Speeches Of Significance

As India Celebrates Its 71st Independence Day This August, We Trace Some of the Finest Words of India’s Prime Ministers on the Country They Served…

Narendra Modi | Prime Minister 2014 – present, On Independence Day, August 15, 2016

From the ramparts of Red Fort, I greet 125 crore fellow countrymen – within and outside India, on the auspicious occasion of Independence Day. on this 70th festival of freedom, we have a new resolve, a new resolution, a new enthusiasm, a new vitality to take our country to new and greater heights. our freedom reminds us of the sacrifice of our freedom fighters and their devotion to the cause of freedom through struggle and sacrifice. on this occasion, we remember those young people who went willingly to the gallows. We are breathing today in free India, thanks to Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Pandit Nehru and many other great leaders and people who struggled and worked consistently towards freedom of the country.

India is an ancient nation. We have a history and cultural heritage of thousands of years. From Vedas to Vivekananda, from Upanishads to satellites, from lord Krishna to Mahatma Gandhi, and from Bhima of Mahabharatato bhim Rao; we have had a long historic journey and heritage. This land has seen many ups and downs, and struggle through several generations. Many of them dedicated themselves to make a better human life.

India is not 70 years old, but it is a journey of 70 years post-colonial rule. After Independence, we made efforts to take the country forward under a new system. Sardar Vallabhai Patel unified the country and now it is our duty to make this country the best nation. We have to make continuous efforts to realise our dream to make India “ek bharat Shreshtha bharat”.

Jawaharlal Nehru

India’s Prime Minister from 1947–1964, on the granting of Indian Independence on August 14, 1947