New Delhi: Ninety-year-old Ramo Devi travelled all the way from northwest Delhi to hear Narendra Modi speak from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
Ramo, who came from Uttam Nagar area along with her 55-year-old son in a DTC bus, said she always wanted to see the Prime Minister unfurl the national flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
"I have seen Modi on television so far and on this Independence Day, I wanted to hear him speak and see him unfurl the national flag at Red Fort," she said.
About 10,000 people were for the first time allowed to witness the ceremony, for which separate stands were erected at the venue.
Taking advantage of free ride in DTC buses and Delhi Metro in the morning hours, people came to the venue from every nook and corner of city.
Another visitor, Ravinder Yadav who came from Gurgaon, said, it was a great experience seeing the August 15 celebrations in Delhi.
"I am happy to be here and it was nice to hear here the prime minister's speech as he touched upon a broad range of issues concerning our country," Yadav said.
But, the experience was not as sweet for many visitors, who were left behind due to security reasons, as they came late.
Mayank Patil, 23, who travelled all the way from Nagpur just to witness the ceremony, left the venue with disappointment.
"I booked a train to come to Delhi as I wanted to see this ceremony at the Red Fort but I was stopped by the security since the Prime Minister had already arrived by then.
I rue coming late," Patil said.
For Alok, 25 and Vipin Mishra, 25, both hailing from Allahabad, Modi's speech was rousing.
"Yes, we missed it by few minutes. But, it was still nice to be here. And, even hearing him speak from a distance was a good experience. I am feeling very happy on the occasion, nonetheless" Alok said.
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