Lucknow, Aug 15 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday greeted citizens on the occasion of 79th Independence Day and unfurled the national flag at the UP Vidhan Sabha in Lucknow.
While addressing a gathering outside the UP Legislative Assembly, Adityanath hailed the success of Operation Sindoor.
"Recently under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, through Operation Sindoor, the country has seen the successful implementation of Bharat's 'saamarth' (strength) and 'shakti' (power)," Yogi Adityanath said.
Operation Sindoor was launched 100 days ago by the Indian armed forces to destroy multiple terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam attack.
"On this occasion, I salute all those brave jawans, who despite adverse circumstances routed the enemy, and secured the unity and integrity of India," he added.
Hailing the valour of the armed forces, Adityanath said, "When our soldiers are alert at borders... give their 100 per cent contribution, we are able to sleep peacefully and our country is able to see the golden dreams on which a strong India is being built today."
The country's Independence is the result of infinite sacrifice, and it demands sacrifice from us , the CM added.
Adityanath also paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on this occasion and hoisted the national flag at his official residence in Lucknow.
"India's independence is the result of the unwavering sacrifices and struggles of Mahatma Gandhi and countless revolutionaries who united the country from North to South and East to West in the fight for freedom."
He remembered Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation; Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution; and all freedom fighters.
"Independence Day is not merely a celebration but also an occasion to awaken national consciousness and renew our commitment to duty," the UP CM said.
"India, under PM Modi's leadership, is advancing rapidly towards the vision of Viksit Bharat," he said. "The Constitution, now in its Amrit Kaal, has played a crucial role in upholding social justice, fraternity, and equality, binding the nation together through both favorable and challenging times."
Highlighting the bravery of the Indian Army during Operation Sindoor and the power of indigenous weapons like missiles and drones, the UP CM described them as symbols of India's self-reliance and strength.
He also underlined Uttar Pradesh's efforts to boost local industry through the One District, One Product (ODOP) initiative, branding, modern design, technology, and packaging to connect local products with markets not only in India but across the world, thus giving new momentum to the Prime Minister's Vocal for Local campaign.
The CM urged that adopting Swadeshi as a way of life should become a national resolution on Independence Day. He concluded by saying that Independence Day is a moment to express gratitude to the martyrs and draw inspiration for building a self-reliant India.
Every citizen of Uttar Pradesh must remain dedicated to their duties and work towards realizing the dream of a developed nation, he said.
Earlier in a post on X in Hindi, the CM, while greeting people on 79th Independence Day, said, "... This holy day is a sacred symbol of the unbroken aura of Mother India and the unwavering faith of the immortal martyrs. Tributes to those brave martyrs, whose sacrifice made India independent and self-respecting."
"Today our resolution is to build an India based on justice, equality, self-reliance and progress, which was dreamt of by our immortal martyrs. Let us unite with the spirit of 'Nation First' to realise the resolution of 'Ek Bharat-Shresth Bharat' and 'Viksit Bharat-Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. Vande Mataram! Jai Hind!," Adityanath added.