Shimla, Aug. 15 -- Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Jai Ram Thakur on Saturday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day address, saying the country's development journey over the past 12 years had demonstrated India's rapid progress across sectors and set the foundation for achieving the goal of a "Viksit Bharat" by 2047.

Speaking to ANI in Shimla, Thakur said the Prime Minister's decision to begin his Independence Day address from the Red Fort with "Vande Mataram" and the complete rendition of the national song was a significant moment.

Thakur said PM Modi's address highlighted India's achievements since Independence as well as the major milestones re...