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PM Modi disregards security, greets kids

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted and shook hands with schoolchildren after concluding what is being touted as the longest Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted and shook hands with schoolchildren after concluding what is being touted as the longest Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

For the third time in a row, Mr Modi chose to deliver his address from an open-air podium instead of one sheltered behind bullet-proof glass. He was dressed for the occasion in his trademark half-sleeves kurta and a pink turban.

Upon finishing his address to the nation, Mr Modi broke away from the close security cover and halted his motorcade near the enclosure from where children cheered him on. Divya, a student of the Government Girls Senior Secondary School, said she was excited to see the Prime Minister from close distance even though she didn’t get an opportunity to shake hands with him.

The schoolchildren, dres-sed in yellow and dark blue attire, stood in a formation displaying the number 70, referring to the India’s 70th Independence Day. So-me 3,500 girl students from 42 government schools participated in the event, according to the Centre.

The students were supplied with refreshments including apples, bananas, chocolates, chips and lime water. They had left their homes as early as 4-5 am to reach the venue.

During Mr Modi’s 90-minute speech, the schoolchildren cheered on Mr Modi. He received the loudest applause when said each of India’s schoolchildren “cried with sorrow” when nearly 130 children were killed in the December 2014 terrorist attack in Peshawar.

Later in the day, Mr Modi tweeted a photograph of these children and said: ”With the bright young minds, our nation’s future.”

As the audience saw Mr Modi arrive for his speech on large screens installed in the grounds, a loud cheer echoed. Some even chanted his name. Those who could not manage to enter the venue, caught a glance of him from the roads outside the fort.

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