Live: Nation celebrates 73rd Independence Day

Zee News wishes its viewers and readers a very happy 73rd Independence Day. Stay tuned for latest updates from across the country.

By Zee Media Bureau | Last Updated: Thursday, August 15, 2019 - 16:58

India on Thursday is celebrating its 73rd Independence Day with many events across the country. Delivering his sixth Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched upon a range of subjects, beginning from the scrapping of Article 370 and triple talaq practices to advocating for population control and encouraging travel. He also announced the formation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) - the topmost defence officer of the country - to whom all the three service chiefs will report. 

Photo Gallery: India celebrates 73rd Independence Day

Visuals from Red Fort

 

The security arrangements across the country have been tightened to ensure that no untoward incident takes place in anywhere. Security agencies have deployed additional personnel and have also relied on technology to keep a close watch on proceedings. At least 80 companies of security forces (around 6,000 personnel) will be deployed at the Red Fort and the surrounding areas.

Stay tuned for live updates on 73rd Independence Day from across the country:

15 August 2019, 16:57 PM

People celebrated Independence Day in Kalimpong in West Bengal on Thursday. The celebrations here will continue until tomorrow.

 

15 August 2019, 14:28 PM

PM Modi thanks Prime Minister of Bhutan Lotay Tshering and Prime Minister of Nepal K P Sharma Oli for their Independence Day wishes to the nation

 

 

15 August 2019, 14:27 PM

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih tweets, "Warmest felicitations to @narendramodi and the people of India on the happy occasion of India’s. 73rd Independence Day. India is our neighbour and close friend and we shall continue working with the Indian Government to further strengthen the ties between Maldives and India." 

PM Modi tweets back: "Thank you President @ibusolih for the Independence Day greetings. We cherish our strong friendship between Maldives and India."

 

15 August 2019, 14:25 PM

PM Modi shares glimpses of today's Independence Day celebrations on Twitter:

15 August 2019, 12:03 PM

15 August 2019, 12:01 PM

"Greetings to my fellow citizens on India's 73rd #IndependenceDay. I exhort each one of us to think of freedom, not as right to do as we please but the opportunity to do what is right. Let us pledge to build an India that is stronger & inclusive," tweets former President of India Pranab Mukherjee.

 

15 August 2019, 11:59 AM

German Ambassador to India Walter J. Lindner wishes Independence Day to the country in a Twitter message:

 

 

 

15 August 2019, 11:58 AM

BJP Jammu & Kashmir President Ravinder Raina dances during Independence Day celebrations:

 

 

 

15 August 2019, 11:34 AM

Army Chief  General Bipin Rawat's Independence Day wishes:  

15 August 2019, 11:33 AM

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unfurls  the National Flag at her residence.

15 August 2019, 11:31 AM

PM Modi advocates for smaller families, calls population control form of 'patriotism' 

Advocating for nuclear families and population control, PM Modi said that those who follow "the policy of small family also contribute to the development of the nation” and it is also a form of “patriotism.” Read more

 

15 August 2019, 11:03 AM

Independence Day was celebrated in newly constituted Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir. Attending a function at Sher-i-Kashmir stadium, Governor Satya Pal Malik said, "The changes that the Central Government has brought are not only historic but also open a new door for the development of the people of Jammu-Kashmir, and Ladakh."

Tap for live updates. 

 

15 August 2019, 11:00 AM

Independence Day being celebrated across the country. 

 

 

15 August 2019, 09:46 AM

Independence Day celebrations underway at BJP headquarters in New Delhi. Party working president JP Nadda is leading the celebrations. 

15 August 2019, 09:33 AM

92 minutes: Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivers his second-longest Independence Day speech: Read more

 

15 August 2019, 09:13 AM

PM Modi meets several children after his speech on the grounds of Red Fort, before leaving with his convoy. 

15 August 2019, 09:11 AM

PM Modi concludes his speech at the Red Fort. The speech lasted for nearly 92 minutes. 

15 August 2019, 09:11 AM

"We have made new strides in Space technology. Our Chandrayaan-II is speeding towards the moon today," PM Modi says.

