Prime Minister Narendra Modi today extended his greetings to Indians around the globe on the occasion of the nation's 68th Independence Day.
"To all the Indians celebrating our Independence Day around the world, greetings from the Prime servant; I am not the Prime Minister but the prime servant. I would also like to salute the people of every generation who made sacrifices for Independence, spent their youth and life in freedom struggle. I salute those martyrs," said Modi.
"It is a day to make take a pledge to do something for the poor and the exploited. This country was not built by politicians or rulers or governments. It has been made by our farmers, mothers, sisters, youth, and teachers," he said.
"It is the beauty of our constitution that a person from a poor family and from a small village has the honour to stand under the flag here," he added.
Modi further expressed his gratitude towards leaders who took the nation to new heights.
"To all the former governments, former Prime Ministers, I express my gratitude to have brought the country to such heights. Now we must all walk together, think together, and make a determination to take the nation ahead together," Modi said.
"This days gives us an inspiration, it showcases the national character. We will go forward with cooperation with all, even with the opposition. The credit in the making of this nation goes to all of us, including the opposition," he added.
Earlier today, the Prime Minister unfurled the flag in the central court of Red Fort, after inspecting the guard of honour.
After hoisting the National Flag from the ramparts of Red Fort, he began his addressal to the nation.
The Prime Minister also paid homage at the Rajghat before reaching the Red fort.
