Patriotic fervour swept the Red Fort on Tuesday as a large number of people gathered on the premises to celebrate the country’s 71st year of Independence.
The Mughal monument was decorated with garlands of saffron, white and green, and people stood on the lawns waving the Tricolour. Many were also dressed in Tricolour-themed outfits.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his fourth address even as patriotic slogans and songs resonated in the air.
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“As we did not want to miss the Prime Minister’s speech, we reached here at 6 a.m.,” said Parvathy Sinha, a resident of Ghaziabad.
Fun galore
On the occasion, children from various government schools participated in different festivities.
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“Most of my friends have been participating in the function for the last two years. But this is my first time here and it is all very exciting,” said Anjana Tiwari, a student of Class VI.
Some children were also dressed as Lord Krishna to mark Janmashtami.
Calling the citizens of the country to be a part of the ‘New India’ initiative, Mr. Modi said, “Every citizen will matter in achieving the dream of New India. Together we can pull off a successful movement to make each citizen self-reliant and sufficient.”
‘Same old speech’
Many, however, felt that the Prime Minister’s speech had “nothing new in it”.
Rajesh Verma, a resident, said issues such as the deaths of over 60 children at the BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur and the farmer suicides in the country were merely touched upon by the PM.
“We have heard his stance on demonetisation and GST, but what had to be addressed is how his subordinates are trying to sweep the Gorakhpur tragedy under the carpet,” said Mr. Verma.
Mann Ki Baat
Many also felt that before Mr. Modi took charge, the Independence Day address at the Red Fort would be an annual occasion to listen to the PM.
However, with the regular interaction through the Mann Ki Baat on radio, a lot of what was said seemed repetitive.