Sat 15 August 2020:
The nation celebrates 74th Independence Day amid the Covid pandemic. While celebrations are likely to be muted in comparison to previous years.
In his address to the nation on the occasion of India’s 74th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday applauded frontline workers fighting against novel coronavirus. He said India was going through a unique phase owing to the pandemic but would come out victorious, thanks to the resolve of the people.
PM Modi highlighted the importance to make India self-reliant, saying it was not just a word but should be a “mantra” for all countrymen.
PM Modi launched a National Digital Health Mission and said it will usher in a revolution in India’s health sector. He said every Indian will now get a unique health ID. He also said the country must not only ‘Make in India’ but also ‘Make for the World’.
PM Modi’s seventh straight Independence Day address comes days after he performed the ‘bhoomi pujan’ of Ram temple in Ayodhya and amid a standoff at the border with Chinese troops.
In a strong message to Pakistan and China, without taking names of the either country, PM Modi said, “Those who challenge India’s sovereignty, be it LoC or LAC, have been given a befitting reply in their own language. What India can do, the world has seen it in Ladakh.”
Talking about Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister said India is committed to holding assembly elections in the Valley once delimitation exercise is complete.
On Ram temple, he said, “Construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya started 10 days ago. The Ramjanmbhoomi issue that persisted for centuries, has been resolved peacefully now. The conduct of people of the country has been exemplary and is an inspiration for the future.”
The Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort was attended by over 4,000 people, including diplomats, officials and media personnel. Safety protocols were in place for the event, including social distancing and wearing masks.
Unlike previous years when the event was open to the public, officials say participation this year would be invite-only. “About 4,000 plus invites have been issued,” said officials.
Earlier authorities said the National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets have been invited to attend the ceremony instead of school children.
Functions will be held in all states and union territories, where flag hoisting ceremonies will be conducted.
“In order to facilitate seamless movement with the least chances of any crowding, seating enclosures and walkways are laid with wooden flooring and carpeting. Additional door frame metal detectors, with adequately spaced markings have been provided to avoid queuing and to ensure smooth passage for all the invitees,” the ministry said, adding that members of the Guard of Honour, who will be presented to Modi, have been under quarantine as a safety precaution.
Earlier the Home Ministry issued instructions for celebrations at the Red Fort venue, including the unfurling of the national flag; a performance of the national anthem; a 21 gun salute, Modi’s speech and the release of tricolour balloons.
President Ram Nath Kovind addressed the nation late Friday and said celebrations would be low-key.
“The celebrations of Independence Day this year will be rather restrained. The reason is obvious. The whole world confronts a deadly virus which has disrupted all activities and taken a huge toll. It has altered the world we lived in before the pandemic,” he said.
