Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla hoists national flag on 78th Independence Day

New Delhi [India], August 15 (ANI): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday hoisted the national flag at his residence in the national capital, on the occasion of 78th Independence Day.

He extended greetings to the people and said that August 15 is the day to take inspiration from those who made supreme sacrifices for the nation.

“…I pay my respects to the freedom fighters whose sacrifices helped us attain independence. This festival of independence reminds us of the day when our citizens and youth made the supreme sacrifice for the country. This is the day to take inspiration from them…” said the Lok Sabha speaker.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at Red Fort in the national capital, for the 11th consecutive time.

After hoisting the Tricolour the Prime Minister received a ‘Rashtriya Salute’. The Punjab Regiment Military band, consisting of one JCO and 25 Other Ranks, played the National Anthem during the hositing, of the National Flag and presented the ‘Rashtriya Salute’. The Band was conducted by Subedar Major Rajinder Singh.

“Independence Day greetings to my fellow Indians. Jai Hind!,” PM Modi posted on X on Thursday.

Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, PM Modi was received by Union Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, MoS Defence Sanjay Seth and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane.

The Defence Secretary introduced the General Officer Commanding (GoC), Delhi Area Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, to the Prime Minister.

The GoC, Delhi Area, conducted PM Narendra Modi to the Saluting Base, where a combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard presented a general salute to the Prime Minister. Thereafter, the Prime Minister inspected the Guard of Honour.

The Guard of Honour contingent for the Prime Minister consists of one officer and 24 personnel each from the Army, Air Force and Delhi Police.

After hoisting the flag, PM Modi began his customary address to the nation from the ramparts of the iconic monument.

“Today is the day to pay tributes to the uncountable ‘Azaadi ke deewane’ who made sacrifices for the nation. This country is indebted to them.” PM Modi said in his address.

Today’s address of the Prime Minister Modi marked his 11th consecutive Independence Day address.