Independence Day 2018: Impatient to Take India to New Heights, Says PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the country's 72nd Independence Day, said the country was on a new trajectory of growth due to initiatives in the last four years of his government and asserted that he was impatient to take the country ahead of many others in the world.

PM Narendra Modi has concluded his speech and by saying, "Once again, I convey my greetings to the people of India on Independence Day."

The practice of Triple Talaq has caused great injustice to Muslim women. We are striving to end this practice but there are some people who are not wanting it to end. I promise the Muslim women that I will work to ensure justice is done to them: PM Narendra Modi

On the 72nd Indepndence Day, PM Narendra Modi said the government has no tolerance for corrputs and black money holders. "We will not forgive the corrupt and those who have black money. They have ruined the nation. Delhi's streets are free from power brokers. From the voice of power brokers, the voice of the poor is heard," he said.

On the 72nd Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which is touted as the world's largest healthcare project, will be launched on September 25. "It is high time we ensure that the poor of India get proper access to good quality and affordable healthcare," he said.

"The healthcare initiatives of the Government of India will have a positive impact on 50 crore Indians. It is essential to ensure that we free the poor of India from the clutches of poverty due to which they cannot afford healthcare," he added.

India is proud of our scientists, who are excelling in their research and are at the forefront of innovation. In the year 2022 or if possible before, India will unfurl the tricolour in space: PM Narendra Modi

On the 72nd Independence Day, PM Narendra Modi said the government managed to pass the GST and implemented long-pending OROP scheme for the armed forces.

"Who did not want the passage of the GST yet it was pending for years? Last year GST became a reality. I want to thank the business community for the success of the GST," said PM Modi.

"The OROP demand was pending for decades. The people of India, our brave army personnel had faith in us and we were able to take a decision on OROP. We will always take decisions in the interests of our nation," he added.

PM Narendra Modi on 72nd Independence Day: The demand for higher MSP was pending for years. From farmers to political parties to agriculture experts, everybody was asking about it but nothing happened. With the blessings of the farmers, the decision on MSP was taken by our government.

PM Narendra Modi's veiled attack on the Congress: If we had continued at the same pace at which toilets were being built in 2013, the pace at which electrification was happening in 2013, then it would have taken us decades to complete them.

PM Narendra Modi on 72nd Independenece Day: We are proud of what we have achieved and at the same time, we also have to look at where we have come from. That is when we will realised the remarkable strides the nation has made.

On behalf of the people of India, I bow to all those great women and men who sacrificed themselves for the nation during the freedom movement: PM Narendra Modi on 72nd Independence Day

The recently concluded Parliament session was one devoted to social justice. The Parliament session witnessed the passage of the Bill to create an OBC Commission: PM Modi on 72nd Independence Day

PM Narendra Modi said that the country is full of self-confidence and is constantly touching new heights.

PM Narendra Modi has begun his Independence Day speech at the Red Fort.

PM Narendra Modi hoist national flag on the ramparts of the historical site Red Fort (Lal Qila), followed by the 21 Gun Salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 2281 Field Battery (Ceremonial).

Watch live streaming of Independence Day celebrations and PM Narendra Modi's speech here. PM Modi will address the nation shortly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at Red Fort. He will address the nation shortly. Earlier, PM Modi paid his tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.