Independence Day 15 August 2022 Updates: India celebrates Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati on Monday said Independence Day is a matter of immense happiness, but the celebrations would have been brighter had the citizens not been bogged by inflation and "fatal" poverty. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also said occasions such as the Independence Day are times to take a pledge to wash away the ills of casteism, communalism, hateful politics and corruption, and also to refrain from indulging in expensive publicity.

In a statement, Mayawati said, "The Independence Day is an occasion of immense happiness, but the celebration would have been much better if the country's 125 crore people were free from the burden of inflation, fatal poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and health problems."

Quoting B R Ambedkar, the father of Indian Constitution, Mayawati called upon the people to be "an Indian first and and Indian last".

She said as the world's largest democracy, India has a huge constitutional responsibility towards the welfare of its people and the maintainence of peace and prosperity.

"It is the duty of the government to come true on these aspects," she said.

Independence Day celebrations were held across Punjab, Haryana and common capital Chandigarh on Monday amid tight security arrangements. Flags were hoisted at district headquarters and other places, officials said.

Tributes were paid to freedom fighters who played a vital role in the struggle for independence.

Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Banwarilal Purohit hoisted the national flag at an event in the Union territory and Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya in Ambala Cantonment.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann hoisted the tricolour at a state-level function at the Guru Nanak Stadium in Ludhiana, and his Haryana counterpart Manohar Lal Khattar in Panipat's Samalkha.

In their speeches, Mann and Khattar greeted people on the country's 76th Independence Day.

In Ludhiana, Mann also inspected the parade and took salute from the march past.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday said his government has decided to launch new schemes on sanitation, nutrition, and for the well-being of farmers, labourers and the brave soldiers of the state on the 75th anniversary of India's independence.

He also said that the state government wants to empower Karnataka to make a contribution of at least USD 1 trillion to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of transforming India into a USD 5 trillion economy.

Three years back, PM Modi lit a lamp of modern economic and social development in Jammu and Kashmir. The Jammu and Kashmir administration achieved notable achievements. Despite various challenges, we completed 50,726 projects in last financial year with a five-time speed: J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, in Srinagar

In the new Jammu and Kashmir, the ground of the 21st century for realising the dreams and hopes of the youth is being prepared: J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, in Srinagar

The administration has decided that 5th August will be celebrated as Freedom from Corruption day every year in J&K and continuous drives against corruption will be done throughout the year: J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, in Srinagar

Greetings and congratulations on Independence Day. In line with PM's call, national flag is flying high at every house. We bow before all freedom fighters and those who laid down their lives. New generation is getting introduced to our history. It's a moment of pride: Uttarakhand CM

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation on Monday closed two of its stations close to the Red Fort on 75th Independence Day due to security reasons.

"As per the advice of Delhi Police, ITO and Lal Quila Metro Stations have been closed till further instructions due to security reasons," the Delhi Metro informed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has concluded his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort 

