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India celebrates 68th Independence Day
New Delhi, Aug 15 (IBNS): Amid several pledges to attain freedom from all ill customs, practices and taboos, India on Friday celebrates its 68th Independence Day with Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurling the tricolor for the first time at the historic Red Fort here.
Modi inspected the Guard of Honour at Red Fort, while declaring the formation of a new institution which will replace the existing Planning Commission.
He urged the citizens to join hands in making India a developed and a "clean" nation.
The PM also urged all parliamentarians to invest their constituency funds into building toilets in every school.
He also urged the world to come to India and manufacture here to build a strong "Made in India" brand and generate employment.
On the eve of the Independence Day, President Pranab Mukherjee said 'intolerance and violence' is a betrayal of the letter and spirit of democracy.
He said the focus of framing policies should move from alleviation of poverty to 'elimination of poverty'.
Meanwhile, from the southern tip of India to the extreme fringes of north India, the nation is observing the day in every town and city, reflecting strong bondage and unity among the citizens.
Keeping in line with the celebratory mood, security arrangements have also been tightened across the country.
To keep a strict vigil on Modi's first I-day speech, police installed around 200 closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the vicinity of the Red Fort while about 500 have been installed on all routes leading to the 17th Century fort.
In Kashmir, security has been beefed up particularly around Bakshi Stadium where the main function of the Independence Day is being held.
Popular search engine Google also joined India in celebrating its 68th Independence Day by posting a doodle on its homepage.
The doodle features the independent India's first stamp as the subject of 15th August's Google doodle.
The logo of Google starts with a 'G' which is saffron colour, the colour of the top stripe in the Indian flag.
There is a postage stamp with India's flag on it and a government stamp for the blue Ashok chakra. The last three letters of the word 'Google' are in the green shade of the Indian flag.
Keeping tab on the mood of the day, TV channels and radio stations are airing special programmes dedicated to the day.
Children and teenagers are seen painting tri-colors on their faces and participating in cultural events to mark the day.
Cultural programmes are being conducted in various schools and colleges across all cities in India where students are performing small plays or patriotic songs.
Joining the celebratory mood, politicians, celebrities and other eminent personalities took it to Twitter to express their views and wished the nation on the micro blogging site..
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan tweeted: "The youth must rise to be entrepreneurs. Be job provider and not be satisfied as job seeker."
"On this auspicious day we pay respects to all who laid down their lives to win & maintain our independence.," Singh posted.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wished Indian citizens on her Facebook page.
Ace tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi expressed: "Happy Independence Day.. Such a young Country, so much Potential. ..Jai Hind!"
Fashion designer Neeta Lulla posted:"Amazing encouraging& motivating speech by @narendramodi we move in a positive direction.Happy Independence Day!"
Actress Sunny Leone wished all posting :"Happy Independence Day India!! God bless everyone! Peace and Freedom!!"
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted: "Happy Independence Day."
Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt expressed his thoughts by posting: ""I have no weapon but love to wield my authority over anyone...I appear before u not as your commander but as a humble servant. - Gandhiji"
Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar tweeted: "I am sure many organisations have felt their dreams being echoed from Lal Quilla.Hope bureaucracay & party cadre take it seriously.Jai Hind!"
"Independence always goes with Discipline.Independence is also when you recognise the Inter-Dependence of our existence.#
Formula One motor racer Narain Karthikeyan wished all saying :"Wish you all a Happy Independence Day . Jai Hind."
Actor Shreyas Talpade posted: "Happy Independence Day doston. Jai Hind."
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia tweeted: "Happy Independence Day! I am proud to be an Indian."
Actor Abhishek Bachchan tweeted: "Happy Independence Day! #vandemataram."
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