India Celebrated 79th Independence Day 2025: PM Modi Delivers Longest I-Day Speech, Launches PM-VRBY and Major National Missions.

India observed its 79th Independence Day on 15th August 2025 with grand celebrations at the Red Fort, New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation for the 12th consecutive time, delivering the longest-ever Independence Day speech by any Indian Prime Minister.

      - The celebrations were organized by the Government of India (GoI), with the Indian Air Force (IAF) serving as the coordinating service for the year’s national event. The occasion featured a ceremonial Guard of Honour, a 21-gun salute, and a flypast showcasing the national flag alongside the Operation Sindoor flag, making the event historically significant.

      - Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address lasted for 103 minutes, marking the lengthiest Independence Day speech in Indian history. His speech focused on India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation, emphasizing the central theme of “Naya Bharat” which aligns with the vision of building a “Viksit Bharat” by the year 2047.

      - Among the key government initiatives announced were the launch of the Prime Minister Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VRBY), Sudarshan Mission by 2035, and the National High-Powered Demography Mission. Reforms in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) were also introduced with an implementation target of October 2025, alongside a push to boost semiconductor manufacturing under the ‘Made in India’ strategy.

Main Point :-   (i) The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) confirmed that 1,090 personnel from the Police, Fire Services, Home Guards, Civil Defence, and Correctional Services were honoured with Gallantry and Service Medals this year. These recognitions highlighted the government’s focus on bravery, discipline, and service to the nation during the celebrations.

      (ii) On this occasion, President of India Droupadi Murmu conferred a total of 127 Gallantry Awards and 40 Distinguished Service Awards upon members of the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Additionally, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) received recognition with the award of three Tatrakshak Medals (Gallantry) and two Tatrakshak Medals (Meritorious Service), honouring their exceptional commitment to maritime security.

(iii) This year’s Independence Day not only celebrated India’s freedom but also reinforced long-term policy visions, strategic reforms, and recognition of national service, thereby setting a roadmap for India’s development trajectory as it approaches the centenary of its independence in 2047.