PM Modi‘s first speech of his third straight term lasted for 98 minutes, which is his longest Independence Day speech.
PM’s last longest-delivered speech was of 96 minutes in 2016. In 2023, he addressed the nation for almost 90 minutes.
In 2019, he spoke for 92 minutes — which was also his first speech of the second term.
The Prime Minister delivered his first Independence Day speech in 2014, which lasted for 65 minutes.
His shortest speech was in 2017 when he spoke for a little under an hour.
He had delivered his first speech as a prime minister in 2014, where he had spoken for nearly 65 minutes. He spoke for 83 minutes in 2018.
“Today is that auspicious moment when we are paying homage to countless heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country, who devoted their lives for the country’s freedom, who struggled throughout their lives and who went to the gallows shouting ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’,” said PM Modi during his Independence Day address.
PM Modi also expressed his deepest sympathies for those affected by the natural disasters that wreaked havoc in some parts of the nation.
“The recent surge in natural disasters has escalated concerns for all of us. Today, I want to express my deepest sympathies to those affected and assure them that the nation is standing by their side through these challenging times,” the PM said.
The Prime Minister hailed the security forces for protecting the nation and it to new heights. He also talked about how operations like surgical and air strikes infuse pride in the nation.
“This nation is indebted to every martyr, and is grateful to them! We bow down to every brave heart. We pay our respects with reverence. Today, we salute those great personalities who are dedicated to protecting the nation, building it with full commitment, and taking the country to new heights,” PM Modi said.
“When the country’s armed forces carry out surgical and air strikes, every Indian is filled with pride,” he said.
PM Modi said together the nation can overcome any obstacle irrespective of how big or challenging the situation it is presented with.
“If 40 crore individuals could successfully achieve the dream of independence, then imagine the potential of 140 crore people united with determination! Together, we can overcome any obstacle, no matter how big and challenging, and create a prosperous India. Let us march forward, step by step, to make the vision of 2047 a reality!” he said.