'One country, one constitution': PM Modi pays homage to Indian founding fathers in his I-Day speech

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi started off his Independence Day speech by paying homage to the makers of the Constitution of India. This marked the Indian Prime Minister’s 12th consecutive Independence Day speech from the Red Fort.

“Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I pay my respectful homage to the makers of the Constitution, who guide the country and give direction to the country,” the prime minister said at the start of his address. PM Modi noted that today the country also celebrates the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee.

“Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee was the first great man of the country to sacrifice for the Constitution of India. Sacrifice for the Constitution. When we brought the mantra of one country, one constitution to life by demolishing the wall of Article 370, we paid true tribute to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee,” he said.

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The prime minister also welcomed the 5,000 special guests who attended this year’s celebration. “Many special dignitaries are present at the Red Fort today. There are members of Panchayats from far-flung villages, representatives of Drone Didi, representatives of Lakhpati Didi, people from the world of sports, great people who have given something or the other to the nation and life are present here. In a way, I am seeing a miniature India here in front of my eyes,” PM Modi said, acknowledging the fact that many Indians are also connected to the Red Fort via technology.