Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15 as India marked its 80th Independence Day. The National Song "Vande Mataram" was rendered from the Red Fort for the first time during the Independence Day celebrations.
After hoisting the National Flag, Modi began his address by invoking "Vande Mataram" and the Tricolour. The flag-hoisting was synchronised with a 21-gun salute by the gunners of the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial), using indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns. Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan assisted the Prime Minister during the ceremony.
PM Modi sets focus on Viksit Bharat 2047
A key part of Modi's Independence Day address was India's vision for 2047, when the country will complete 100 years of independence.
"Today, we are celebrating the 80th Independence Day. The chant of 'Vande Mataram' resonates in every heart. The Tricolour flies in every home and lives in every mind. The nation is moving forward with enthusiasm and zeal, embracing new resolutions," the Prime Minister said.
Modi described India's 2047 ambition as a "very grand dream" and said it would require the efforts of 140 crore citizens.
"Today, India has envisioned a very grand dream. It has done so with great resolve and with the aim of reaching new heights. That dream is that when India completes 100 years of independence in 2047, we will definitely build and realise a Viksit Bharat," he said.
"Through the hard work and endeavour of 140 crore fellow countrymen, we have to achieve this goal. And when the world's most populous country resolves to become developed, it becomes a testament to our courage in the eyes of the entire world. The world is compelled to change its perspective towards us," Modi said.
PM Modi outlines Shakti Ki Saptadhara
Modi called upon the nation to embrace "Shakti Ki Saptadhara" and outlined seven strengths.
The first strength is India's manufacturing power. Modi said India must build a complete value chain, from design to manufacturing, and establish itself as a trusted global supply chain partner. He also stressed the need to meet global standards of cost, quality and scale.
The second strength is agriculture and food production, along with large-scale food processing. The third is technology and innovation, while the fourth is Gati Shakti. The fifth is Raksha Shakti.
The sixth strength is the green economy and blue economy. Modi spoke about renewable energy, energy storage, green storage and manufacturing, as well as the opportunities for creating green jobs.
The seventh strength is India's soft power. Modi highlighted Yoga, Ayurveda, holistic healthcare, handicrafts, culture, films, animation, gaming and digital content. He also referred to the WAVES summit and India's national parks, saying there is an opportunity to attract foreign tourists through the country's soft power.
PM Modi calls for 33% representation for women
Modi appealed to political parties to ensure 33% representation for women in Legislative Assemblies and the Lok Sabha. He highlighted the role of women elected representatives in Panchayats, municipalities and municipal corporations.
"Standing here today beneath the Tricolour on the ramparts of the Red Fort, I appeal to and urge all political parties in the country to come forward and become champions of women's empowerment. Step forward to honour women and ensure that our mothers and sisters receive 33% representation in the Legislative Assemblies and the Lok Sabha as soon as possible. Let them contribute to shaping India's policies," Modi said.
He also referred to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam passed by Parliament and said the issue of women's representation had repeatedly been caught up in political battles over the past 40 years.
Modi also spoke about the Lakhpati Didi initiative. He said the target of empowering three crore women to become Lakhpati Didis had been surpassed and that the new target was six crore. He said creating three crore new Lakhpati Didis would represent a major transformation in the rural economy driven by women.
PM Modi announces modern Civil Defence network
Modi announced that India would establish a modern Civil Defence network.
"I announce from the Red Fort that we will establish a vibrant Civil Defence network in the coming days. We will familiarise them with modern systems and examine what measures can be put in place to protect citizens from modern-day crises. We are going to create a massive, modern Civil Defence volunteer force capable of overcoming contemporary challenges," he said.
He also referred to the contribution of women to nation-building, saying women are leading in areas including fighter jets, civil aviation, sports, STEM education and the armed forces. He specifically mentioned women graduating from the NDA and demonstrating their ability to lead the nation's military.
PM Modi speaks about Maoist ideology
Modi spoke about Maoist ideology and what he referred to as "Dimagi Naxals".
"For years, people with a Maoist mindset had entrenched themselves in the corridors of power in the country. This Maoist ideology influenced policies, including through their roles as advisers on government committees," he said.
Modi said armed Naxals had been eliminated from the forests and that the country had been freed from that crisis. He added that those with what he called a "Dimagi Naxals" mindset were still waiting for an opportunity and were seeking to promote violence and discord.
"We must identify these 'Dimagi Naxals'. We need to isolate them and align the nation's youth with the mainstream effort to transform the country into a developed nation," he said.
PM Modi highlights India's progress and people's contribution
Modi also spoke about the contribution of citizens from different sections of society over the past 12 years.
"My dear fellow citizens, I am not saying this just like that. Over the past 12 years, crores upon crores of citizens of this country, whether Dalit, oppressed, deprived, tribal, rural resident, urban resident, poor or middle class, whether youth, elderly, woman or man, whether from the North, South, East or West, everyone has made every possible effort with determination and dedication to take the country to new heights," he said.
"I acknowledge and pay my respectful tribute to their efforts. And it is the outcome of these very efforts that in such a short span of time, 25 crore fellow countrymen have defeated poverty and emerged out of it," Modi added.
PM Modi addresses flood-hit families and pays tribute to freedom fighters
Modi also referred to floods in parts of the country in recent days and assured affected families that the country stood with them.
"In the last few days, some parts of the country have witnessed floods, which have affected many people. I assure the affected families that the whole country stands by them," he said.
He paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, freedom fighters and revolutionaries on Independence Day.
"I pay my tributes to Bapu and all the freedom fighters and revolutionaries on this Independence Day," Modi said.
He also described the presence of "Vande Mataram" at the Red Fort celebrations as historic.
"It is a historic day. Since independence, this is the first time that 'Vande Mataram' has echoed from the ramparts of the Red Fort," he said.
At the beginning of his address, Modi said, "Today, every heart is beating with the rhythm of Vande Mataram. Aaj har ghar Tiranga hai, har mann Tiranga hai."
ALSO READ:
AI skill training, online coaching and more: PM Modi's outreach to Gen Z in I-Day speech
