‘Feeding my friends’: PM Modi’s quiet Independence Day morning with cows, peacocks

‘Feeding my friends’: PM Modi’s quiet Independence Day morning with cows, peacocks TOI News Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Aug 16, 2026, 14:01 IST Comments Share AA Text Size Small Medium Large PM Modi shares his morning routine NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared a glimpse of his morning routine, posting a video of himself feeding cows and peacocks before leaving for the Red Fort for India's 80th Independence Day celebrations.In a post on Instagram, Modi said feeding the animals was part of his daily routine and that they appeared to realise he was leaving earlier than usual for the Independence Day programme.“Feeding my friends every morning is a daily routine. Yesterday morning, they somehow realised I'm leaving early, so they came to meet me as I was leaving for the Red Fort,” Modi wrote.The video showed the Prime Minister spending time with the animals at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence before departing for the historic monument. He was dressed in his traditional attire for the Independence Day celebrations.“Special, as always!” Modi said at the end of his post.The PM has also been increasingly active on Instagram in recent days, sharing selfie-style videos, personal reflections, GR and glimpses of his daily routine.The social media post offered a personal glimpse of the Prime Minister's morning ahead of the formal Independence Day programme, which included the flag-hoisting ceremony and his address to the nation. Modi later reached the Red Fort, where he hoisted the national flag from the ramparts as part of the 80th Independence Day celebrations. The ceremony was accompanied by a 21-gun salute using indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns.In his address, Modi outlined his government's priorities for India's development, with a focus on youth, manufacturing, technology, innovation and self-reliance. He also highlighted India's energy transition and plans to expand nuclear power capacity.The Prime Minister spoke about strengthening domestic manufacturing and reducing dependence on external sources, while highlighting sectors including defence, food processing, connectivity, green and blue economy and technology. Youth development also featured prominently in his address, with Modi announcing measures linked to artificial intelligence training, innovation and competitive examinations.He also stressed the goal of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, when India will mark 100 years of independence.The Independence Day programme additionally featured a rendition of Vande Mataram, with the national song completing 150 years this year. 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."