Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a 75-minute Independence Day address from the Red Fort on Saturday. This marked his shortest such speech in four years. Last year, on the 79th Independence Day, he spoke for 103 minutes, the longest address by any prime minister. In 2024, his speech lasted 98 minutes. Modi has now completed 13 consecutive Independence Day speeches from the Red Fort, exceeding Indira Gandhi’s record but remaining behind Jawaharlal Nehru’s total of 17. His first address in 2014 lasted 65 minutes. Later speeches varied, including 88 minutes in 2015, 83 minutes in 2018, 92 minutes in 2019, 90 minutes in 2020, 88 minutes in 2021, 74 minutes in 2022, and 90 minutes in 2023. Earlier leaders such as Nehru and Indira Gandhi gave the shortest recorded speeches at 14 minutes each. Manmohan Singh spoke for 32 and 35 minutes in 2012 and 2013, while Atal Bihari Vajpayee delivered addresses of 25 and 30 minutes in 2002 and 2003. In the latest speech, Modi announced training for one crore young people in artificial intelligence courses and free online coaching for various examinations. He highlighted technological development within the Saptadhara framework covering manufacturing, agriculture and food processing, technology and innovation, connectivity, defence production, green and blue economy, and soft power. The prime minister also outlined plans for a modern civil defence network with updated training and a nationwide sports talent search for children aged five to 15. He stressed women’s empowerment and called for 33 percent reservation for women, noting their role in nation building. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi did not attend the event. Modi appeared in traditional attire featuring a red Bandhani-print turban with yellow, green and white patterns, paired with a white kurta, pyjama, brown jacket and tricolour pocket square.
