Prime Minister Narendra Modi created a significant chapter in India's modern history today. Standing on the iconic ramparts of Delhi's Red Fort, he delivered his twelfth consecutive Independence Day address to the nation, breaking a long-standing record. 
PM Modi Scripts History: 12th Consecutive Red Fort Speech!


This landmark achievement surpasses the previous record held by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Gandhi addressed the nation from the Red Fort eleven times consecutively during her tenure. With his twelfth speech in a row, Prime Minister Modi now holds the record for the most consecutive Independence Day speeches from this historic location.

Chasing Nehru's Legacy

While Modi now leads in consecutive speeches, the overall record for the most Independence Day addresses from the Red Fort still belongs to India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru delivered the national address seventeen times between 1947 and 1963.
Indira Gandhi, overall, gave sixteen Independence Day speeches during her terms as Prime Minister (January 1966 to March 1977 and January 1980 to October 1984). However, only eleven of these were consecutive.
Other early Prime Ministers also contributed to this tradition. Lal Bahadur Shastri, India's second Prime Minister, delivered the address twice, in 1964 and 1965. 

A Nation United in Celebration

Addressing the nation on this 77th Independence Day, Prime Minister Modi described the occasion as a "grand festival of 140 resolutions," symbolizing collective achievements and national pride. He expressed the nation's overwhelming enthusiasm, stating, "Hearts are filled with joy." He emphasized the strengthening spirit of unity across the country.
"The 140 crore citizens of India are immersed in the colors of the Tricolor," PM Modi declared, highlighting the widespread display of the national flag. "Every home has a Tricolor. From every corner of India, whether the Himalayas, the deserts, or the seashores, one chant resonates – the victory chant of our beloved motherland."

Honoring India's Constitutional Journey

Reflecting on India's journey, the Prime Minister recalled the nation's emergence in 1947, filled with immense potential and the strength of its people, yet facing significant challenges. He paid tribute to the leaders who guided the nascent nation.
Modi specifically honored the members of the Constituent Assembly who, following Mahatma Gandhi's principles, crafted the foundational document of the Republic. "India's Constitution has been a guiding light for the past 78 years, showing us the path," he stated.
He acknowledged the monumental contributions of key figures in the constitution-making process: "The architects of India's Constitution – Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan – are remembered. Importantly, our women power also played a vital role. I bow to all these framers of our Constitution."
Prime Minister Modi's record-breaking twelfth consecutive address underscores his enduring presence at this central national event and marks another milestone in the history of India's Independence Day celebrations.