Independence Day 2017: India's dream of Swaraj will be fulfilled, says PM Modi

As India celebrates its 71st Independence Day on August 15, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the entire nation for the fourth time from the Red Fort in a short while from now.

PM Modi a Red Fort: Screengrab

New Delhi: As India celebrates its 71st Independence Day on August 15, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun his fourth address to the nation from the Red Fort. Security has been beefed up in the entire national capital with Delhi Metro deciding to shut down parking lots at all stations. More than 10,000 security personnel have been deployed in and around the Red Fort. Five Kirti Chakras among 112 gallantry awards will be conferred on heroes of armed forces by President Ram Nath Kovind during the Independence Day 2017 celebrations.

Below, we bring to you the latest updates from PM Modi’s 2017 Independence Day speech at the Red Fort.

15 August 2017

08:38 IST

PM Modi hangs out with kids dressed as little Krishnas, meets dignitaries near the Red Fort, before stepping into his car and heading out. 

08:32 IST

PM Modi address to the nation comes to an end. 

08:30 IST

"India will be free from terrorism, corruption and racism. India will be clean, dream of swaraj will be fulfilled," says PM Modi

08:26 IST

The nation can take pride in the facilities GPS, Satellite and Bhim app.

08:23 IST

"We are dedicating significant attention to East India-Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Northeast. These parts have to develop further," adds the Prime Minister

08:23 IST

"The demonetisation drive disclosed three lakh companies running illegally, out of which we cancelled the licence of over two lakh," says the Prime Minister

08:23 IST

"The nation will provide complete support to the women and they will eventually succeed in achieving woman empowerment."

08:16 IST

Indian states are full of natural resources. They are to be utilised for the betterment of the nation: PM Modi

08:13 IST

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojna has immensely helped the youths. They not only got employed but also made ways for others to get employed: PM Modi

08:13 IST

"FDI and infrastructure have been encouraged to reduce the problems faced by the farmers."

08:12 IST

Be it issue of gas subsidy, Swach Bharat or demonetization , people of India have extended their full support: PM Modi

08:05 IST

We can reach Mangalyaan within 9 months, this is our capability, but one rail project was stuck for last 42 years: PM Modi

08:02 IST

"The crisis in Kashmir can be resolved neither by abusing nor by using bullets. A warm hug is enough to do away with the problems prevailing in Kashmir," says PM Modi in his Independance Day speech. 

07:57 IST

The Government is launching a web portal gallantryawards.gov.in which will consist of information on all our brave soldiers. People should know about the bravery of our soldier: PM Modi

07:54 IST

Referring to the implementation of Goods and Services Tax, he said, "GST has shown the spirit of cooperative federalism. The nation has come together to support GST & the role of technology has also helped."

07:51 IST

The country's security remains our priority. Our Air force, Navy and Army have never failed in discharging their duty. During the surgical strike, the world had to acknowledge our success: PM Modi

07:48 IST

Must leave this 'Chalta Hai' nature. We have to now think of 'Badal Sakta Hai'- it will help us progress as a nation. There's no space for the dishonest. This country is for the honest citizens: PM Modi

07:47 IST

"January 1, 2018 will not be an ordinary day, those born in this century will start turning 18, 'Bhagya Vidhatas' of our country," says PM Modi.

07:41 IST

PM Modi: We can change the nation with our vision of New India – a country full of opportunities, a progressive nation with scientific and educational achievements... The country needs to be of poverty

07:38 IST

"The entire nation should work towards a New India," he adds.

07:36 IST

Referring to the recent Gorakhpur tragedy, PM Modi says, "The entire nation stands with the innocent children and their families." 

07:34 IST

PM Modi greets the nation on the eve of Independence Day and Janmasthami.  

07:31 IST

PM Modi unfurls the Indian Flag at the Red Fort.

07:26 IST

Yesterday night, President Ram Nath Kovind addressed the entire nation:

A wonderful speech, filled with rich thoughts by Rashtrapati Ji on the eve of Independence Day. Do hear. https://t.co/VWiPN3rqFa

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 14, 2017

07:18 IST

PM Modi receives the Guard of Honor 

07:11 IST

PM Modi reaches Rajghat,pays tribute.

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tributes at Rajghat #IndependenceDayIndia pic.twitter.com/cqarSUFqBT

— ANI (@ANI) 15 August 2017

07:05 IST

PM Modi’s speech is likely to begin at about 7.30 am and last for around 40 minutes. Minister of Finance, Defence and Corporate Affairs Arun Jaitley, Minister of State for Defence Subhas Bhambre and few other cabinet ministers will receive PM Modi in a few minutes.