New Delhi, Aug 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday unfurled the National Flag from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort and addressed the nation as India celebrated its 80th Independence Day, calling upon citizens to dream big, strengthen their resolve and collectively work towards transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.
The national ceremony began with the Prime Minister hoisting the Tricolour, followed by a ceremonial 21-gun salute. A helicopter showering flowers over the venue also formed part of the celebrations, adding to the patriotic atmosphere at the historic monument.
Beginning his address, Modi invoked the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ and the Tricolour while paying homage to the freedom fighters whose sacrifices secured India’s independence. He remembered Mahatma Gandhi and the countless men and women who devoted their lives to the struggle against colonial rule.
“Today, every heartbeat is echoing with Vande Mataram; today, there is ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’,” Modi said while extending his Independence Day greetings to the nation. He paid tribute to those who sacrificed everything for the cause of freedom and recalled their unwavering commitment to the country.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the historic significance of this year’s celebrations, noting that ‘Vande Mataram’ was being rendered from the Red Fort for the first time since Independence, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the national song.
Calling it a historic occasion, Modi said the timing was particularly appropriate as the country commemorates 150 years of the iconic song that has remained closely associated with India’s freedom movement and national identity.
The Prime Minister also expressed solidarity with people affected by devastating floods in several parts of the country. Offering condolences to families who lost loved ones, he assured those affected that the entire nation stood with them during the difficult period.
“In the last few days, there has been devastation because of floods in some parts of our nation,” Modi said, adding that the government and people of India would stand together with those affected and extend all possible support.
A central theme of Modi’s address was the importance of ambition, capability and determination in achieving national progress. He urged Indians not to restrict themselves to modest aspirations, arguing that larger dreams and stronger resolve could accelerate the country’s development journey.
“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,” Modi said, stressing that ambitious goals create new possibilities and expand the pace of progress.
He said India had already set itself a historic national objective — becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047, when the country completes 100 years of independence.
“India has dreamed a big dream, to touch new heights,” Modi said, emphasising that the vision of Viksit Bharat would require the collective contribution, effort and participation of India’s 140 crore citizens.
The Prime Minister further asserted that the scale of a country’s aspirations influences how it is perceived by the international community. According to him, when India dreams bigger and demonstrates the capability to achieve those ambitions, the world’s perception of the country also changes.
Modi’s address marked his 13th consecutive Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, setting a new record among non-Congress Prime Ministers for consecutive Independence Day addresses from the historic monument.
This year’s celebrations have placed special emphasis on the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’ and the role of Yuva Shakti in shaping India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
Through his address, Modi combined remembrance of the sacrifices that won India its freedom with a call for collective ambition, urging citizens to carry forward the spirit of independence by building a stronger, more prosperous and developed India for the generations to come.
