India’s 78th Independence Day: Know the history, significance, where to watch PM Modi’s speech, guest list, and more

78th Independence day: India is gearing up to celebrate its 78th Independence Day on August 15, 2024, Thursday. This significant occasion marks the anniversary of India’s liberation from British colonial rule on August 15, 1947following a long and arduous struggle against colonial rule.

The day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters who fought valiantly for the nation’s liberty, with the first celebration of Independence Day taking place in 1948marking the beginning of a new era for India.

Each subsequent year has seen the nation reflect on its journey, celebrating both achievements and the rich cultural diversity that defines it. In addition to the commemoration of freedom, the day also marks the progress India has made over the decades.

Independence Day 2024: Theme

The theme for this year’s celebrations is “Viksit Bharat,” which translates to “Developed India,” which aligns with the Indian government’s vision to transform the nation into a developed country by 2047coinciding with the centenary (100 years) of independence.

Every year, the Independence Day celebrations take place at the historic Red Fort in Delhi, where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag and delivers the speech.

Notably, this year three-time Prime Minister Narendra-Modithe only PM after Jawaharlal Nehru to become PM, will deliver his 11th consecutive speech on this occasion.

Independence Day 2024: Where to watch PM Modi’s speech

narendra modi independence day speech Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a speech on the occasion of India’s 77th Independence Day. (Video screengrab/ Narendra Modi/ YouTube)

Symbolising national pride and unity, Prime Minister Modi will unfurl the national flag at 7:30 AM. Following the flag hoisting, PM Modi will address the nation, reflecting on past achievements and outlining future goals.

For those wishing to partake in the celebrations from home, PM Modi’s speech and the entire event will be available for live viewing on:

Doordarshan (national broadcaster)
YouTube via the Press Information Bureau
Social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) on the handles of @PIB_India and the PMO.

Independence Day 2024: Guest list

Farmers, youth, women and the poor — described by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the “four pillars of a developed India”— dominate the list of over 4,000 special guests that the Centre has drawn up for this year’s 78th Independence Day celebrationshowever, about 18,000 e-invitation cards have been issued, in total.

The event at Red Fort will host special guests, who have each been invited by a family member. The guests have been categorised as follows:

1,000 from the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare category,
600 from the Youth Affairs category,
300 from the Women and Child Development category,
300 from Panchayati Raj and Rural Development,
300 from Tribal Affairs,
200 from School Education and Literacy,
200 from Border Roads Organisation/Ministry of Defence,
150 from Health and Family Welfare,
150 from Sports,
1,200 from the Niti Aayog category.

Additionally, the government is encouraging public participation through initiatives like the Every Home Tiranga movement, urging citizens to hoist the national flag at their homes and businesses.

As India approaches its 78th Independence Daythe nation stands united in celebrating its rich history, honouring the sacrifices of its heroes, and looking forward to a future of growth and development.

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