PM addresses nation on its 72nd I-Day, announces manned mission to space by 2020

India celebrates its 72^nd independence day on Wednesday. Like every year Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort. This is Narendra Modi's fifth speech from the Red Fort after the BJP led NDA government came to power in 2014.

PM Modi said India is celebrating Independence Day in a positive atmosphere. He also said India is filled with confidence and is scaling new heights.

This I-day is unique in the way that the Red Fort and the VVIPs for the very first time had been guarded by a 36-member all-women Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

In PM's address, he announced a manned mission to Mars by 2022, when India completes 75 years of independence.

Opposing the triple talaq bill, Modi said that he will continue to fight for the rights of Muslim women. He also said BJP will follow the path of 'insaniyat', 'jamuriyat' and 'kashmiriyat' for establishment of peace on Jammu and Kashmir.

Narendra Modi announced a health policy called Ayushman Bharat or National Health Protection scheme. The scheme aims to cover over 10 crore vulnerable families. It will also provide health cover upto 5 lakh per family per year. The scheme will roll out on 25^th September on Deen Dayal Upadhyay's anniversary.

Condemning the rape incidents, PM Modi said the death penalty awarded to rapists will deter those with barbaric thoughts. Narendra Modi further focused for social justice and highlighted the 'constitutional protection' of backward groups.

Not leaving northeast behind, Modi hailed the development of roadways, railways, airways and waterways connecting the region and also made special mention of the internet connectivity which has helped it advance further.

Finally, Modi ended his speech with poetry.