India's Vision 2047 Shines at 78th Independence Day

The vision of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 was prominently featured during India's 78th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a record 98-minute speech, emphasized India's golden era. The event saw a mix of dignitaries and special guests, including Paris Olympics participants.

The vision of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 was the central theme at the 78th Independence Day celebrations held at the Red Fort, where members of the Indian contingent for the Paris Olympics were among the special guests.

In a 98-minute address, his longest Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared this India's golden era, emphasizing that a developed nation awaits by 2047.

The dignitaries near the podium included Union ministers and key officials, with Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi seated among members of the recently returned Indian contingent from the Paris Games, as part of the seating arrangements made 'as per the table of precedence'.

Notable attendees included ace shooter and double bronze medallist Manu Bhaker, fellow shooter and bronze medallist Sarabjot Singh, and former hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who were all seated in the VVIP area.

Attendees dressed in traditional attire braved intermittent August rains. Prime Minister Modi was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, deputy minister Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, who were among the greeting dignitaries.

NCC cadets formed a 'My Bharat' logo with tricolour kits, and 500 NSS volunteers participated. After the event, Modi broke security protocols to interact with NCC cadets donning '78 Viksit Bharat 2047' gear.

Special guests, including students from the Atal Innovation Mission, Border Roads Organisation workers, and gram panchayat sarpanches, were amongst the 6,000 invitees. The event concluded with the national flag being unfurled synchronized with a 21-gun salute.

(With inputs from agencies.)