is ‘reason’ for reason is the only virtue that stands as a bulwark against collective irrationality.”SC said the Constitution guarantees equality, promotes fraternity and envisages citizens to adopt scientific temperament to rid the society of derogatory practices against women. “Despite this, practices such as witch-hunting continue to persist within a few sections of our society. A Constitutional democracy such as ours cannot survive; wherein such derogatory practices continue to elude the principles of rule of law and Constitutional morality,” it said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?NALSAR Row Erupts: CJI Raps BCI, As CJP Demands Resignation Of Bar Council Chief‘Why Rockets?’ Jaipur Residents Mock Potholes With Astronaut Protest After Monsoon RainsRajnath Singh Announces Rs 8.75 Lakh Crore Defence Modernisation Push on 80th Independence DayBomb Threat Email Targets Delhi Courts, Airport, Metro Ahead Of August 15; Security Checks BeginCM Vijay Urges PM Modi To Keep Lok Sabha Strength At 543, Opposes Population-Based DelimitationThey Want To Disturb Punjab’s Peace’: Sukhbir Badal Flags Larger Conspiracy After Nanded Attack’The Great Transshipment Scam’: India Among 40 Nations Aiding China’s Tarrif Evasion, Says USUttarakhand Tunnel Landslide: 7 Workers Dead, 1 Missing; Rescue Operations Continue in Chamoli123PhotostoriesIdli to Cheela: 9 ways to add sooji to daily breakfast7 quiet dog breeds that make great companions for familiesFrom lakeside retreats to Aravalli resorts: 5 luxury escapes in and around Delhi for the Independence Day weekendRani Mukerji goes from Sabyasachi saree to power suit as she collects an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Australia’s La Trobe University10 unusual baby girl names with fascinating historical roots10 naturally tricolour Indian foods to make this Independence DayInside Ruhaanika Dhawan’s luxury home: A massive living room, elegant decor and moreWhat happens to your brain when you slowly reduce your screen time before bed? Neurologist answers5 red vegetables rich in fibre: Simple ways to add them to Indian mealsIndependence Day Special: 7 historic Delhi eateries that have been serving since before 1947123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingOil Prices TodayIndiGo Fight CancelledDelhi High Court Bomb ThreatAmbala Sikh Community ProtestManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke ‘No-go’ to ‘go-ahead’: PM Modi hails ‘Samrudha Manthan’ for deep-sea exploration in Independence Day speech RSSB Lab Assistant Result 2026 released at rssb.rajasthan.gov.in; check merit list, cut-offs and DV timeline ‘Jana Nayagan’ box office collections day 23: Thalapathy Vijay film enters final phase; India net collection touches Rs 195.29 Cr 7 quiet dog breeds that make great companions for families PM Modi’s Independence Day speech: Energy security demand of our times; no shortage of gas, fuel, urea EMF founding member Derran ‘Derry’ Brownson passes away at 55: ‘Nothing will ever be the same again without our bandmate and friend’ “I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.” The Texas seventh-grader who found a way to make algae produce 77% more oil in five days Trump claims ‘young, beautiful girls’ thank him for making Washington safer Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation during the 8oth Independence Day celebrations, at Red Fort in New Delhi. (PTI image) NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday delivered his 13th consecutive Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, becoming the second prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru to achieve the milestone.PM Modi has addressed the nation from the Red Fort every Independence Day since taking office in 2014. His latest address came on India’s 80th Independence Day.Also read: 80th Independence Day – A throwback at PM Modi’s signature Red Fort turbansNehru, India’s first prime minister, holds the record for the longest uninterrupted run of Independence Day addresses, having delivered 17 consecutive speeches from 1947 to 1963.PM Modi surpassed former prime minister Indira Gandhi, who delivered 11 consecutive Independence Day speeches between 1966 and 1976.PM Modi hoisted the National Flag at the Red Fort before beginning his address, with the ceremony synchronised with a 21-gun salute by the ceremonial battery.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?NALSAR Row Erupts: CJI Raps BCI, As CJP Demands Resignation Of Bar Council Chief‘Why Rockets?’ Jaipur Residents Mock Potholes With Astronaut Protest After Monsoon RainsRajnath Singh Announces Rs 8.75 Lakh Crore Defence Modernisation Push on 80th Independence DayBomb Threat Email Targets Delhi Courts, Airport, Metro Ahead Of August 15; Security Checks BeginCM Vijay Urges PM Modi To Keep Lok Sabha Strength At 543, Opposes Population-Based DelimitationThey Want To Disturb Punjab’s Peace’: Sukhbir Badal Flags Larger Conspiracy After Nanded Attack’The Great Transshipment Scam’: India Among 40 Nations Aiding China’s Tarrif Evasion, Says USUttarakhand Tunnel Landslide: 7 Workers Dead, 1 Missing; Rescue Operations Continue in Chamoli‘RSS Vs Congress Govt’: Karnataka Cabinet Clears Bill To Curb Events At Public Spaces123PhotostoriesFrom lakeside retreats to Aravalli resorts: 5 luxury escapes in and around Delhi for the Independence Day weekendRani Mukerji goes from Sabyasachi saree to power suit as she collects an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Australia’s La Trobe University10 unusual baby girl names with fascinating historical roots10 naturally tricolour Indian foods to make this Independence DayInside Ruhaanika Dhawan’s luxury home: A massive living room, elegant decor and moreWhat happens to your brain when you slowly reduce your screen time before bed? Neurologist answers5 red vegetables rich in fibre: Simple ways to add them to Indian mealsIndependence Day Special: 7 historic Delhi eateries that have been serving since before 1947Tara Sutaria’s lace drama meets Kiara Advani’s pantsuit power: Who really won the ‘Toxic’ album launch fashion face-off?5 yellow vegetables that may support eye health, immunity and healthy ageing123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingOil Prices TodayIndiGo Fight CancelledDelhi High Court Bomb ThreatAmbala Sikh Community ProtestManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke Rishabh Pant on brink of history, eyes record no Indian batter has achieved in Tests With $52.3 billion raised, FCNR(B) scheme to close a month early Check scorecard date, qualifying marks and download steps Farah Khan opens up about her daughters’ insecurities: ‘They think they are very ugly’ ‘Fragile 5 to fastest growing’: PM Modi talks of India’s economic growth during Independence Day speech File photo: PM Modi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers and opposition leaders on Saturday extended Independence Day greetings to citizens as India marked its 80th Independence Day, with leaders remembering the freedom struggle while highlighting their visions for the country’s future.Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to freedom fighters and said their courage and sacrifice continued to inspire India’s journey towards a developed nation.Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, meanwhile, said constitutional values, democratic institutions and social harmony had faced “serious challenges” over the past decade.PM Modi remembers freedom fighters, calls for faster progressIn a post on X, PM Modi paid tribute to the freedom fighters who fought against colonial rule and said their dreams continued to inspire the country.”Warm greetings on the occasion of Independence Day. We remember with gratitude the countless freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment ensured the end of colonial rule. Their dreams continue to inspire us as we work together to build a Viksit Bharat,” he wrote.PM Modi added that India, “powered by 140 crore Indians”, was scaling new heights of progress and expressed hope that the country’s growth journey would accelerate further.Before his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, PM Modi also visited Raj Ghat and paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.Also read: PM Modi dons red tie-and-dye turban for Independence Day addressThe Prime Minister is leading the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, with this year’s ceremony also marking 150 years of Vande Mataram and highlighting the role of youth in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh pay tribute to freedom fightersUnion home minister Amit Shah also extended his greetings and paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the freedom struggle.”Heartfelt Independence Day greetings to all fellow citizens of the country,” Shah said in a post on X.He said the country should use the occasion to resolve to accelerate the creation of a “developed, prosperous, and self-reliant India”.Defence minister Rajnath Singh said the freedom struggle had given Indians not only political freedom but also the responsibility to shape the country’s future.He called for a collective resolve to build a secure, strong, prosperous, self-reliant and developed