 

15 August 2019, 09:04 AM

PM Modi asks farmers to protect Mother Earth, reduce the use of chemicals on soil. "Protect our mother earth by reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and products. I want to appeal to all my farmers to reduce the use of chemical fertilisers by 30-40%," said PM Modi. 

15 August 2019, 08:53 AM

PM Modi asks the middle class to travel more, visit alteast 15 tourist destinations across India by 2022. 

15 August 2019, 08:51 AM

PM Modi asks everyone to stop using plastic and take to cloth bags and other environment-friendly measures. 

"By October 2, let us work we try to abolish single-use plastic across the nation," says PM Modi.

15 August 2019, 08:50 AM

PM Modi announces the formation of Chief of Defence Staff, topmost defence officer of the country: 

"Our security forces are our pride. To further enhance coordination between our forces, I announce a big decision today, India will now have a Chief of Defence Staff- CDS. This is going to make the forces even more strong,' said PM Modi.

15 August 2019, 08:49 AM

Those who give protection to terrorism and support it must be exposed. Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka also are affected by terrorism.  All countries in the world need to come together to fight this menace. From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I extend my greetings to the people of Afghanistan, who are celebrating 100 years of freedom: PM Modi

15 August 2019, 08:48 AM

Today, the Government in India is stable, policy system is predictable. World is eager to trade with India. We are working to keep prices under check and speed up development. The fundamentals of our economy are strong: PM Modi

15 August 2019, 08:38 AM

PM Modi from Red Fort: How can we help our nation move forward? Working towards five trillion dollar economy dream is the answer. We can achieve this target once every citizen starts contributing to it. In the last 70 years, we became a two trillion dollar economy. But in last five years, we added one trillion dollar to the economy. This gives me the confidence of becoming a five trillion dollar economy in the coming days.

15 August 2019, 08:34 AM

"Today, people are not happy with just railway station. They ask when will Vande Express come. They want to know when will the airport be ready. When we lay the electricity lines, they ask when the 24-hour supply will be provided. They're not happy with mobile handsets, they want to know about the data connectivity. We need to meet these global parameters to move forward," Prime Minister Narendra Modi says.

 

15 August 2019, 08:32 AM

"Every effort towards removing corruption and black money is welcome. These are issues that have plagued India for 70 years. Let us always reward honesty.  I always ask this question..can we not reduce the interference of Governments in people's lives? Let our people have the freedom to follow their own aspirations. We have abolished a lot of laws," says PM Modi.

15 August 2019, 08:26 AM

Amit Shah, Piyush Goyal, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Nitin Gadkari, Smriti Irani, several other Union Ministers and members of the cabinet, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal seen sitting among the crowd during PM Modi's speech from Red Fort. 

15 August 2019, 08:20 AM

Rs 100,00,000 crore (10 thousand million) will be invested in infrastructure across the country, says PM Modi.

15 August 2019, 08:20 AM

Rs 100,00,000 crore (10 thousand million) will be invested in infrastructure across the country, says PM Modi. "Rs 100 lakh crore will be invested in developing infrastructure in India"

 

15 August 2019, 08:18 AM

Centre will allocate Rs 3.5 lakh crores for Jal Jeevan Mission, says PM Modi.

 

15 August 2019, 08:09 AM

PM Modi advocates for small families, population control: "Population explosion can create a lot of troubles for our future generations. But we have to admit that there's a certain section of people who think before the birth of the child. Will we be able to provide for the child, will be able to take care of them? Others should look at them for inspiration. There's a need for social awakening on this issue."

15 August 2019, 08:04 AM

PM Modi from Red Fort: We do not believe in creating problems or dragging them. In less than 70 days of our new Government, Article 370 was revoked, and in both Houses of Parliament, 2/3rd of the members supported this move. The old system in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh led to corruption, nepotism but there was injustice when it came to rights of women, children, Dalits, tribal communities. The dreams of sanitation workers were incomplete. How can we accept this?

