Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Mahatma Gandhi, Lokmanya Tilak, Subhash Chandra Bose and other freedom fighters on the launch of 'Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav' celebrations to mark 75 years of India’s Independence in Ahmedabad on March 12.

Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister said that the 75th anniversary celebrations will continue till August 15, 2023. He urged all schools and colleges across the nation to start highlighting the freedom struggle through various cultural activities.

“We must vigorously bring the achievements of our freedom movement in front of the world,” said PM Modi.

The Central government has constituted a committee under Union Home Minister Amit Shah to chalk out policies and planning of various events to be undertaken as part of the celebrations.

Earlier on the day, PM Modi visited Sabarmati Ashram, where he paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. He also visited Hriday Kunj, the house in the Ashram where Mahatma Gandhi stayed with his wife Kasturba from 1918 to 1930.

Here are the key highlights of PM Modi’s speech on the launch of ‘'Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’:

> We are fortunate that today we are not only witnessing history but also becoming a part of history with ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’. It is very fortunate that Bharat ka Amrit Mahotsav is beginning on the anniversary of historic Dandi March.

> Salt has been valued in our country. The salt here means honesty. Salt means here – faith, said the PM.

> PM Modi said he bows to the great souls of our country who contributed towards India's Independence.

> The freedom struggle of 1857, Mahatma Gandhi's return from abroad, reminding the nation of the power of Satyagraha. Gandhiji understood the pain of the country, caught the pulse of the people. And made this movement the movement of every Indian. It became the resolution of every Indian. At that time, salt was a symbol of India's ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance), the prime minister said.

> Freedom Struggle, Ideas at 75, Achievements at 75, Actions at 75, More Resolves at 75. These 5 pillars will inspire the dreams and duties of our independent India to move forward, he said.

> Many movements like Chittoor Andolan, Champaran Satyagrah, Munger Movement and more strengthened our fight for independence. The call for complete independence of Lokmanya Tilak, the Delhi march of Azad Hind Fauj led by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The work of continuously awakening this flame of the freedom movement, in every direction, in every region, was done by our saints-mahants and Acharyas, he said.

> The PM said he was fortunate to bring back the ashes of freedom fighter Shri Shyamji Krishna Varma to India.

> There were many freedom fighters from Assam and Northeast like Gomadhar Konwar, Lashit Borfukan and Serat Sing who have contributed to the independence of this country, Modi said.

> The country has been making vigorous efforts for the last six years to save this glory of history, said the PM, adding that fforts are being made in this direction in every state and every region.

> India's ‘Aatmanirbharta’ helped other countries cope with the deadly novel coronavirus. Our ‘Made in India’ vaccine is reaching countries across the globe, the PM said.

> PM Modi urged all schools and colleges across the nation to start highlighting the freedom struggle through various cultural activities. Youth and scholars in India should take the responsibility that they will help the efforts of the country in writing the history of our freedom fighters, he added.