India, while preserving its heritage and pursuing modernity, progress and innovation.Kharge flags concerns over constitutional valuesCongress president Mallikarjun Kharge struck a different note in his Independence Day message, saying India had made significant progress but that many aspirations remained unfulfilled.”Over the past decade, our Constitutional values, democratic institutions and social harmony have faced serious challenges,” Kharge said.He said freedom meant more than liberation from British rule and included the constitutional guarantees of equality, dignity, justice and freedom of expressionAlso read: ‘Vande Mataram’ played for first time as PM Modi addresses nationKharge also called for greater opportunities for young people, dignity and justice for farmers, equality for women and the “full measure of equality and justice” for Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs, minorities and economically weaker sections.He said the country’s greatest resolve on Independence Day should be “hope”.Akhilesh, Sharad Pawar, Nitish Kumar extend greetingsSamajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on citizens to protect the Constitution, saying: “Freedom comes from the Constitution itself.”He urged people to pledge to protect and uphold the continuity of the Constitution.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesNCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar said the freedom secured through the sacrifices and patriotism of countless people was a responsibility for every citizen.He called for building a prosperous, capable and inclusive India while preserving constitutional values.Former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar also extended his “heartiest congratulations and best wishes” to people across the state and the country on Independence Day.The messages came as India marked 79 years since gaining independence from British rule in 1947, with political leaders across the spectrum remembering the freedom struggle while setting out differing visions for the country’s future.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?NALSAR Row Erupts: CJI Raps BCI, As CJP Demands Resignation Of Bar Council Chief‘Why Rockets?’ Jaipur Residents Mock Potholes With Astronaut Protest After Monsoon RainsRajnath Singh Announces Rs 8.75 Lakh Crore Defence Modernisation Push on 80th Independence DayBomb Threat Email Targets Delhi Courts, Airport, Metro Ahead Of August 15; Security Checks BeginCM Vijay Urges PM Modi To Keep Lok Sabha Strength At 543, Opposes Population-Based DelimitationThey Want To Disturb Punjab’s Peace’: Sukhbir Badal Flags Larger Conspiracy After Nanded Attack’The Great Transshipment Scam’: India Among 40 Nations Aiding China’s Tarrif Evasion, Says USUttarakhand Tunnel Landslide: 7 Workers Dead, 1 Missing; Rescue Operations Continue in Chamoli‘RSS Vs Congress Govt’: Karnataka Cabinet Clears Bill To Curb Events At Public Spaces123PhotostoriesFrom lakeside retreats to Aravalli resorts: 5 luxury escapes in and around Delhi for the Independence Day weekendRani Mukerji goes from Sabyasachi saree to power suit as she collects an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Australia’s La Trobe University10 unusual baby girl names with fascinating historical roots10 naturally tricolour Indian foods to make this Independence DayInside Ruhaanika Dhawan’s luxury home: A massive living room, elegant decor and moreWhat happens to your brain when you slowly reduce your screen time before bed? Neurologist answers5 red vegetables rich in fibre: Simple ways to add them to Indian mealsIndependence Day Special: 7 historic Delhi eateries that have been serving since before 1947Tara Sutaria’s lace drama meets Kiara Advani’s pantsuit power: Who really won the ‘Toxic’ album launch fashion face-off?5 yellow vegetables that may support eye health, immunity and healthy ageing123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingOil Prices TodayIndiGo Fight CancelledDelhi High Court Bomb ThreatAmbala Sikh Community ProtestManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke Aug 15, 2026, 07:57 IST FMCG companies see recovery in consumption growth ‘DC’ vs ‘GDN’ box office collections day 8: Lokesh Kanagaraj film earns Rs 2.86 Cr India net; worldwide gross reaches Rs 70.23 Cr 80th Independence Day: A throwback at PM Modi’s signature Red Fort turbans Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 80th Independence day addressed the nation from Red Fort. NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day, marking his 13th consecutive Independence Day address as prime minister.PM Modi