 

15 August 2019, 08:04 AM

PM Modi: Before the elections in 2013-2014 I went all over the country in order to try to understand the feelings of the people. There was disappointment on everyone's face, people used to think can this country change?  In 2019, I was amazed, the mood of the people of the country had changed, disappointment had turned into optimism, dreams became connected with desire and everyone was on the same page that this country can change.

15 August 2019, 08:02 AM

"One nation, one constitution. We're working towards fulfilling Sardar Vallabhai Patel's dream towards the nation. With GST, we've been working towards one-nation-one-tax. And now, there are talks of one-nation-one-election," PM Modi from Red Fort.

15 August 2019, 07:50 AM

PM Modi on Triple Talaq: "Several Islamic countries did away with the obsolete Triple Talaq law long ago. Then why did it take us so long to repeal this? When we can do away with Sati, child marriages, then why not Triple Talaq. We guarantee the safety of our mothers and sister."

15 August 2019, 07:48 AM

Our government has worked for farmers and workers by providing MSP and pensions, says PM Modi.

15 August 2019, 07:48 AM

PM Modi from Red Fort: The country fully understands the importance of water conservation and that is why a ministry for Jal Shakti has been formed. Steps have been taken to make the medical sector even more people friendly. 

15 August 2019, 07:41 AM

PM Modi remembers the flood-hit people across the country, says "As the country wakes up to yet another independence day, there are many affected due to floods." He also commemorated the tall sacrifices made by the Indian freedom fighters

15 August 2019, 07:37 AM

"In just 10 weeks, our government is focusing on every aspect across dimensions. The citizens have given us the mandate to serve them again and we're working on it without a moment's delay. In 10 weeks, we've removed the Article 370 and 35 A, fulfilled Vallabhbhai Patel's dreams, gave justice to our Muslim sister by acting against Triple Talaq," PM Modi says from Red Fort.

15 August 2019, 07:36 AM

PM Modi hoists the tricolour at Red Fort. He's now addressing the nation.

15 August 2019, 07:28 AM

PM Modi arrived at Lahore Gate of Red Fort where he was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State (Defence) Shripad Naik and Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra.

 

15 August 2019, 07:25 AM

Google celebrates 73rd Independence Day with a doodle

Google celebrated the 73rd Indian Independence Day with a doodle on Thursday, August 15. The doodle is an amalgam of little images denoting various aspects of the country. 

 

15 August 2019, 07:20 AM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute at Rajghat earlier this morning. His convoy has now reached the Red Fort.

15 August 2019, 07:05 AM

Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hoists the tricolour at his residence.

 

15 August 2019, 07:05 AM

Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hoists the tricolour at his residence.

 

15 August 2019, 07:03 AM

"Happy Independence Day to all my fellow Indians. Jai Hind!," tweets PM Modi.

 

15 August 2019, 06:54 AM

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lead the nation in celebrating the 73rd Independence Day at the majestic Red Fort here tomorrow. Prime Minister will unfurl the National Flag and deliver the customary address to the nation from the ramparts of the iconic monument. On his arrival at Lahore Gate of Red Fort, PM Modi will be received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State (Defence) Shripad Naik and Defence Secretary Shri Sanjay Mitra.

The Defence Secretary will introduce the General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, Lt. Gen Asit Mistry to the Prime Minister. The GoC Delhi Area will then conduct the Prime Minister to the Saluting Base where a combined Inter-Services and Police Guards will present general salute to Shri Narendra Modi. Thereafter, the Prime Minister will inspect the Guard of Honour.

The Guard of Honour contingent for the Prime Minister will consist of one officer and 24 men each from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police. The Guard of Honour will be positioned directly in front of the National Flag across the moat below the ramparts.

This year, Air Force being the coordinating Service, the Guard of Honour will be commanded by Wg Cdr Anuj Bharadwaj. Army Contingent in the Prime Minister’s Guard will be commanded by Major Laishram Tony Singh, the Navy contingent by Lt Cdr Prashanth Prabhakar, while Sqn Ldr S B Gowda will lead the Air Force contingent and the Delhi Police contingent by Additional DCP Bikram HM Meena.

After inspecting the Guard of Honour, PM Modi will proceed to the ramparts of the Red Fort where he will be greeted by Singh, Naik, Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh. The GOC Delhi area will conduct the Prime Minister to the dais to unfurl the National Flag.

The Indian Air Force band will play National Anthem when the National Guard presents ‘Rashritya Salute’ while the Prime Minister unfurls the National Flag. All Service personnel in uniform will stand and salute. The Band will be commanded by Junior Warrant Officer Pankaj Babu.

Flying Officer Preetam Sangwan will assist the Prime Minister in unfurling of the National Flag. Two Air Force Officers, Flt Lt Jyoti Yadav and Flt Lt Mansi Geda will be positioned on either side of the saluting dais for Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for ADC duties.

The unfurling of the tri-colour will synchronise with the 21 Gun Salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 2233 Field Battery (Ceremonial). The ceremonial battery will be commanded by Lt Col C Sandeep and the Gun Position Officer will be Regiment Havildar Major Kolate Rajesh Sripati.

After unfurling the National Flag, PM Modi will address the nation. After the Prime Minister's address, school children and NCC Cadets will sing the National Anthem.

On this festival of national fervour, 3,500 girl students drawn from 41 government schools in Delhi; 5,000 boy spectators and 700 NCC cadets (Army, Navy and Air Force) of 17 schools, through their willing and committed presence will display ‘strength in unity’ by the formation of words ‘नया भारत’ (Naya Bharat).

15 August 2019, 06:54 AM

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lead the nation in celebrating the 73rd Independence Day at the majestic Red Fort here tomorrow. Prime Minister will unfurl the National Flag and deliver the customary address to the nation from the ramparts of the iconic monument. On his arrival at Lahore Gate of Red Fort, PM Modi will be received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State (Defence) Shripad Naik and Defence Secretary Shri Sanjay Mitra.

The Defence Secretary will introduce the General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, Lt. Gen Asit Mistry to the Prime Minister. The GoC Delhi Area will then conduct the Prime Minister to the Saluting Base where a combined Inter-Services and Police Guards will present general salute to Shri Narendra Modi. Thereafter, the Prime Minister will inspect the Guard of Honour.

The Guard of Honour contingent for the Prime Minister will consist of one officer and 24 men each from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police. The Guard of Honour will be positioned directly in front of the National Flag across the moat below the ramparts.

This year, Air Force being the coordinating Service, the Guard of Honour will be commanded by Wg Cdr Anuj Bharadwaj. Army Contingent in the Prime Minister’s Guard will be commanded by Major Laishram Tony Singh, the Navy contingent by Lt Cdr Prashanth Prabhakar, while Sqn Ldr S B Gowda will lead the Air Force contingent and the Delhi Police contingent by Additional DCP Bikram HM Meena.

After inspecting the Guard of Honour, PM Modi will proceed to the ramparts of the Red Fort where he will be greeted by Singh, Naik, Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh. The GOC Delhi area will conduct the Prime Minister to the dais to unfurl the National Flag.

The Indian Air Force band will play National Anthem when the National Guard presents ‘Rashritya Salute’ while the Prime Minister unfurls the National Flag. All Service personnel in uniform will stand and salute. The Band will be commanded by Junior Warrant Officer Pankaj Babu.

Flying Officer Preetam Sangwan will assist the Prime Minister in unfurling of the National Flag. Two Air Force Officers, Flt Lt Jyoti Yadav and Flt Lt Mansi Geda will be positioned on either side of the saluting dais for Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for ADC duties.

The unfurling of the tri-colour will synchronise with the 21 Gun Salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 2233 Field Battery (Ceremonial). The ceremonial battery will be commanded by Lt Col C Sandeep and the Gun Position Officer will be Regiment Havildar Major Kolate Rajesh Sripati.

After unfurling the National Flag, PM Modi will address the nation. After the Prime Minister's address, school children and NCC Cadets will sing the National Anthem.

On this festival of national fervour, 3,500 girl students drawn from 41 government schools in Delhi; 5,000 boy spectators and 700 NCC cadets (Army, Navy and Air Force) of 17 schools, through their willing and committed presence will display ‘strength in unity’ by the formation of words ‘नया भारत’ (Naya Bharat).