Latest news with #79thIndependenceday
The Hindu
3 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Specially-abled students perform national anthem in sign language in Srinagar on Independence Day
In a heartwarming display of patriotism and perseverance, the students of two schools for the specially-abled came together to perform the national anthem in sign language — a first of its kind — to mark the 79th Independence day in Srinagar on Friday (August 15, 2025). Students of Abhinandan Home School, Rambagh, and Voluntary Medical Society, Bemina, gathered at the Shri Pratap Museum for an event organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums as part of the Independence Day celebrations. Some of the students who participated in the function were speech and hearing impaired, while some were visually impaired. Independence Day LIVE Director of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, K K Sidha, said these specially abled students are living examples for all those who not only overcame their impediments but also made a mark in society. The society needed to be more sensitive and provide such people with equal opportunities to excel in life, he said. "Our aim was to make this programme unique and inclusive. So we decided to include that section of society that mostly remains aloof. We invited students from the two schools to celebrate Independence Day with us," Sidha said, adding, "Some of these students are hearing and speech impaired, visually impaired, some are specially-abled, and some cannot walk. You will see they are equally excited like you and me." He said they marked Independence Day by performing the national anthem in sign language, which is a lesson for all to move forward and emulate that spirit and perseverance. "These students are a living example for all of us because they have overcome so many shortcomings and have created a space for themselves in society. But there is a need to sensitise our society too," the director said. Abhinandan Home School is a government institution dedicated to the education and empowerment of specially-abled students. Located in Srinagar, this school is the only government institution of its kind in the entire region, providing a nurturing environment to 120 specially-abled students. Under the guidance of special educators recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), New Delhi, the students were trained in Indian sign language to participate in the national anthem celebrations. The students had been diligently practising the national anthem in Indian sign language, showcasing their talent and commitment to the nation, the Principal of Abhinandan Home School, Mudasir Sofi, said. Sofi extended his gratitude to Sidha for providing students with equal opportunities to participate in mainstream activities. He said the students had been preparing for this occasion for the past one week. The performance of students was applauded by everyone at the gathering, serving as a reminder that Independence Day is for all and that every gesture counts.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Indian envoy hoists tricolour in China as diaspora joins cultural celebrations
Indian Ambassador to China Pradeep Kumar Rawat on Friday hoisted the tricolour as the Embassy here celebrated the 79th Independence Day at a colourful ceremony attended by a large number of the diaspora members. Indian diaspora celebrates 79th Independence day in China.(X/@EOIBeijing) After the flag hoisting, Rawat read excerpts from President Droupadi Murmu's address to the nation, followed by cultural events. Members of the Indian diaspora, including Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Vice President Ajay Bhushan Pandey, attended the event. In Shanghai, Indian Consul General Pratik Mathur hoisted the tricolour at the chancery premises. The event was attended by over 200 Indian nationals residing within the consulate's jurisdiction spanning across Shanghai Municipality and the provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, along with distinguished guests, community leaders, friends of India from the local Chinese community, and members of the diplomatic corps, a press release from the consulate said.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
' ₹15,000 in first private job': PM Modi announces Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana for youth
During his Independence Day address at Red Fort on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ₹15,000 aid for youth entering the private sector job market for the first time under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana. PM Narendra Modi addresses nation from Red Fort on 79th Independence day(YouTube/DD News) Over 3.5 crore young people are expected to benefit from this scheme. 'My country's youth, today is 15th August, and on this very day, we are launching a scheme worth ₹1 lakh crore for the youth of our country. From today, the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana is being implemented... Under this scheme, young men and women getting their first job in the private sector will receive ₹15,000 from the government. Companies that create more employment opportunities will also be given incentive amounts. The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana will create nearly 3.5 crore new employment opportunities for the youth,' Modi said. PM Modi also said that two crore women had become 'lakhpati didis' in no time, adding that several of them were seated in front of him at the Red Fort. Highlighting the role of farmers, he said, 'Farmers contribute a lot to our economy, they have made India top producer of several commodities,' adding that he is 'standing like a wall to protect interests of farmers and fishermen from any unfriendly policies.' Modi also announced that the government will roll out the next generation of GST reforms by Diwali this year, promising what he called a 'bahut bada tohfa' (big gift) for all Indians. The reforms, he said, will focus on rationalising tax slabs and reducing GST rates on essential and everyday-use items, aiming to provide direct relief to households and boost consumption. 'By this Diwali, you will see a new, simplified GST structure that makes life easier for the common man and strengthens our economy,' Modi said, noting that the changes will also enhance compliance and transparency.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Indian semiconductor chips soon, no nuclear blackmail anymore: PM Modi's Independence Day speech
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, declared that India 'will not tolerate nuclear threats anymore' and vowed to end what he called the 'injustice' of the Indus Waters Treaty. PM Narendra Modi addresses nation from Red Fort on 79th Independence day(YouTube/DD News) In this 12th consecutive speech, the Prime Minister also pushed for greater self-reliance, hailing the armed forces for successful Operation Sindoor. He further outlined the plans for advances in technology and semiconducter sector as part of his vision for a developed India by 2047. Here are top quotes from PM Modi's speech from the Red Fort today: 'Won't tolerate nuclear blackmail', asserts PM Modi Narendra Modi on Friday reiterated that India will not bow down to 'nuclear blackmail', declaring that the country has resolved to stand firm against any such threats. "India has decided that it will not tolerate nuclear threats anymore, we won't fall for any blackmail," PM Modi said, while addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the 79th Independence Day. He also linked the issue to the Indus Waters Treaty, saying, 'India has now decided, blood and water will not flow together. The people have come to realize that the Indus Waters Treaty is unjust. Water from the Indus River system has been irrigating the lands of the enemy, while our own farmers have suffered. What kind of agreement is this that has caused such immense loss to our farmers for the past seven decades?' Push for atmanirbharta Calling dependence on other countries 'a recipe for disaster', Modi said India must remain vigilant to avoid the trap of habitual reliance. ''Aatmanirbharta' is not just confined to import, export, rupee, pound and dollar,' he said, adding that the concept covers a broader spectrum of national resilience. The Prime Minister said the government is taking steps to make India self-reliant in energy, with initiatives in the solar, hydrogen and nuclear sectors. Operation Sindoor Modi praised the armed forces for the success of Operation Sindoor, which followed the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. 'After April 22, we gave full freedom to the forces to choose the planning, target and timing, and our forces did something that never happened for decades… went inside the enemy territory and destroyed terrorist infrastructure,' he said. "I am very proud that from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I am getting the opportunity to salute the heroes of Operation Sindoor. Our brave jawans punished the enemy beyond its imagination… Operation Sindoor is the expression of that outrage,' Modi added. He said the destruction in Pakistan was so severe that 'new revelations are being made every day and new information is coming out daily'. Blood and water, nuclear blackmail The Prime Minister linked his stance on nuclear threats with a renewed approach to the Indus Waters Treaty, describing it as long overdue. He said the arrangement had caused significant harm to Indian farmers while benefiting the enemy. On nuclear threats, he said India would no longer be swayed by coercion. Information and technology push Highlighting the government's focus on technology, Modi cited the semiconductor sector as a case in point. 'The idea of semiconductor factory came forth 50-60 years ago… You would be surprised to know that the idea of semiconductor was killed in the womb 50-60 years ago. We lost 50-60 years,' he said. The Prime Minister said the country is now working in 'mission mode' in the semiconductor sector, with made-in-India chips expected in the market by the end of this year. He said the 21st century is a technology-driven century, and nations that excel in technology achieve success.
