India celebrates its 78th Independence Day anniversary 

On August 15, India celebrates the 78th anniversary of its liberation from colonial rule.

Every year, various events are organised to honour India's journey, achievements, and cultural identity.

Commemorating and honouring Independence Day in India is an important event for the entire country because it symbolises its freedom and strengthens its sense of national identity. On this date, government institutions, banks, post offices, and many other organisations are closed. Traditionally, Independence Day celebrations are held at the historic Red Fort in Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 78th Independence Day celebrations of India at the Red Fort on August 15. This is reported by ANI, a partner of TV BRICS.

He hoisted the national flag and delivered the traditional speech to the nation from the fort wall of this iconic monument. 

The theme of this year's Independence Day was Viksit Bharat 2047, which represents the Indian government's vision to transform the country into a developed nation by the centenary of independence in 2047.

Addressing the nation on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, President Drоupadi Murmu congratulated the citizens of India and emphasised the country's role on the global stage.

"After the successful completion of its G-20 Presidency, India has consolidated its role as the voice of the Global South. India intends to use its influential position to expand the scope of world peace and prosperity"

Drоupadi Murmu Indian President

Around 6,000 special guests from different walks of life attended the ceremony at the Red Fort. Among them were youth, tribal community members, farmers, women, and successful participants in government programmes, initiatives, and projects.

The event was also attended by honourable artisans, entrepreneurs, beneficiaries of government programmes for farmers, health workers, women representatives, participants of women empowerment programmes, and Child Welfare Committee workers.

Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his heartfelt congratulations to Droupadi Murmu and Narendra Modi on the occasion of India's Independence Day.

"We attach great importance to the relations of a particularly privileged strategic partnership with India. I am confident that the consistent implementation of the agreements reached following our recent talks in Moscow will contribute to the further development of multifaceted Russian-Indian cooperation"

Vladimir Putin Russian President

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has also sent a congratulatory message to President Droupadi Murmu.

Iran’s acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani congratulated Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar as well as the Government and People of India on their Independence Day.

In an exclusive commentary for TV BRICS, Sonu Saini, Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Russian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University and winner of the annual Pushkin Samman Award for Indian writers, shared his views on Russia-India ties.

"Since independence, our nation has made remarkable progress. We've become a vibrant democracy, a hub for innovation, and a beacon of diversity. Many other countries have contributed to India's development journey. One such country is our long-time friend Russia. Russia is one such nation that has always been with India," he said.

Venkatesh Kumar, Indian film director and TV BRICS expert, shared information in an exclusive commentary on how this historic date is significant for each resident of the country.

"Independence Day is first and foremost a celebration of patriotism and self-esteem as a citizen of this country. Independence Day makes every Indian feel proud of himself and his motherland. It is a reminder to citizens of their civic role," he said.

On August 15, 1947, India was declared an independent nation, ending more than 200 years of colonial rule. On this day, India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, raised the national flag over the walls of the Red Fort in Delhi.

Photo: iStock