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.
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“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.
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On 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.”

