New Delhi, Aug 15: On the eve of Independence Day, President Ram Nath Kovind addressed the nation where he lauded the government on inaugurating the new Parliament building, strengthening medical infrastructure through the year, and adhering to climate protection practices. He also congratulated the Indian contingent for their performance at the Tokyo Olympics. The Rashtrapati Bhawan was illuminated with lights in the colors of the Tricolour. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that August 14 will be commemorated as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day in
memory of the pains endured by people during the partition.
“Nation First, Always First” was the theme of this I-Day which was termed as “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” as India celebrated its 75th year of independence. On Sunday, PM Modi hoisted the Tricolour and addressed the country from the ramparts of the Red Fort on topics ranging from Covid19, Tokyo Olympics performance, climate change, national education policy, women safety, infrastructure development and agricultural reforms. He stressed on the clarion call of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” and pushed all citizens to march towards a new and
improved nation. The event also saw a first of its kind flower petal shower by two Mi-17 1V Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters.
An interesting factoid that some of you might know is that across the nation we always “hoist” the national flag on Independence Day and “unfurl” it on Republic Day. On August 15, the Tricolour is tied and sits at the bottom of the pole. We then pull it up and hoist it to mark our independence. On January 26, the flag remains closed and tied up on the top of the pole. It is then unfurled without pulling it up to indicate that nation is already independent.