A few spoke about what freedom means to them, and many took to micro-blogging site Twitter to share their sentiments for the day. Here's what they have to say:
Bipasha Basu: Proud to be an Indian independent girl. Happy Independence Day! Let's all value d efforts of all the brave people who fought for our independence!Jai Hind!
Anupam Kher: My country gives me enough reasons to be a proud Indian even when I am disheartened at times. I love INDIA. Happy Independence Day.
Shekhar Kapur: Independence day is to reflect on those to whom freedom has not brought freedom from hunger, destitution, degradation, Independence Day is a day of humility for all that we have not been able to achieve for our people.
Divya Dutta: A very happy Independence day all!! I love my india!
Zayed Khan: Freedom is a privilege! One must remember the many sacrifices our forefathers have made and fought for before we can begin to fathom the several advantages we have today. Freedom means the ability to dream, to do, and to excel in whatever it is that we choose. Freedom enacted responsibly, is freedom earned!
Shahid Kapoor: Respect to all armed forces...We feel the independence due to them !!!
Karan Johar: Respect your independence first then celebrate it...protect your nation first then love it...JAI HIND!!!
Riteish Deshmukh: Happy Independence Day. So proud to be an Indian - together we celebrate our unity - Indianess is the only religion we follow- JAI HIND BORN INDIAN - WILL LIVE INDIAN - WILL DIE INDIAN.
Tusshar Kapoor: Happy Independence Day to Indians around the world. Let's make an attempt to think freely, an independence that would enrich our lives!!
Kalki Koechlin: Let's be free from corrupt systems in our working lives and corrupt systems in our governing forces. Have a thoughtful Independence Day.
Genelia D'Souza: Happy Independence Day...so proud to be an India and so proud that INDIA is my motherland. I LOVE MY INDIA!
Uday Chopra: Independence Day! Thanks to all those who fought for it and gave their lives so that we could hold our heads up and proudly say we are Indian!
Sonam Kapoor: Happy Independence Day. The best thing about me is that I'm an Indian. My country is the strongest, wisest and the most peaceful!
Shruti Seth: May we all be free of corruption, religious and societal prejudices, fear, terror and petty judgement. Happy Independence day. Free your mind!
Neha Dhupia: Let's all keep freedom alive... Happy Independence Day.
Dia Mirza: Happy Independence Day! Know your duties and rights and respect them. Be free! Jai Hind
Kunal Kohli: If you love your country, keep your roads clean, pay your taxes, don't complain do something, vote, no corrupt shortcuts, be positive. Jai Hind!
Minissha Lamba: Freedom is something we are born with. We don't know what it was like to live under foreign rule. What we do need to learn is accountability as a sovereign nation. Happy Independence Day.