'Mere Priya 140 Crore Parivarjan': PM Modi Starts Address To Nation With New Salutation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (15 August) addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of the India's 77th Independence Day.

Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi started the speech with 'mere priya 140 crore parivarjan' (my dear 140 crore family members) instead of the usual 'mere pyare deshwashiyon' (my dear countrymen).

He noted that India is not only the largest democracy but is now also the most populated country in the world.

PM Modi also remembered those who contributed, sacrificed in the country's freedom struggle.

Further, this year is the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati.

This year is also the 500th birth anniversary of Rani Durgavati, which will be celebrated with all fervours across the country, he said.

Further, the 525th birth anniversary of Mirabai will also be celebrated this year, he said.