‘We will keep working for progress of every Indian’: PM Modi pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on I-Day

New Delhi, Aug 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on Independence Day, drawing attention to the Father of the Nation’s enduring vision and legacy while reaffirming his government’s commitment to the progress and prosperity of every Indian. Sharing a post on X after paying his respects at the memorial, PM Modi said the country would continue to draw inspiration from Gandhi ji’s life, vision and work.

“This morning, paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. We will always continue to draw inspiration from his vision and work. We will keep working for the progress of every Indian and making our nation progressive as well as prosperous,” he said.

The Prime Minister’s tribute to Mahatma Gandhi came as India celebrated its 80th Independence Day. PM Modi later hoisted the National Flag and addressed the nation from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort in the national Capital.

The unfurling of the Tricolour was followed by a 21-gun salute, while a ceremonial showering of flowers from a helicopter also took place as part of the Independence Day celebrations.

Beginning his address, PM Modi invoked the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ and the Tricolour while paying tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence.

“Today, every heartbeat is echoing with Vande Mataram; today, there is ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’. My best wishes to all of you on Independence Day. The nation today remembers those great sons who sacrificed for independence, carrying only one aim, freedom, and dedicating their lives to it. I pay my heartfelt tribute to Pujya Bapu and every other freedom fighter.”

Highlighting the significance of this year’s Independence Day celebrations, PM Modi said ‘Vande Mataram’ was echoing from the Red Fort for the first time since Independence, coinciding with the commemoration of 150 years of the national song.

“It is a historic day today. After Independence, on August 15, for the first time, Vande Mataram is echoing from the Red Fort. As we celebrate 150 years of Vande Mataram today, no other day could be more appropriate for this.”

PM Modi’s homage at Rajghat came ahead of his address from the Red Fort, where he outlined his vision for India’s development and paid tribute to the freedom movement and its leaders.

–IANS

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