Yet again, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose to deliver his Independence Day address from an open air podium instead of from behind a bullet proof glass for the third year in a row.
Overruling strong objections from his security detail, Modi had shunned the bullet-proof enclosure to ‘connect directly’ with people during his maiden Independence Day speech as PM from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort in 2014. He had decided to opt out of the enclosure last year as well.
After Indira Gandhi's assassination, the bullet-proof glass had become a tradition and all Prime Ministers since then had addressed the nation from behind the glass.
The bullet-resistant enclosure first came up on Republic Day in 1985 when Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister.
Attired in his trademark half-sleeves kurta and sporting a Rajasthani turban, Modi devoted bulk of his address on the occasion of the 70th Independence Day to presenting in effect a report card of his government's work particularly in boosting economic growth, ease of doing business and welfare schemes for the poor and farmers.
The most awaited moment for children who had gathered at the venue since 6 AM came when Modi broke the protocol again and walked through the area where they were seated.
Modi unfurled the national flag at the historic Red Fort on the occasion of 70th Independence Day amid loud cheers from the public. Thousands of people from the general public and school children rose as soon as Modi’s cavalcade arrived so as to get a glimpse of their leader. Modi inspected the guard of honour contingent which consisted of one officer and 24 men each from Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police. The PM then walked to the ramparts of the Red Fort and unfurled the tricolour. The unfurling of the tricolour was synchronised with the 21 Gun Salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 2281
Field Regiment (Ceremonial). The Air Force Band played National Anthem when the National Guard presented ‘Rashtriya
Salute’. The Prime Minister then addressed the nation making a 90-minute long powerful speech.
According to the police, about 40,000 people attended the function. There were seating arrangements for 22,000 people, including 2000 dignitaries, 9000 for school children and 10,000 for the general public.
Throughout the speech, people kept clapping jubilantly and the public responded to every pause with a loud cheer.Tricoloured balloons were released after the Prime Minister concluded his speech. As last year, the Prime Minister stopped his car and went to meet the children. He shook hands with some of them and greeted them on the occasion.
