PM Modi addresses the nation on I-Day

He hoped that the country will scale new heights of development.

The Hindu Exclusive: Now that the speech has concluded, have a look at these exclusive pictures from The Hindu Archives - Of India celebrating her Independence over the years: From 1947 - 2014

8:40am: The PM's speech has concluded. 

8:40am: We need cooperation from neighbouring and SAARC nations to jointly tackle poverty: PM

8:37am: The strength of the saviour is much more than the strength of the person who kills. Lets unite to fight poverty: Narendra Modi

8:35am: Can we not wage a war and emerge victorious against poverty. Let us defeat poverty: Narendra Modi 

8:29am: People are asking about the Planning Commission: Times have changed from the time the Planning Commission was created: Narendra Modi

8:25 am: Narendra Modi announces a new initiative- Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana. 

8:20am: So far, the Prime Minister has spoken on a wide range of issues in his Independence Day speech: sex ratio, rape, female foeticide and digital India.  

8:14am: Let us come together and think of ways India does not have to import but we export to the world: PM 

8:12am: Let us think about 0 defect - that our products are not defected and 0 effect: PM   

8:10am: I tell the world - Come, Make In India. Sell anywhere but manufacture here. We have the skill and talent: PM 

8:10am: We need to give impetus to manufacturing sector: Narendra Modi  

8:06am: Prime Minister Modi announces a new project: the Jan Dhan Yojana. "We want to integrate the poorest of the poor with bank accounts," he says. 

8:04am: We are a youthful nation. Our youth are our strength. The world and India needs a skilled workforce: Narendra Modi  

8:02am: I appeal to parents not to sacrifice the girl child, PM says. 

8:00am: We have not got anything from the path of violence. We have seen instances of communal violence for long: PM  

7:50am: Our head hangs in shame when we hear news about rape. Parents ask about daughters but did anyone ask their sons: PM 

7:47am: Govt. is not an assembled entity but an organic entity. I have tried to break down these walls: PM  

7:46am: One government department is quarelling against the other. Matters reached the Supreme Court too. How can we take India ahead like this: PM 

7:40am: It is farmers, labourers, women, youth, seers, scientists who made it: PM

7:34am: These days give us inspiration & they showcase the national character. This day can inspire us to take India to newer heights: PM

7:32 am: PM begins his speech. "Many generations gave sacrifices for Independence, spent youth and life in freedom struggle. To those martyrs my salutations," he says.

7:30am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoists the National Flag from the ramparts of Red Fort

7:30am: PM Narendra Modi arrives at Red Fort

7:20am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Rajghat, pays homage

7:15am Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on Independence Day and hoped that the country will scale new heights of development.