India’s Independence Day, celebrated every year on August 15, is a momentous occasion where the Prime Minister addresses the nation from the Red Fort in Delhi. This tradition began with India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1947. Over the decades, various Prime Ministers have given these speeches, reflecting on the country’s progress, challenges, and future aspirations. Let’s explore how many Prime Ministers have delivered Independence Day speeches and the significance of their addresses.
First Prime Minister to Deliver Speech on Independence Day
The first Prime Minister to give a speech on Independence Day was Jawaharlal Nehru. On August 15, 1947, Nehru delivered his iconic “Tryst with Destiny” speech, marking India’s independence from British rule. Addressing the nation from the Red Fort in Delhi, Nehru’s speech emphasized freedom, unity, and the beginning of a new era for India. This momentous address set the tradition for future Prime Ministers to speak on this historic day.
How Many Prime Ministers Give Speeches on Independence Day?
As of now, 14 Prime Ministers of India have delivered speeches on Independence Day, starting with Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947. Each Prime Minister has used this platform to address the nation, reflecting on the country’s progress and outlining future goals. The tradition continues annually, with the Prime Minister’s speech from the Red Fort being a significant event in India’s national life.
List of Prime Ministers Give Speeches on Independence Day
Every year on Independence Day, India’s Prime Ministers address the nation with speeches reflecting on the country’s progress and future aspirations. This tradition, beginning with Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947, has seen 14 Prime Ministers deliver these pivotal addresses from the Red Fort.
Here is the list of Prime Ministers address the nation through their speeches on Independence Day:
Name | Year |
Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru | 1949 |
Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru | 1956 |
Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru | 1960 |
Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru | 1961 |
Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru | 1962 |
Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru | 1963 |
Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri | 1964 |
Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri | 1965 |
Smt. Indira Gandhi | 1966 |
Smt. Indira Gandhi | 1967 |
Smt. Indira Gandhi | 1968 |
Smt. Indira Gandhi | 1969 |
Smt. Indira Gandhi | 1970 |
Smt. Indira Gandhi | 1971 |
Smt. Indira Gandhi | 1972 |
Smt. Indira Gandhi | 1973 |
Smt. Indira Gandhi | 1974 |
Smt. Indira Gandhi | 1975 |
Shri Morarji Desai | 1977 |
Shri Morarji Desai | 1978 |
Shri Charan Singh | 1979 |
Smt. Indira Gandhi | 1980 |
Smt. Indira Gandhi | 1981 |
Smt. Indira Gandhi | 1982 |
Smt. Indira Gandhi | 1983 |
Smt. Indira Gandhi | 1984 |
Shri Rajiv Gandhi | 1985 |
Shri Rajiv Gandhi | 1986 |
Shri Rajiv Gandhi | 1987 |
Shri Rajiv Gandhi | 1988 |
Shri Rajiv Gandhi | 1989 |
Shri Vishwanath Pratap Singh | 1990 |
Shri P V Narsimha Rao | 1991 |
Shri P B Narsimha Rao | 1992 |
Shri P V Narsimha Rao | 1993 |
Shri P V Narsimha Rao | 1994 |
Shri P V Narsimha Rao | 1995 |
Shri H D Deve Gowda | 1996 |
Shri Indra Kumar Gujral | 1997 |
Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee | 1998 |
Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee | 2000 |
Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee | 2001 |
Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee | 2002 |
Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee | 2003 |
Shri Narendra Modi | 2022 |
Shri Narendra Modi | 2023 |