The Nation is celebrating its 76th Independence Day today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading the nation in celebrating the Independence Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi by hoisting the National Flag. After being unfurled, the Tricolour received a ‘Rashtriya Salute’. The Air Force band, consisting of 20 men played the National Anthem during unfurling of the National Flag and presenting of the ‘Rashritya Salute’. The unfurling the National Flag was synchronised with the 21 Gun Salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 8711 Field Battery (Ceremonial).

In his ceremonial address, the Prime Minister said that this Day is being celebrated not just in India, but in every corner of the world the Tiranga is flying with pride and honour. He called it a historic day saying this is an auspicious occasion to march ahead with new resolve. Mr Modi said there was not a time under foreign rule when India’s sons and daughters had not struggled for her independence. He expressed gratitude to great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Dr BR Ambedkar and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.

Earlier, Mr Modi paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.