The 78th Independence Day of India was celebrated this morning with a flag hoisting at the home of the Consul General of India in Durban, Dr Thelma John David.
"As we gather to celebrate the 78th Independence Day of India, it is yet another milestone for a young country, a young democracy but an ancient civilisation celebrating her freedom; a freedom that is being celebrated the world over by 1.4 billion people in India, the diaspora abroad and friends of India globally," said David to a gathering of Indian nationals and friends of India.
"It is a new year celebration for India, a time when, like with all new years, we must look back at what we have done so far, achieved so far, and plan what we want to do ahead as partners, as two countries..."
She said it had been almost two years since she arrived in Durban with her family.
"What a wonderful experience it has been in South Africa with our community, with South Africa, doing so many things to further India-SA relations and to take Bharath (India) across the South African shores."
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, delivered his longest Independence Day speech at 98 minutes from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort.
The speech was his 11th address as the prime minister and his first after taking charge for a third term.
He said there was a time when the majority of the defence budget was used to procure weapons and equipment from abroad. Now, the government was focussed on indigenous manufacturing to make the nation self-reliant.
Modi said there was a time when the country was a victim of terror attacks; but today it was bold and strong, with the “Armed Forces giving a befitting reply to anyone who tries to harm the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the country”.
He asserted that the nation was proud of its brave soldiers who selflessly served the motherland.
“Be it the Army, Navy, Air Force or the space sector, we are witnessing the ever-growing Nari Shakti of our country,” PM Modi said. Additional reporting IANS.