‘Freedom fighters' dreams continue to inspire us’: Leaders extend wishes on 80th I-Day

‘Freedom fighters' dreams continue to inspire us’: PM Modi, Amit Shah, Kharge, Rajnath Singh mark 80th Independence Day TOI News Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Aug 15, 2026, 08:09 IST Comments Share AA Text Size Small Medium Large File photo: PM Modi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers and opposition leaders on Saturday extended Independence Day greetings to citizens as India marked its 80th Independence Day, with leaders remembering the freedom struggle while highlighting their visions for the country's future.Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to freedom fighters and said their courage and sacrifice continued to inspire India's journey towards a developed nation.Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, meanwhile, said constitutional values, democratic institutions and social harmony had faced "serious challenges" over the past decade. PM Modi remembers freedom fighters, calls for faster progress In a post on X, PM Modi paid tribute to the freedom fighters who fought against colonial rule and said their dreams continued to inspire the country."Warm greetings on the occasion of Independence Day. We remember with gratitude the countless freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment ensured the end of colonial rule. Their dreams continue to inspire us as we work together to build a Viksit Bharat," he wrote. PM Modi added that India, "powered by 140 crore Indians", was scaling new heights of progress and expressed hope that the country's growth journey would accelerate further. Before his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, PM Modi also visited Raj Ghat and paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.Also read: PM Modi dons red tie-and-dye turban for Independence Day addressThe Prime Minister is leading the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, with this year's ceremony also marking 150 years of Vande Mataram and highlighting the role of youth in India's journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh pay tribute to freedom fighters Union home minister Amit Shah also extended his greetings and paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the freedom struggle."Heartfelt Independence Day greetings to all fellow citizens of the country," Shah said in a post on X. He said the country should use the occasion to resolve to accelerate the creation of a "developed, prosperous, and self-reliant India".Defence minister Rajnath Singh said the freedom struggle had given Indians not only political freedom but also the responsibility to shape the country's future. He called for a collective resolve to build a secure, strong, prosperous, self-reliant and developed India, while preserving its heritage and pursuing modernity, progress and innovation. Kharge flags concerns over constitutional values Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge struck a different note in his Independence Day message, saying India had made significant progress but that many aspirations remained unfulfilled."Over the past decade, our Constitutional values, democratic institutions and social harmony have faced serious challenges," Kharge said. He said freedom meant more than liberation from British rule and included the constitutional guarantees of equality, dignity, justice and freedom of expressionAlso read: 'Vande Mataram' played for first time as PM Modi addresses nationKharge also called for greater opportunities for young people, dignity and justice for farmers, equality for women and the "full measure of equality and justice" for Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs, minorities and economically weaker sections.He said the country's greatest resolve on Independence Day should be "hope". NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar said the freedom secured through the sacrifices and patriotism of countless people was a responsibility for every citizen. He called for building a prosperous, capable and inclusive India while preserving constitutional values.Former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar also extended his "heartiest congratulations and best wishes" to people across the state and the country on Independence Day. The messages came as India marked 79 years since gaining independence from British rule in 1947, with political leaders across the spectrum remembering the freedom struggle while setting out differing visions for the country's future. The TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most."