New Delhi, 16 August (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered a personal glimpse into his Independence Day morning on Sunday, sharing a video of himself feeding cows and peacocks at his official residence before leaving for the Red Fort for the 80th Independence Day celebrations.
In a social media post, Modi described feeding the animals as part of his daily routine. He said the animals appeared to sense that he was leaving earlier than usual for the national celebrations and came to meet him before his departure.
The video showed the prime minister spending some quiet moments with the animals at his residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. He was dressed in his traditional attire before setting out for the Red Fort.
The post offered a more personal glimpse of Modi's morning ahead of the formal Independence Day programme, which included the hoisting of the national flag and his address to the nation.
PM Modi later reached the Red Fort and hoisted the Tricolour from its ramparts. The ceremony was accompanied by a 21-gun salute fired from indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns.
In his Independence Day address, the prime minister outlined his vision for India's development and reiterated the government's focus on manufacturing, technology, innovation, youth development and self-reliance.
He also highlighted key areas including defence, food processing, connectivity, the green and blue economy and India's energy transition. Expanding nuclear power capacity and reducing dependence on external sources were among the broader priorities outlined in his speech.
Youth empowerment featured prominently in the address, with PM Modi announcing initiatives focused on artificial intelligence training, innovation and competitive examinations.
He also reiterated the national goal of building a developed India, or Viksit Bharat, by 2047, when the country will mark the centenary of its independence.
The Independence Day programme also featured a rendition of Vande Mataram, as the national song marks 150 years this year.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
