India, Aug. 15 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hoisted the tricolour at the Red Fort and addressed the nation as India marked its 79th Independence Day.

In his 12th consecutive speech, this year, Modi said, "By bringing down the wall of Article 370 and realising the mantra of "one nation, one constitution," we paid a true tribute to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee."

This is the Prime Minister's 12th consecutive Independence Day address to the nation. Earlier in the morning, he paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi.

The theme for this year's Independence Day is 'Naya Bharat', reflecting the government's vision of achieving 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047.

Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, PM Modi was rece...