As India celebrates its 75th year of Independence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined the need to maintain respect for women and boost "Nari Shakti" or woman power. He said that women’s participation and their role will form the pillar of India’s growth.

Addressing the nation from the Red Fort he said, "Our Nari Shakti is being represented in all sectors- in police, villages etc. The more opportunities we give to our daughters, the more they will take us forward."

Modi said that it is important to ensure that nothing lowers the dignity of women.

"A distortion has crept in our conduct and we at times insult women, can we take pledge to get rid of this in our behaviour," he said, adding that India’s diversity must be celebrated.

Also read: PM Modi lists 5 pledges to make India a developed nation in next 25 years

“At home too, the roots of unity are sowed when both the son and the daughter are equal. If they are not, the mantra of unity cannot reverberate…Gender equality is a crucial parameter of unity," Modi said.

He also remembered the contributions of India’s women freedom fighters "Every India is filled with pride when they remember the strength of the women of India, be it Rani Laxmibai, Jhalkari Bai, Chennamma, Begun Hazrat Maha," Modi said.

The Prime Minister also said that the next 25 years must be dedicated to the nation's development.