India celebrated the 70th Independence Day by hoisting the tricolour and holding cultural events across the nation. It is a day to remember the struggles of Indians in the 20th century, who laid down their lives for the cause of freedom from British rule.
Every year the nation celebrates Independence, not only in the capital New Delhi, but also in all States. Politicians unfurled the flag, a symbol of democracy and multiculturalism, through the length and breadth of India.
This Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi focussed on Balochistan and Kashmir. He delivered a speech that sent a strong message against terrorism and talked of social unity. He condemned violence, whether it was in Peshawar or within India, in the name of Maoism.
Meanwhile, from Kerala to Leh, every corner of India was lit with the colours of saffron, green and white.
President Pranab Mukherjee paid respects to the fallen soldiers at the Amar Jawan Jyoti in New Delhi on Monday.
Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee pays homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti #IndiaIndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/wguQZfggKg
— ANI (@ANI_news) August 15, 2016
Leh: MoS Home Kiren Rijiju unfurls the tricolour on the occasion of 70th #IndiaIndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/LTBLe8dvlW — ANI (@ANI_news) August 15, 2016
The flag was also hoisted in the Indian embassy in Islamabad.
Islamabad (Pakistan): Independence Day celebration at Indian Embassy #IndiaIndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/bvDtV7cgZK — ANI (@ANI_news) August 15, 2016
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unfurled the flag in their home states.
TN CM Jayalalithaa & Maha CM Devendra Fadnavis unfurl tricolour in Chennai&Mumbai respectively #IndiaIndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/4WQslPVag7 — ANI (@ANI_news) August 15, 2016
In Delhi, the flag was hoisted by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, while in Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan unfurled the tricolour.
CM Arvind Kejriwal & CM Pinarayi Vijayan unfurl the tricolour in Delhi & Kerala respectively #IndiaIndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/YEfWR69vXh — ANI (@ANI_news) August 15, 2016
WB CM Mamata Banerjee & Bihar CM Nitish Kumar unfurl the tricolour in Kolkata & Patna respectively. pic.twitter.com/2658M0BmJ2 — ANI (@ANI_news) August 15, 2016
Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal and Tripura CM Manik Sarkar unfurl the tricolour #IndiaIndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/vjH0gGxye5
— ANI (@ANI_news) August 15, 2016
Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat takes part in #IndiaIndependenceDay celebrations in Dehradun. pic.twitter.com/bFIf7m6UYo — ANI (@ANI_news) August 15, 2016
In Hyderabad, the Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Information & Broadcasting, M Venkaiah Naidu garlanded the statue of Sardar Patel. The Minister of State for Labour and Employment (Independent Charge), Shri Bandaru Dattatreya is also seen.
In Phulbari, West Bengal, the Border Security Forces exchanged sweets with Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB).
BSF exchanges sweets with Border Guards Bangladesh(BGB) in Phulbari. #IndiaIndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/OeK7eyqVIV
— ANI (@ANI_news) August 15, 2016
Lucknow: UP CM Akhilesh Yadav unfurls the tricolour #IndiaIndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/h27ftBYPh3
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 15, 2016
Delhi: Congress VP Rahul Gandhi unfurls the tricolour at AlCC HQ #IndiaIndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/ISUef7ZjcA — ANI (@ANI_news) August 15, 2016
On Independence Day, BSF jawans exchanged sweets with Pakistan Rangers at Atari-Wagah Border.