hoisted the National Flag at the Red Fort, with the ceremony synchronised with a 21-gun salute fired by the ceremonial gunners of the 1721 Field Battery.The ceremonial battery used indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns. It was commanded by Major Pawan Singh Shekhawat, while Naib Subedar Anuthosh Sarkar served as the Gun Position Officer.Addressing the nation, PM Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and those who fought for India’s freedom.”I pay my tributes to Bapu and all the freedom fighters and revolutionaries on this Independence Day.”The prime minister also invoked the patriotic spirit associated with the national song, saying the country was united in celebrating the Tricolour.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”Today, every heart is beating with the rhythm of Vande Mataram. Aaj har ghar Tiranga hai, har mann Tiranga hai.”The Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort is the centrepiece of the country’s national celebrations, with the prime minister traditionally using the occasion to outline the government’s priorities and address the nation on key issues.PM Modi’s top quotesOn freedom fighters”I pay my tributes to Bapu and all the freedom fighters and revolutionaries on this Independence Day.”On Vande Mataram and the Tricolour”Today, every heart is beating with the rhythm of Vande Mataram. Aaj har ghar Tiranga hai, har mann Tiranga hai.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?NALSAR Row Erupts: CJI Raps BCI, As CJP Demands Resignation Of Bar Council Chief‘Why Rockets?’ Jaipur Residents Mock Potholes With Astronaut Protest After Monsoon RainsRajnath Singh Announces Rs 8.75 Lakh Crore Defence Modernisation Push on 80th Independence DayBomb Threat Email Targets Delhi Courts, Airport, Metro Ahead Of August 15; Security Checks BeginCM Vijay Urges PM Modi To Keep Lok Sabha Strength At 543, Opposes Population-Based DelimitationThey Want To Disturb Punjab’s Peace’: Sukhbir Badal Flags Larger Conspiracy After Nanded Attack’The Great Transshipment Scam’: India Among 40 Nations Aiding China’s Tarrif Evasion, Says USUttarakhand Tunnel Landslide: 7 Workers Dead, 1 Missing; Rescue Operations Continue in Chamoli‘RSS Vs Congress Govt’: Karnataka Cabinet Clears Bill To Curb Events At Public Spaces123PhotostoriesFrom lakeside retreats to Aravalli resorts: 5 luxury escapes in and around Delhi for the Independence Day weekendRani Mukerji goes from Sabyasachi saree to power suit as she collects an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Australia’s La Trobe University10 unusual baby girl names with fascinating historical roots10 naturally tricolour Indian foods to make this Independence DayInside Ruhaanika Dhawan’s luxury home: A massive living room, elegant decor and moreWhat happens to your brain when you slowly reduce your screen time before bed? Neurologist answers5 red vegetables rich in fibre: Simple ways to add them to Indian mealsIndependence Day Special: 7 historic Delhi eateries that have been serving since before 1947Tara Sutaria’s lace drama meets Kiara Advani’s pantsuit power: Who really won the ‘Toxic’ album launch fashion face-off?5 yellow vegetables that may support eye health, immunity and healthy ageing123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingOil Prices TodayIndiGo Fight CancelledDelhi High Court Bomb ThreatAmbala Sikh Community ProtestManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke India vs Sri Lanka Live Score, 1st Test: Shubman Gill leads India into 600th Test in Galle Claude downloads surge 30x, Gemini doubles Robbie Williams says he has a ‘little bit of autism’ anad uses creativity to cope: ‘It’s best to train my brain to do something better…’ 80th Independence Day: ‘Vande Mataram’ played for first time as PM Modi addresses nation Wholesale inflation eases to 9.8% in July ‘On Golden Pond’ director Mark Rydell passes away at 97; Bette Midler pays tribute Numerology Predictions Today, August 15, 2026: Read your personalised forecast for numbers 1 to 9 US Army temporarily halts Apache training missions after two soldiers killed in Texas crash India’s red-ball reset: Shubman Gill leads India into 600th Test against spin-heavy Sri Lanka ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ box office collection Day 16: Tom Holland starrer crashes on third Friday, amid Emraan Hashmi-starrer ‘Awarapan 2’ takeover NALSAR students stand firm on demand against CJI as chief guest 5 killed, 1 critically injured, suspected gunman found dead after manhunt Jawaharlal Nehru (L) heads Tele-MANAS Centre of Telangana, CLN Gandhi retired from transport dept as