Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said in this 'Amrit Kaal', every Indian is aspiring to see the fast progress of a new India with enthusiasm and impatience.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of India's Independence, he termed India the "mother of democracy".
"Our nation has proved that we have an inherent strength from our diversity and the common thread of patriotism makes India unshakeable," Modi said.
An aspirational society is important for any nation. Today, "we are proud that these aspirations are present in every household in India. Every citizen is enthusiastic, impatient for the fast progress of New India," he said.
PM Modi: We can't pat our own backs, we will falter otherwise. The past 75 years may have been difficult but we need to work towards next 25 years.
PM Modi: World looking at India differently. They are looking at India for solutions. It is because of our efforts in the last 75 years.
PM Modi: India is an aspirantional society. We are proud of it. Every Indian wants to bring about change today and they are excited to do it.
'India has seen famine, war, terrorism, natural disasters, success, failure, hope and disappointment but the country continued to move forward. India's diversity is one of its strength.'
As India celebrates its 76th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Monday address the nation from the historic Red Fort, which is under a hawk-eyed vigil.
The Mughal-era fort has a multi-layered security cover with more than 10,000 security personnel deployed at the venue. Around 7,000 invitees will arrive at the Red Fort and a five-kilometre area around the Red Fort has been marked as a "no kite flying zone'' till the tricolour is hoisted.
Security cover has been beefed up across the national capital and forces are on high alert to thwart any untoward incident as police have intensified patrolling and deployed extra pickets at vital installations based on intelligence inputs received via central agencies.
From facial recognition system (FRS) cameras installed at the entry point of the Red Fort to multi-layered security cover and deployment of over 400 kite catchers and fliers on rooftops and other sensitive locations in the fort area to counter any threats from sub-conventional aerial platforms, the area has been completely secured, a senior police official said.