# PM Modi shares video of feeding cows, peacocks before Red Fort speech 2026-08-16T08:58:59+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 4 independent outlets Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a video on Instagram of himself feeding cows and peacocks at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence before leaving for the Red Fort for India's 80th Independence Day celebrations. In the post, Modi wrote that the animals 'somehow realised I'm leaving early, so they came to meet me' and called the moment 'special, as always'. The cows are Punganur cattle, a rare miniature breed from Andhra Pradesh, India Today reports. The video offered a personal glimpse ahead of Modi's formal programme, which included hoisting the national flag with a 21-gun salute using indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns and a 75-minute address to the nation. In his speech, Modi focused heavily on youth, referring to them more than 50 times. He announced measures including free online coaching for competitive exams, AI training for one crore youth, and a sports talent hunt, according to Hindustan Times and India Today. The morning routine post is part of the Prime Minister's increased digital outreach, particularly towards Gen Z, India Today notes. Modi has often shared moments with animals from his residence, including during his early morning walks. The Independence Day programme also featured a rendition of 'Vande Mataram', marking 150 years of the national song. ## Coverage - hindustantimes.com - timesofindia.indiatimes.com - deccanherald.com - indiatoday.in This story was synthesised by AI from the 4 sources linked above. Updated: this story now draws on 4 sources. Last updated 2026-08-16T12:00:57+00:00. Tags: Independence Day, Narendra Modi, New Delhi, Red Fort Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/pm-modi-feeds-animal-friends-before-independence-day/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/pm-modi-feeds-animal-friends-before-independence-day/#story-in-brief How this brief was made: an AI model read the reports linked above and wrote this summary and analysis, which were published automatically. Published briefs are sampled every hour by an automated quality check; the editor verifies its findings and approves corrections, and corrected briefs carry a dated correction line. Stance labels are editorial classifications of how each outlet framed this story, assigned by the same model, not ratings of the outlets. We do no original reporting. Methodology: https://indianopinion.org/ai-use-policy/