71st Independence Day: PM Modi receives over 12000 suggestions for speech

Modi spoke about the general well-being of India and said that everyone must work together towards bringing a positive change.

“We may have grown up in despair, but now we have to move ahead with confidence”, he said as he addressed the nation from the Red Fort, a sprawling 17th century fortress in the heart of New Delhi. Modi reiterated that the Kashmir issue can be solved only through peaceful means while maintaining that militancy will not be treated leniently. “We have told terrorists “you come to the mainstream, you have right to talk inside the country’s democratic system”.

Declaring that Kashmir, “the heaven”, should be restored to its old glory, the Prime Minister said there had been a lot of mutual recrimination and blamed a “handful” of separatists for adopting new tactics to keep the problem festering. The change will take place when we embrace every Kashmiri.

India has a dark history of religious violence, especially between the Hindu majority and Muslims, who account for more than 150 million people, making India the world’s third most populous Muslim nation.

In his 56-minute speech, PM Modi touched upon several key points. The country is governed by peace, harmony and unity.

“The fight against communalism and casteism has to start”.

“In the recent past, we have seen the gau rakshaks attack innocent people in the name of nationalism and cow protection”. Almost a dozen people, mostly Muslims, have been killed in the past two years in the name of the cow.

His speech drew sharp criticism from the main opposition Congress party.

Sending a strong message against terrorism, Prime Minister Modi said there is no question of being soft on terrorists and terrorism will be dealt with iron fist. The Independence Day celebration 2017 will begin from 6.30 AM onwards.

We remember the great women and men who worked hard for India’s freedom.

In the eastern state of West Bengal, people carried out colourful processions, parades and cultural programs across parts of the state.

PM Modi received a guard of honour before he unfurled the national flag.

And, ever since, he has ensured not to disappoint the young ones, who eagerly wait to shake hands with the Prime Minister before participating in the parade. Kashmir has been divided between Pakistan and India, and since their partition and independence from Britain in 1947 it has been a source of conflict between them. It’s a national holiday and government offices celebrate the day by distributing candies.