PM Modi's full speech from Red Fort 

• I congratulate all Indians and those who love India on this Independence Day. It is a day to step towards a new direction with a new resolve
• Citizens are thankful to Bapu, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Veer Savarkar who gave their lives on the path of duty
• Every Indian is filled with pride when they remember the strength of the women of India- be it Rani Laxmibai, Jhalkari Bai, Chennamma, Begun Hazrat Mahal
• This nation is thankful to Mangal Pandey, Tatya Tope, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ashfaqulla Khan, Ram Prasad Bismil and our innumerable revolutionaries who shook the foundation of the British Rule
• During 'Azadi Mahotsav', we remembered our many national heroes. On August 14, we remembered the horrors of partition. Today, is the day to remember all citizens of the country who contributed towards taking our country forward in these last 75 years
• Today nation remembers those who made sacrifices but were forgotten and not given their due
• Today we salute our soldiers, police forces and most importantly every citizen who combated many challenges, worked towards vision of new India
• Be it those who fought for independence or built the nation - Dr Rajendra Prasad, Nehru ji, Sardar Patel, SP Mookerjee, LB Shastri, Deendayal Upadhyaya, JP Narayan, RM Lohia, Vinoba Bhave, Nanaji Deshmukh, Subramania Bharati - it's the day to bow before such great personalities
• There were problems of food security, war, terrorism, natural calamities but India marched forward against all odds
• India is the mother of democracy. India has proved that it has a precious ability, and faced many challenges during its journey of 75 years
• Despite challenges faced post independence, nothing could hamper zeal of Indian citizens
• This soil has power; despite many challenges, India did not stop, did not bow down and kept moving forward
• I have dedicated my entire tenure in the upliftment of oppressed sections of society across India
• Our nation has proved we have inherent strength coming from our diversity, common thread of patriotism makes India unshakeable
• My understanding of spirit of India made me realise that for growth of New India we needed to ensure inclusive development
• I have dedicated myself to fulfilling Mahatma Gandhi's vision of empowering the last man in queue
• We are proud that aspirations are present in every household in India; every citizen is excited for progress of new India
• 'Amrit Kaal' providing golden opportunity to fulfil dreams and goals of this aspirational society
• 'Har Ghar Tiranga' an example of entire nation coming together to celebrate spirit of our glorious country
• India is an aspirational society where changes are being powered by a collective spirit. The people of India want positive changes and also want to contribute towards it. Every govt has to address this aspiration society
• In this 75-year journey, amid hopes, aspirations, highs and lows, we reached where we could with everyone's effort
• When we attained freedom, there were many sceptics who doubted our development trajectory. But, they did not know there is something different about the people of this land. They did not know that this soil is special
• Citizens came together to fight COVID-19; from supporting doctors to taking vaccines to remotest parts, we stood together
• When there is stability in governance, fast decision-making, spirit of 'Jan Bhagidari' prevails for nation's development
• In coming years, we have to focus on 'Panchpran'. First - to move forward with bigger resolves and resolve of developed India; Second - erase all traces of servitude; Third - be proud of our legacy; Fourth - strength of unity and Fifth - duties of citizens which includes the PM and CMs
• Five pledges for 2047 are -- having developed India, removing any sign of servility, pride in heritage, unity & fulfilling our duties
• When dreams are big, hard work is important; need to be inspired by pledge, determination of freedom fighters who dreamt of free India
• I urge youth to dedicate next 25 years of their lives for nation's development; we will work towards development of entire humanity
• Today, we are seeing the Digital India initiative, startups grow in the country and a lot of talent is coming from Tier 2 & 3 cities. We have to believe in our abilities
• From renewable energy to better infrastructure for medical education, India has improved on every front
• Sometimes our talent is restricted by language barriers, we need to be proud of every language in our country
• When we are connected to our roots, then only we can fly high; when we fly high, we will provide solutions to the entire world
• Experience shows once we take resolve we fulfil our goals, we should not try to imitate others
• Nature a pivotal part of India's heritage, we already have traditions and practices that will help in combating climate change
• Equality cornerstone of India's progress; we need to make sure we are united through mantra of "India first"
• Mahatma Gandhi's dream of caring for the last person, his aspiration of making the last person capable - I dedicated myself to that. As a result of those eight years and experience of several years of independence I can see a capability, on 75 years of independence
• A distortion has crept in our conduct and we at times insult women, can we take pledge to get rid of this in our behaviour?
• Respect for Women is important pillar for India's growth, we need to support our 'Nari Shakti'
• Any nation that has progressed, has discipline ingrained in its citizens; if all follow their responsibilities, India will grow fast
• I can see that the citizens are aspirational. An aspirational society is an asset to any country and we are proud that today in every corner of India aspirations are high. Every citizen wants to change things but is not ready to wait. They want speed and progress
• For the first time in 75 years, made-in-India gun has been used for ceremonial gun salute from Red Fort
• India is making history in manufacturing sector
• From space sector to drone manufacturing to natural farming, India progressing rapidly in every sector
• Natural farming will give new strength to India, multiple employment opportunities opened with creation of green jobs
• Revolutionary changes coming in health sector through digital technology
• Capabilities of small farmers, small industrialists & traders among others are guarantee to a capable India
• India's 'techade' is here, with 5G, chip manufacturing, we are bringing revolution through Digital India to grassroots
• Digital movement with production of semiconductors, 5G and optical fibre show strength in education, health, change in common man's lives
• India's industrial growth will come from grassroots; Our MSMEs, street vendors and those in organised sectors need to be strengthened
• If we look at 'nari shakti' in law, education, science and police, our daughters and mothers are making major contributions to India
• There is need to promote "cooperative competitive federalism" among states
• In India, where people are fighting poverty, we need to fight against corruption with all our might
• We have many challenges, many restrictions, many issues but we have the ability to overcome them for New India
• We may have different programmes but not different dreams for nation
• There are some people concerned about protecting their ill-gotten wealth
• We have to fight against corruption; in last 8 years, use of Aadhar, DBT, mobile were used to find Rs 2 lakh crore of black money
• We need to be alert against corrupt as well as corruption
• We need to come together as a society to punish those who have propagated evil of corruption
• Unless people have mentality of penalizing corrupt, the nation cannot progress at optimum pace
• Our many institutions affected by family rule, it harms our talent, nation's capabilities and gives rise to corruption
• Two big challenges before the country -- corruption and nepotism
• Another evil we need to come together to fight is nepotism, I seek support of all Indians in this fight
• Corruption is damaging country like termite, country will have to fight it
• Our stellar performances at international sporting events are examples of India's shining talent, we need to promote, support such talent
• It is our effort that those who have looted the country will have to pay back
• If there are crores of problems, there are crores of solutions; When 130 crore people take one step ahead, nation moves 130 crore steps
• 'Azadi ka Amrti Mahotsav' has begun and everybody's effort required to bring results

