Independence Day: GST shows cooperative federalism, says Modi at Red Fort

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his Independence address from Red Fort. Addressing the nation, Narendra Modi remembered the contributions of martyrs who laid down their lives for the country.

A great sense of patriotism grips the country as India celebrates its 70th anniversary of Independence.

This will be Modi's fourth Independence Day address. Dressed in off-white kurta and crimson turban, Modi first paid tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on Tuesday morning before heading to the Red Fort where he will unfurl the Tricolour.  

Narendra Modi had invited constructive ideas from citizens to address this Independence Day and has received at least 8,000. 

Read: PM receives over 9,000 ideas for Independence Day speech

Security has been tightened across the country to ensure a seamless feat of celebration for its countrymen.

The Chief Guest this year is Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi  Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech:

• Those who have contributed and sacrificed for us all to see a free India, I salute you all

• I see that lots of you have come as young Krishnas… 15th August 2017, being Janmashtami too

• People of India stand shoulder to shoulder with those affected due to natural disasters and the tragedy in Gorakhpur

• This is a special year as it marks the 75th anniversary of Quit India, 100th anniversary of Champaran Satyagraha, 125th anniversary of Ganesh Utsav

• We have to take the nation forward with the resolve of creating a 'New India'

• Everybody is equal in our nation, no one big or small. We together can bring a positive change in the nation

• Must leave this 'Chalta Hai' nature. We have to now think of 'Badal Sakta Hai'- it will help us progress as a nation

• GST has shown the spirit of cooperative federalism. The nation has come together to support GST & the role of technology has also helped

• Good governance is about speed and simplification of processes

• The country's security remains our priority; our forces have always proved their mettle

• India's security is our priority

• Those who have looted the nation and looted the poor are not able to sleep peacefully today

• Na Gaali se Na Goli Se Parivartan hoga Gale Laga Ke (Only friendship can end differences

• You will be happy to know that today we are not alone in our fight against terrorism, many countries supporting us actively (India's stature in the world is rising. The world is with us in fighting the menace of terror. I thank all nations helping us doing so)

• We have to work for the progress of Jammu and Kashmir

• There is no question of being soft on terrorism or terrorists

• Humne 'one rank one pension' laagu kara, suraksha balon ka hausla aur badha

• We can reach Mangalyaan within 9 months, this is our capability, but one rail project was stuck for last 42 years

• New India is the strength of our democracy

• The country supported me to give up gas subsidy

• People have supported demonetisation started by my government. They have come together to root out corruption from India

• We have achieved record agricultural output

• A New India is an India where the system doesn't control the common man, but the common man should control the system. Every Indian in a New India should remember the words 'Swaraj mera janm siddh adhikaar hai' (Swaraj is my birth right)

• We have brought a change in labour law for the benefits of mothers and sisters of India

• I want to appreciate women who raised their voices against 'triple talaaq'. I assure you that the country will help them in their fight and win

• A New India will be our democracy's biggest strength

• With change in demand and technology, nature of jobs are changing. We are nurturing our youngsters to be job creators and not job seekers

• We are working to take the country to a new level and we would continue to do all that will further take India to growth trajectory

• The poison of casteism and communalism can never be beneficial for our nation. This is the country of Lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi

• India is about Shanti, Ekta and Sadbhavana. Casteism and communalism will not help us

• Violence in the name of 'Astha' is not something to be happy about, it will not be accepted in India

• We are taking the nation on a new track (of development) and are moving ahead with speed

• We are giving significant attention to eastern India including Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Northeast. These states have to grow further

• In 1942, the nation's call was 'Bharat Chhoro'. In 2017, the nation's call is 'Bharat Jodo'

• Today banks are reducing interest rates as they have money after demonetisation

• We should give priority to digital transaction

• Our aim is to give a better and cheaper healthcare facilities to poor of our country

• I request my countrymen to move ahead with the vision of New India

• We have to take a promise to make New India by 2022, where everyone has a roof over them, water facility and other basic amenities

• We have to take a promise of a cleaner and greener India by 2022

• Today people are celebrating honesty. Dishonest have no place in the country

• There is a remarkable rise in taxpayers in India. Following GST and demonetisation, over 18 lakh people with disproportionate incomes have been brought to book. Tax has been collected from them and they have been brought into the tax fold

• We have shut down 1.75 lakh companies who did illegal practices. We shut down 300 Hawala companies and many more offshore companies that indulged in malpractices. We have shown that corruption will not be tolerated in India.