India celebrates 76th Independence Day; PM Modi addresses the nation

New Delhi: As India celebrates its 76th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday visited Rajghat before hoisting the tricolour on the historic Red Fort and addressing the nation.

From Rajghat, Modi reached Red Fort where he received the guard of honour from the forces.

PM hoisted the tricolour for 9th time on the Red Fort and congratulated the country in his address.

"When we attained freedom there were many sceptics who doubted our development trajectory. But, they did not know there is something different about the people of this land. They did not know that this soil is special" Modi said from Red Fort.

I have dedicated my entire tenure in the upliftment of oppressed sections of society across India, PM said. "Our nation has proved we have inherent strength coming from our diversity, common thread of patriotism makes India unshakeable."

Despite challenges faced post independence, nothing could hamper zeal of Indian citizens, PM Modi said.

Sharing resolve for the next 25 years, PM Modi said India has to become the developed nation when we celebrate 100th year of Independence.

The second resolve shared by modi is to remove any chain of slavery that may exist in any form in any society.

The third resolve will be to take pride on our heritage.

Unity has to be the fourth resolve, PM said.

Fifth reolve is the duty towards the nation.

Earlier, PM greeted people on the country's 76th Independence Day.

"Greetings on this very special Independence Day. Jai Hind!" the prime minister said in a tweet.

Modi is scheduled to hoist the national flag at the ramparts of the Red Fort and address the nation for the ninth consecutive time later in the day.

The August 15 ceremony is particularly significant this year as it marks the 75th anniversary of India's independence, with the government launching a host of exercises to add to the verve around the celebration.