Today, India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, marking 79 years of freedom since gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1947.
As I look at the state of our nation today, I feel proud to be a citizen of Bharat. India represents hope, opportunity, and aspiration for over a billion people and for many around the world.
We owe an immense debt of gratitude to our freedom fighters and nation builders, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Subhas Chandra Bose, and countless others whose sacrifices made our freedom possible.
It is because of their vision, courage, and selflessness that we live in an independent India today. We are the world's largest democracy and a nation that continues to make strides in technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, defence, and space exploration.
One of the achievements that filled me with pride was ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission, which made India the first country to successfully soft-land near the Moon's south polar region, demonstrating India's growing capabilities in science and engineering.
Over the past decade, I have personally witnessed significant progress across many areas. UPI has transformed digital payments for millions of Indians. The development of modern infrastructure, including projects such as the Coastal Road in Mumbai, reflects the scale of our ambitions. The Vande Bharat trains have significantly upgraded the passenger travel experience on Indian Railways, combining comfort, speed, and accessibility.
Global companies continue to invest in India. Cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Gurugram, and Pune have become major innovation hubs, with Global Capability Centers creating high-skilled employment opportunities. In the age of AI, Indian professionals are increasingly contributing to core products, cutting-edge research, and globally impactful technology, rather than only serving as support functions.
I see change. I see potential. I see promise. I see a strong and confident India, determined to build a brighter future while remaining grounded in its values and heritage.