New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his 12th consecutive Independence Day address to the nation on Friday, noting that the spirit of freedom resonates across India—from deserts and Himalayan peaks to bustling cities. With this, he has surpassed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who delivered 11 consecutive addresses.
Highlighting the abrogation of Article 370, PM Modi praised the adoption of the mantra “One Nation, One Constitution.”
“When we brought the mantra of one country, one constitution to life by removing Article 370, we honoured Shyama Prasad Mookherjee. Today, representatives from Panchayats in remote villages, Drone Didi and Lakhpati Didi initiatives, sports icons, and citizens who have contributed to the nation are present here. In many ways, I see a miniature India before my eyes. And now, even the Red Fort connects with India through technology,” he said.
He also marked the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookherjee, former Union Minister and founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the predecessor of the BJP, noting his lasting influence on India’s political, educational, and cultural landscape.
“Dr. Syama Prasad Mookherjee was the first to give his life for India’s Constitution—a true sacrifice for the nation,” PM Modi added.
Celebrating national unity, the Prime Minister remarked, “Over 140 crore Indians are carrying the tricolour. ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ is visible everywhere—from deserts and Himalayan peaks to coastal regions and crowded cities. One song, one slogan, praising our motherland, echoes across the nation.”
This year’s Independence Day celebrations also highlight the success of Operation Sindoor, with the Gyanpath view cutter displaying its logo alongside floral arrangements themed around the operation.
Approximately 5,000 special guests from diverse fields—including the Indian contingent of Special Olympics 2025, international sports winners, Khelo India Para Games gold medalists, and top-performing farmers supported under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission—were invited to the Red Fort.
For the first time, patriotic band performances will be conducted across India on Independence Day evening, featuring bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, NCC, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, BSF, IDS, RPF, and Assam Rifles at over 140 prominent locations, commemorating Operation Sindoor.
In August 2019, the Modi-led Central Government repealed Article 370, ending the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and creating the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
