Independence Day: PM Modi’s last Independence Day address from Red Fort before 2024 polls: Timing, schedule, list of events | India News

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver his 10th consecutive Independence Day address from the ramparts of Red Fort on Tuesday.

The PM has typically used the occasion to present his government’s report card and launch flagship schemes like Swachh Bharat and Jan Dhan Yojana.

Tuesday’s event will be PM Modi‘s last one before the country goes to the polls in 2024 and experts say he might have something big in store for the public.
Here’s what to expect on the 77th Independence Day:
Full schedule of events

What will PM say on I-Day?
Political experts who have gone back and analysed PM Modi’s past Red Fort speeches said he is likely to chart the country’s journey on his watch in various sectors since 2014 and outline his vision for the years ahead.
Since his first Independence Day speech in 2014, when he announced a host of new programmes such as Make In India initiative, Swachh Bharat and Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Modi has made several key announcements on I-Day.
‘Panch Pran’ (five pledges) was the main highlight of his speech in 2022, as he called upon citizens to make India a developed nation by 2047. He had also announced that 5G mobile technology will be available in India soon.
Going by precedent, he may announce some important schemes this year too.
In 2018, ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, PM Modi unveiled the ambitious health insurance scheme for the poor, Ayushman Bharat.
In 2019 I-Day speech, PM Modi announced the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff; while celebrating Amrit Mahotsav in 2021, he outlined the Gati Shakti plan and the project to launch 75 Vande Bharat express.
Start Up India, Stand Up India initiative was announced by PM Modi during his second Red Fort speech in 2015.
50 nurses among 1,800 special guests at Red Fort
A total of 50 nurses along with their family members from across the country have been invited as special guests to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Tuesday.
According to the government, they will be part of 1,800 special guests from various walks of life, ranging from Sarpanches of Vibrant Villages, teachers, farmers, and fishermen, who have been invited to participate in the Independence Day Celebrations at the iconic monument on August 15.
The initiative to invite people from all walks of life, across India, and be a part of the celebrations has been taken by the government in line with its vision of ‘Jan Bhagidari’.
Amrit Kaal
This year’s Independence Day will culminate the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations, which were launched by the PM from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on March 12, 2021, and will, once again, usher the country into ‘Amrit Kaal’ with renewed vigour to realise PM Modi’s dream of making India a developed country by 2047.
New initiatives, selfie points
A number of new initiatives have been taken to celebrate the 77th Independence Day. A large number of guests have been invited as compared to last year.
Selfie points dedicated to different schemes and initiatives of the government have been installed at 12 locations, including National War Memorial, India Gate, Vijay Chowk, New Delhi Railway Station, Pragati Maidan, Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid Metro Station, Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, Delhi Gate Metro Station, ITO Metro Gate, Naubat Khana and Sheesh Ganj Gurudwara.
The schemes/initiatives include Global Hope: Vaccine & Yoga; Ujjwala Yojana; Space Power; Digital India; Skill India; Start-up India; Swachh Bharat; Sashakt Bharat, Naya Bharat; Powering India; Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Jal Jeevan Mission.
As part of the celebrations, an online selfie contest will also be conducted by the Ministry of Defence on the MyGov portal from August 15-20. People are encouraged to take selfies at one or more of the 12 installations and upload them on the MyGov platform to take part in the contest.
Twelve winners, one from each installation, will be selected on the basis of the online selfie contest. The winners would be given prize money of Rs 10,000 each.
10,000 personnel & 1,000 cameras to keep eye on Delhi
Delhi has been wrapped in a security blanket for Tuesday’s 77th Independence Day celebrations, with more than 10,000 personnel manning the area in and around the Red Fort.
Around 1,000 cameras with facial recognition and video analytic systems have been installed in and around the Mughal-era fort and at other strategic locations to ensure security and monitor VVIP movements, the police said.
Keeping in mind the recent violence in Haryana’s Nuh and adjoining areas, strict vigil is being ensured, the police said.
Following convention, anti-drone systems have been installed at Red Fort. All anti-terror measures have been initiated, including the installation of air defence guns. Snipers, elite SWAT commandos and sharpshooters will be positioned at strategic locations for the security of the prime minister and other VVIP guests.
(With inputs from agencies)