India Celebrates 73rd Independence Day, PM Narendra Modi Outlines His Vision For 'Naya Bharat'

New Delhi, August 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday unfurled the tricolour at the Red Fort as India celebrated its 73rd Independence Day. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort, PM Narendra Modi touched upon a range of issues, including population explosion, water conservation, triple talaq, one nation one election and scrapping of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370.

Wearing a colourful safa tied round his head, PM Mod kicked off the Independence Day celebrations by hoisting the national flag at the Red Fort. Independence Day was celebrated in all states and union territories. In Jammu and Kashmir, Governor Satya Pal Malik hoisted the tricolour at the Sher-e-Kashmir stadium in Srinagar, the first Independence Day celebrations following the revocation of special status. PM Narendra Modi Flays Congress Over Article 370 in Independence Day Speech, Asks 'Why Didn't You Make It Permanent If It Was So Important?'

At the Attari-Wagah joint check post between India and Pakistan, thousands arrived to witness the celebrations for India's 73rd Independence Day. Singers and performers entertained the crowd with patriotic and other songs. This year, the Border Security Force (BSF), which controls the 553-km-long barbed wire fenced international border between India and Pakistan in Punjab, didn't exchange sweets with the Pakistan Rangers owing to heightened tension between the two nations. PM Narendra Modi Independence Day 2019 Address From Red Fort: Here Are Highlights of His August 15 Speech.

In a major announcement, PM Modi, whose Independence Day speech lasted over one and a half hours, said the government would create a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) post, a long-pending recommendation of various defence panels. Here are some top quotes from PM Modi's address:

PM Modi on Saving Water: It is unfortunate, however, that so many people lack access to water even 70 years after Independence. We understand the importance of water conservation and that’s why a new ministry for Jal Shakti has been created. The movement towards water conservation has to take place at the grassroots level. It cannot become a mere Government programme. People from all walks of life have to be integrated into this movement.

PM Modi on Population Explosion: There is a vigilant section of the public which stops to think, before bringing a child to the world, whether they can do justice to the child, give them all that she or he wants. They have a small family and express their patriotism to the country. Let's learn from them. There is a need for social awareness.

PM Modi on Terrorism: We will expose before the world all exporters of terror. We, together with other countries of the world, will fight those sheltering terrorism, financing and exporting terrorism.

PM Modi on One Nation One Election: The dream of one nation, one tax has been achieved by the implementation of the GST (Goods and Services Tax). Our nation has also successfully achieved One Nation, One Grid in the Power sector. Now today, India is talking about One Nation, One Election. So a discussion must be held on this.

PM Modi on Economy: We cannot make incremental changes anymore. We should take high leaps now. This country's infrastructure needs to be revamped. Hence, we have decided to invest Rs 100 lakh crore for infrastructure.

PM Modi on Triple Talaq: Remember how scared the Muslim women were, who suffered due to Triple Talaq but we ended the practice. The scrapping of triple talaq will help Muslim women live a better life. The decision should not be seen through a political prism. If we can take steps against ‘Sati’ custom, female foeticide and dowry, then why not against instant triple talaq.

PM Modi on Article 370: In the political alleys of India, some kept opposing the revocation of Article 370 and Article 35A. If this was so important, why did you not make it permanent in the last 70 years? From the Red Fort, I can say with pride that every Indian can say 'One Nation, One Constitution'. Sardar Patel's dream of one Bharat has been realised.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 15, 2019 11:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).