addl commissioner In classrooms of generations past, an attendance register could sometimes sound like a roll call from India’s freedom movement. Many parents named their children after national heroes. Today, those names are hard to find. But you can still come across a Gandhi, Nehru or Bose.Take Hyderabad’s Jawaharlal Nehru. Born in the 1960s to freedom fighter and Congress member Mutteswara Rao, Nehru says his father was determined on the name of India’s first PM. Rao reached out to him.The PMO pointed out Nehru was a surname and suggested the child be named Jawahar. But Rao was adamant.”Being Jawaharlal Nehru, I feel, needs commitment,” he says. He encouraged his only son to join the Army. “I stand for the country. I can proudly say my son is a Major.”‘Names bring history into an ordinary life’ My father insisted he had a letter from Nehru giving his permission. That’s how I became Jawaharlal Nehru,” says the man who now heads Telangana govt’s Tele-MANAS Centre. Nehru’s sister, Vijayalakshmi Pandit, also has a modern-day namesake in Hyderabad. She was originally named Vijayalakshmi by her mother. Her father, a freedom fighter, later added Pandit to her name after the original became president of United Nations General Assembly.For Subhas Chandra Bose, a 33-year-old employee of Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, the name came with expectations from childhood. “Everyone told me I should not do anything mediocre or bad because of my name,” he says. “I still feel that responsibility. I don’t even lie.” His father didn’t stop with one famous name. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesSubhas’ brothers are named Chandrasekhar Azad and Ambedkar.There’s also CLN Gandhi, a retired additional commissioner in the transport department, known simply as Gandhi in bureaucratic circles. “My father named me after Mahatma Gandhi as suggested by our neighbour, who was in the Army,” he says. “I was always conscious of the values associated with my name.”Socio-political analyst S Ramakrishna said: “When a child is named after a historical figure, that memory travels with the person. The name brings history into an ordinary life.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorSribala VadlapatlaSribala Vadlapatla is a Senior Assistant Editor with 15 years of experience at The Times of India and 30 years overall in mainstream and web journalism. She covers Telangana’s political, economic, health, technological, and socio-cultural topics, and is deeply interested in policy, governance, emerging technologies, international affairs, economy and music.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?NALSAR Row Erupts: CJI Raps BCI, As CJP Demands Resignation Of Bar Council Chief‘Why Rockets?’ Jaipur Residents Mock Potholes With Astronaut Protest After Monsoon RainsRajnath Singh Announces Rs 8.75 Lakh Crore Defence Modernisation Push on 80th Independence DayBomb Threat Email Targets Delhi Courts, Airport, Metro Ahead Of August 15; Security Checks BeginCM Vijay Urges PM Modi To Keep Lok Sabha Strength At 543, Opposes Population-Based DelimitationThey Want To Disturb Punjab’s Peace’: Sukhbir Badal Flags Larger Conspiracy After Nanded Attack’The Great Transshipment Scam’: India Among 40 Nations Aiding China’s Tarrif Evasion, Says USUttarakhand Tunnel Landslide: 7 Workers Dead, 1 Missing; Rescue Operations Continue in Chamoli‘RSS Vs Congress Govt’: Karnataka Cabinet Clears Bill To Curb Events At Public Spaces123PhotostoriesFrom lakeside retreats to Aravalli resorts: 5 luxury escapes in and around Delhi for the Independence Day weekendRani Mukerji goes from Sabyasachi saree to power suit as she collects an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Australia’s La Trobe University10 unusual baby girl names with fascinating historical roots10 naturally tricolour Indian foods to make this Independence DayInside Ruhaanika Dhawan’s luxury home: A massive living room, elegant decor and moreWhat happens to your brain when you slowly reduce your screen time before bed? Neurologist answers5 red vegetables rich in fibre: Simple ways to add them to Indian mealsIndependence Day Special: 7 historic Delhi eateries that have been serving since before 1947Tara Sutaria’s lace drama meets Kiara Advani’s pantsuit power: Who really won the ‘Toxic’ album launch fashion face-off?5 yellow vegetables that may support eye health, immunity and healthy ageing123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingOil Prices TodayIndiGo Fight CancelledDelhi High Court Bomb ThreatAmbala Sikh Community ProtestManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke