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Independence Day 2024: India celebrates occasion with fervour, PM Narendra Modi makes case for Universal Civil Code

Team India Sentinels 8.05pm, Thursday, August 15, 2024.

India celebrated its 78th Independence Day on August 15, 2024.

New Delhi: India celebrated its 78th Independence Day on Thursday with grand festivities and patriotic fervour across the nation. The theme for this year’s celebrations was “Viksit Bharat @ 2047”, reflecting the government’s vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. He also made a case for implementing a secular civil code, which is generally termed as Universal Civil Code.

The day was marked by various events, parades, and cultural programmes, showcasing the country’s rich heritage and unity in diversity.

In the national capital, New Delhi, the heart of the celebrations was the historic Red Fort, where the prime minister, Narendra Modi, hoisted the national flag and addressed the nation. The Red Fort was adorned with tricolour decorations, and security was heightened to ensure a smooth and safe event. Modi’s address was attended by dignitaries, military personnel, and citizens.

Across the country, state capitals and major cities held their own celebrations.

In Mumbai, the Maharashtra chief minister, Eknath Shinde, hoisted the national flag at his residence. He then paid his tributes to the freedom fighters and then highlighted the initiatives his government has launched for the welfare of the people of his state, like the “Ladki Bahin” scheme. Several cultural programmes were held across Mumbai and other cities in the state, in which a large number of schoolchildren also took part.

In the West Bengal capital, Kolkata, the main state government programme was organized at Red Road in the city. The state chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, hoisted the national flag and inspected a guard of honour. Various government institutions and offices also celebrated the 78th Independence Day. Schools and educational institutions also took part in the celebration.

Chennai’s Independence Day celebrations took place at Fort Saint George, where MK Stalin, chief minister of Tamil Nadu, hoisted the national flag. The event included a parade by the state police, NCC cadets, and various cultural groups. On the day, the popular Marina Beach was crowded with families and tourists, with various activities and events organized by the seaside throughout the day.

In Hyderabad, the celebrations were held at the historic Golconda Fort, where the Telangana chief minister, Revanth Reddy, hoisted the national flag. Following the hoisting of the national flag, Reddy travelled to Khammam district to inaugurate the much-awaited Sitarama Lift Irrigation Project in Pusugudem and addressed a farmers’ rally in Wyra.

In the Uttar Pradesh capital, Lucknow, the state chief minister, Yogi Adityanath, hoisted the national flag at his official residence. He also paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, BR Ambedkar, and Vallabhbhai Patel during the occasion.

In the northeastern states, the celebrations were marked by traditional dances and music, reflecting the region’s unique cultural heritage. In Assam, the main 78th Independence Day event was held in Guwahati’s Khanapara, where the chief minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma hoisted the national flag and reviewed a guard of honour. He also took the salute of the marching contingents from various uniformed units, including NCC cadets, participating in the celebration. It was then followed by a cultural show.

The 78th Independence Day celebrations were not limited to official ceremonies. Across the country, schools, colleges, and community organizations held various events to mark the occasion. Students participated in flag-hoisting ceremonies, patriotic songs, and dance performances. Many schools organized essay and drawing competitions on themes related to independence and national pride.

In rural areas, the celebrations were equally vibrant, with villagers coming together to hoist the national flag and participate in cultural programmes. Traditional games and sports events were organized, fostering a sense of community and patriotism.

Highlights of Modi’s Red Fort speech

The prime minister’s August 15 speech from the Red Fort was one of the highlights of the day. This was his first Independence Day address to the nation of his third term, making it his 11th consecutive speech from the historic site. Modi began by paying tribute to the freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s independence.

One of the key aspects of the prime minister’s speech was his push for implementing the Uniform Civil Code. Highlighting the need for a “secular” civil code to ensure “equality and justice” for all citizens, Modi stressed the importance of unity and harmony in the country, urging citizens to work together towards a common goal.

He said the laws that create divisions within the country are outdated and should be abolished in a modern society. The prime minister also said there have been many discussion on Uniform Civil Code in the past and now, it is the “need of the hour” to have a secular civil code in the country that should be “secular” and not “discriminatory”.

A major theme of his speech was the vision of “Viksit Bharat @ 2047” (Developed India @ 2047). He emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming India into a developed nation by the 100th anniversary of independence. He outlined several initiatives aimed at achieving this goal, including the promotion of self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat), youth skill development, and women’s safety.

He also stressed on youth and their role in shaping the future of the nation. He announced a new initiative to bring 100,000 youth with no political lineage into politics as public representatives, aiming to “end casteism and dynasty politics”. He also highlighted the government’s efforts to increase students’ seats in medical colleges by 75,000, addressing the need for more healthcare professionals in the country.

The prime minister reiterated the government’s commitment to big reforms, particularly in the space sector, and mentioned the planned launch of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. He also spoke about the importance of environmental sustainability and the need to combat climate change.


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