Video: Cows, peacocks 'came to meet' PM Modi before his Independence Day speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a video of himself feeding cows and peacocks before leaving for the Red Fort. The post highlighted his softer digital outreach as his Independence Day speech strongly targeted the youth.Cows and peacocks appear to see him off before his Red Fort visit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared a glimpse of his morning routine at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence, showing him feeding cows and peacocks before leaving for the Red Fort to deliver his Independence Day address.In an Instagram post, PM Modi said the animals appeared to realise that he was leaving earlier than usual and came to see him off."Feeding my friends every morning is a daily routine. Yesterday morning, they somehow realised I’m leaving early, so they came to meet me as I was leaving for the Red Fort. Special, as always," PM Modi wrote.The video showed candid moments with the animals at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi, shortly before he left for one of the most significant events on his annual calendar. The Prime Minister's cows and peacocks have frequently featured in his social media posts and are often seen accompanying him during his early morning walks on the lawns of his residence. Feeding animals and birds is part of his daily routine.The cows include Punganur cattle, a rare and ancient miniature breed native to Andhra Pradesh. The post comes amid the Prime Minister's intensified digital outreach, particularly towards Gen Z, following recent student protests in different parts of the country.His Independence Day address from the Red Fort also placed a strong focus on India's youth, with PM Modi referring to young people more than 50 times during his 75-minute speech.He announced a series of measures aimed at young Indians, including free online coaching for competitive examinations, AI training for one crore youth, a sports talent hunt and a vibrant civil defence network.PM Modi also spoke about opportunities for young people in sectors including manufacturing, space, nuclear energy and semiconductors.The morning video offered a more personal glimpse of the Prime Minister just before he headed to the Red Fort, where he ceremonially hoisted the tricolour before addressing the nation on India's 80th Independence Day.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Aug 16, 2026 16:00 IST