India's Modi Addresses the Nation on Its Independence Day

Prime Minister Modi addressed India as the nation entered its 70th year of Independence on Monday from the national monument in New Delhi, the Red Fort, a ritual that has been carried out every year since India achieved its independence from the British Raj in 1947.

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India's national flag was unfurled at the national monument as Modi called out for a united India in his annual address.

"In 1942, the nation's call was 'Bharat Chhoro' (Quit India) ... in 2017, the nation's call is 'Bharat Jodo' (A United India)," he said.

"We remember the great women and men who worked hard for India's freedom. The words 'Swaraj is my birth right' still echoes in our ears" Modi said.

"That is our true strength. Irrespective of caste, community, and religion, we are one India" he added.

Addressing a gathering of several thousand, Modi said, "We all stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our brothers and sisters in Jammu and Kashmir. They have suffered a lot due to terrorism."

"We are determined to develop the state, educate the youth. Give them jobs, include them in the mainstream, increase business and jobs. Give them reasons to rejoice," he added.

The Indian prime minister also addressed the recent flooding in the North western and eastern parts of India and the hospital tragedy where 60 children died because of an alleged oxygen supply cut off.

"In the last few days, we have had had some natural calamities in some areas of India. We also had a great tragedy in Uttar Pradesh, where children died in a hospital," Modi said, speaking of the floods and the Gorakhpur tragedy.

"People of India stand shoulder to shoulder with those affected due to natural disasters and the tragedy in Gorakhpur" he added.