Keeping his promise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had delivered the shortest Independence Day speech in 2017. He had spoken for 57 minutes.
In his radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ last year, Mr. Modi said he had received letters from people complaining that his Independence Day speeches were “a little too long” and promised to make a shorter speech. However, this year, his speech at the Red Fort lasted for 82 minutes.
Fun activity
As a fun activity, autistic and wheelchair-bound students of Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute For Persons with Physical Disabilities, decided to count the number of times Mr. Modi said “ bhaiyon aur behno ” (brothers and sisters) and “ hamara desh ” (our country). However, they were hesitant when asked to reveal the total count.
Scores of spectators gathered in front of the Red Fort on a warm, humid morning to witness the festivities and hear the Prime Minister address the nation. Seating was only on first-come-first-serve basis.
Children get lucky
At least 3,500 students from about 36 schools in the city, 700 NCC cadets and about 150 differently abled students were present. Sporting colours of the national flag, schoolgirls were made to sit in the formation of the Tricolour, with the middle section spelling ‘Bharat’.
Some students were seen elated after they got a chance to shake hands with the PM. With big smiles, they were seen rushing towards the waiting television crews to get a little screen time.
With temperatures at 33 degrees Celsius and humidity around 75%, the weather was unbearable for some.
A photographer covering the event fainted and a soldier was seen stepping away from his ceremonial guard of honour to refresh himself.
As the Prime Minister’s SUV cavalcade drew in, the public announcement system welcomed him with high praise, calling him “the one to bring this country to new heights”. Waves of applause went up as the crowd spotted the PM on the screens put up around the enclosure.
His speech, initially punctuated with applause, soon saw a lull in the crowd. The applause, however, picked up vigour close to the end about 70 minutes into the speech. Mr. Modi ended his speech amid the chants of Bharat Mata ki Jai and Vande Maatram.
