New Delhi, Aug. 15 -- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla spoke words of inspiration on the 79th year of Independence on Friday, saying that this is a festival of enthusiasm and resolutions and that thousands of people have made sacrifices.

"This festival of independence is a festival of enthusiasm and resolutions. We fought a long battle. Thousands of people made sacrifices and gave their lives," said the Lok Sabha Speaker

"The country gained its freedom after thousands of sacrifices. The time has come for 140 crore Indians to collectively strive to make the country a developed India," Om Birla added further.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delivering his 12th consecutive address on Independence Day, underscored 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (se...