Top 10 highlights of Narendra Modi's Independence Day address at Red Fort

India today celebrated its 68th Independence Day. The ceremony at the Red Fort was celebrated as per tradition comprising of traditional march, band, unfurling of the National flag, playing National anthem, Prime Minister's address, etc. But can anything remain a mere ceremony with Narendra Modi acting as being the main character of an event?Modi, the man who created history by winning hearts of crores of people in the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections, is known to add flavor to whatever he does. Be it his style of dressing, speeches or mannerisms. No matter how odd situations are, when Modi stands up to speak, he manages to set things in his favor.Modi has risen to ranks – his journey from a tea – seller to the Prime Minister of the world's largest democracy in itself is remarkably inspiring.On this occasion too, PM Modi has left an indelible mark. His spoke as if a common man was speaking to another common man. His speech comprised of no high sounding promises and expectation. But it was relevant to every citizen, especially the common man and of course, women.Here are some top 10 highlights of Narendra Modi's Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort: 1. Narendra Modi had two glasses of milk and cheese before heading for the Red Fort as breakfast.2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, already seen as one of India's most well-dressed leaders, went a step ahead on the Independence Day on Friday, sporting a blazing saffron and green headgear and his trademark cream-coloured short-sleeved khadi kurta and white pajamas.Last year while he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat he had worn a red turban spotted with white.3. Police installed around 200 closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the vicinity of the Red Fort while about 500 were installed on all routes leading to the 17th Century fort.Besides around 5,000 personnel from the local police, those from the Special Cell and Security wing of the Delhi Police were also pressed into service for security arrangements while the traffic police took care of smooth vehicular movement.In a first for Independence Day security arrangements, two high-resolution cameras, costing Rs 2.5 crore each have been mounted at the two burjs (towers) of Red Fort to keep tab on any suspicious activity in a four-km radius of the Mughal era monument.4. After PM Modi reached the Red fort, he marched up to the Podium to deliver 68th Independence Day speech.Since the past couple of years, lifts have been used to carry the Prime Ministers to the podium from where they speak on Independence Day. But surprisingly PM Modi took the stairs. He refrained from using lift.5. Narendra Modi broke all previous records by speaking for 1 hour 5 minutes. His is the longest speech ever delivered in the history of India by the PMs on Independence Day.His predecessor Dr Manmohan Singh spoke for less than an hour in his last Independence Day speech in 2013. Other equally vibrant speakers like Atal Behari Vajpayee, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, spoke well but their speeches were never this long.6. Narendra Modi took a major decision of not using bulletproof enclosures while addressing the nation. This move was again historic and is a major step from security perspective. Modi felt that he wouldn't be able to connect with the people were in placed behind the glass.He wanted to make eye contact with them. Moreover Modi realizes that when the Sun's rays hit the glass, people cannot see him.7. The government ensured maximum number of people gather for the ceremony. Hence seating arrangements were done to accommodate around 10,000 people. Previously only VIPs could attend the occasion. But Narendra Modi wanted it open for the public. People too were excited to attend the ceremony.Delhi Metro Corporation and DTC Buses allowed passengers to travel free of cost so that they would feel encouraged to part of the momentous occasion.8. Narendra Modi is a skilled orator. He has a knack of keeping the crowd engaged as he speaks. Despite the length, his speech was interesting, compelling and motivating.Interestingly, like always, he spoke extempore. It may be traditional of Narendra Modi to speak with a teleprompter or notes but it is unusual for Prime Minister to go extempore. All his predecessors have read out scripts.9. After addressing the gathering, Modi stayed back to meet school children. Little kids greeted the PM enthusiastically and shook hands with him. The Officers had been instructed to be present at the occasion. Hence all the ‘babus', officials and secretaries were present.10. Modi expressed gratitude toward all the previous Prime Ministers and governments for their contribution. He said that all of them had worked together to build the nation.