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Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Biggest NGO in the world': PM Modi hails RSS in I-Day speech; highlights ‘century of dedication'
NEW DELHI: On the 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the Red Fort, lauded the (RSS) on completing 100 years of service. Calling it the 'biggest NGO in the world,' he praised its century-long role in nation-building. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Today, I would like to proudly mention that 100 years ago, an organisation was born - Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). 100 years of service to the nation is a proud, golden chapter. With the resolve of 'vyakti nirman se rashtra nirman', with the aim of welfare of Maa Bharati, swayamsevaks dedicated their lives to the welfare of our motherland... In a way, RSS is the biggest NGO of the world. It has a history of 100 years of dedication," PM Modi said. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also marked the occasion by hoisting the tricolour at Utkal Bipanna Sahayata Samiti. In his address, he described India as a 'unique country' with a mission to bring 'peace and happiness to the world' and share its Dharma globally. "India is a unique country. It strives to bring peace and happiness to the world and to share its Dharma with others... The reason we became independent was to ensure that everyone in our country could attain happiness, courage, security, peace, and respect. Today, the world is faltering. Despite many experiments over 2000 years, solutions to its problems have not yet been found. It is our duty to provide the world with a solution and create a new world filled with happiness and peace based on our vision, rooted in religious principles," he said. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort, where he was welcomed by defence minister Rajnath Singh, MoS Sanjay Seth, and the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He also received the ceremonial guard of honour from a combined contingent of 128 personnel from the armed forces, Delhi Police, and the National Flag Guard, led by Wing Commander Arun Nagar. The celebrations were attended by around 5,000 special guests from various fields — including the Indian contingent for the Special Olympics 2025, winners of international sports events, gold medalists of the Khelo India Para Games, and top-performing farmers supported under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Farmers, yoga volunteers special guests for PM's address on Independence Day
Recognising their contributions in the fields of yoga and medicinal plants cultivation, the Government of India invited 100 Yoga volunteers/instructors associated with International Day of Yoga celebrations and 100 best-performing farmers engaged in the conservation, development, and sustainable management of medicinal plants as special invitees to the 79th Independence Day event at the Red Fort. Follow the Independence Day LIVE In his message to the group, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, and Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, said that farmers are the backbone of our nation, and yoga experts continue to guide us towards health, harmony, and inner strength. 'Your contributions embody the spirit of a truly self-reliant and prosperous India,' he said. The list of invitees also included 5,000 special guests, including Anganwadis, Lakhpati Didis, and sarpanchs drawn from across the country. The list of invitees included members of India's contingent for the upcoming Special Olympics 2025, winners of international sporting events, and gold medalists of the Khelo India Para Games. Adding cultural vibrancy, over 1,500 people from various States and Union Territories dressed in traditional attire attended to witness the national ceremony.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Pride of ‘Op Sindoor' shines at Red Fort; Agniveers join national anthem band for first time
New Delhi: The 79th Independence Day celebrations on Friday at the historic Red Fort this year saw a grand tribute to the success of 'Operation Sindoor', marking a moment of pride and unity for the nation. For the first time, the ceremony included 11 Agniveer musicians who joined the Air Force band in playing the national anthem — a symbolic gesture highlighting the new generation's role in national service. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the Tricolour from the ramparts of the Red Fort, two red Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force soared above the gathering. One proudly carried the national flag, while the other displayed the flag symbolising 'Operation Sindoor.' As they flew over the Red Fort, both helicopters showered flowers on the assembled crowd, igniting emotions of pride and patriotism among the thousands present. Adding to the grandeur, the logo of 'Operation Sindoor' was prominently featured throughout the venue — from the view cutter of Gyanpath in front of the Red Fort to the floral decorations and even on the official invitation cards for the event. A 21-gun salute echoed through the grounds as the national flag was raised. This ceremonial salute was delivered using indigenous 105 mm light field guns, fired by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial) — a significant nod to India's self-reliance in Defence. The national flag was guarded by 128 personnel drawn from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police, while a Guard of Honour comprising 96 soldiers and officers stood in formation, showcasing the discipline and unity of the armed forces. During the hoisting of the flag and national salute, the Air Force band, led by a Junior Commissioned Officer and supported by 25 musicians, played the national anthem. The inclusion of the Agniveers in this prestigious performance marked a historic first. Approximately 5,000 special invitees attended the ceremony at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. These included members of India's Special Olympics 2025 team, international sports champions, outstanding farmers, top-performing sarpanches, young writers, entrepreneurs, beneficiaries of government schemes, sanitation workers, Anganwadi workers, rehabilitated labourers, volunteers, and tribal children. Adding to the colourful diversity, 1,500 attendees from across states and union territories arrived in traditional attire. In the lead-up to Independence Day, thousands across the country participated in essay competitions, painting contests, social media reels, and online quizzes related to 'Operation Sindoor' and national security — with 1,000 quiz winners also present at the ceremony. For the first time ever, patriotic fervour will continue into the evening of August 15, as bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, NCC, and Assam Rifles perform across over 140 locations nationwide, filling the air with patriotic melodies.
India.com
4 days ago
- Business
- India.com
PM Modi's big energy reliance plan, says 'to build a truly self-reliant India, we must achieve...'
PM Modi's big energy reliance plan, says 'to build a truly self-reliant India, we must achieve… New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed the nation from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort on the occasion of 79th Independence Day. In his efforts to promote a self-reliant India, he highlighted the country's advancements in solar energy, dam construction and the nuclear industry, pushing for energy independence. 'We know that we remain dependent on many countries to meet our energy needs. But to build a truly self-reliant India, we must achieve energy independence. In the last 11 years, our solar energy capacity has increased by 30 times. We are constructing new dams, and India is now focusing actively on nuclear energy. We have taken significant steps in this direction, with 10 new nuclear reactors currently operational. By the time India celebrates 100 years of independence, we aim to increase our nuclear energy capacity tenfold,' PTI quoted PM Modi as saying. Continuing his speech, the Prime Minister stated that India should have our operating systems, cybersecurity, deep tech, and artificial intelligence. He said, 'Today is the time for IT. Isn't it the demand of the hour that, from operating systems to cybersecurity, from deep tech to artificial intelligence, we should have everything of our own—something made entirely through the capabilities of our people, which speaks to the world about Indian talent. There are so many social media platforms, and our people work on them. Our UPI payment app has amazed the world. India alone contributes 50% of transactions in real-time payments through UPI, and this is a testament to Indian capability.' PM Modi urged the youth of the country to innovate, excel, and promote homegrown platforms to keep Indian talent within the country. 'I have trust in your capabilities.'Meanwhile, approximately 5,000 special guests, from different walks of life, have been invited to witness the celebrations at the Red Fort this year, including the Indian contingent of Special Olympics 2025, the winners of international sports events, the Gold Medalists of Khelo India Para Games, and the best-performing farmers trained & financially assisted under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission.