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to begin delivering his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort at 7.33 am

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will first hoist the 'Tiranga' at the iconic Red Fort in New Delhi
• Continuing with the traditions, he will then address the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort
• Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, the prime minister will be received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt and Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar. The Defence Secretary will introduce the General Officer Commanding (GoC), Delhi Area, Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra, AVSM, to the prime minister
• The GoC Delhi Area will then conduct PM Narendra Modi to the saluting base where a combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard will present a general salute to the prime minister. Thereafter, the prime minister will inspect the Guard of Honour
• After inspecting the Guard of Honour, PM will proceed to the ramparts of the Red Fort where he will be greeted by Rajnath Singh, Ajay Bhatt, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pandey, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari. The GoC Delhi area will conduct the prime minister to the dais on the ramparts to hoist the National Flag
• After being hoisted, the Tricolour will receive a 'Rashtriya Salute'. The Air Force band, consisting of 20 men will play the National Anthem during hoisting of the National Flag and presenting of the 'Rashritya Salute'
• Squadron Leader Sunita Yadav will then assist the prime minister in hoisting the National Flag. It will be synchronised with the 21 Gun Salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 8711 Field Battery (Ceremonial)
• The National Flag Guard comprising five officers and 128 men from the Air Force, Army, Navy and Delhi Police will present Rashtriya Salute at the time of hoisting of the National Flag by the prime minister
• As soon as the National Flag is hoisted by the prime minister, flower petals will be showered at the venue in Amrit Formation by two MI-17 1V Helicopters
• After the showering of flower petals, the prime minister will address the nation
• At the conclusion of the speech of the prime minister, the cadets of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) will sing the National Anthem. Seven hundred ninety-two boys and girls NCC cadets (Army, Navy and Air Force) from different schools across the country will take part in this festival of National Fervour

On behalf of United States of America, I extend warmest wishes to India's people as they celebrate 75 yrs of independence. On this day,we reflect on democratic values that we share & honour people of India who're building brighter future:US Secy of State Antony Blinken

• Delhi Police have installed more than 1,000 Internet Protocol (IP) based CCTV cameras in and around Red Fort
• These cameras have been installed in New Delhi District, North District, South-East, Central District, Security Unit and North West District. A large number of cameras have been installed in the North district and Central district that covers the periphery of Red Fort
• The police personnel have deployed an anti-drone system to ensure protection against drone attacks
• The Red Fort is shielded with a Radar system to ensure its safety from the Drones, as it is another threat apart from the Technological dangers for security
• The police have completely banned the flying of Kites (for as long as the Independence Day programme continues) around the Red Fort after the alert regarding some terrorist attack via a flying object like a kite was issued to the police by the agencies
• Roof Tops and Window Watchers on Windows have been deployed
• Radars have been deployed at Red Fort to counter any threats from sub-conventional aerial platforms and manned/unmanned flying objects, including drones, balloons, kites, Chinese lanterns etc.