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PM Modi presents vision for self-reliant India in 78th Independence Day address
His 98-minute speech broke the record of his 2016 Independence day speech, which lasted for 96 minutes. Among Indian prime ministers, Modi has delivered the longest Independence Day speeches, clocking in at an average of 82 minutes.
PM Modi addressing the nation from the Red Fort. / Press Information Bureau
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a speech from the Red Fort on India's 78th Independence Day which laid out an ambitious vision for the nation's future. The address showcased a range of initiatives that aim to position India as a global leader in multiple sectors, demonstrating the country's dedication to innovation, self-reliance, and sustainable growth.
The PM discussed his government's accomplishments in various areas, including infrastructure development, education, and skilling. He also expressed his dedication to achieving even more goals in his third term.
Inspired by the freedom struggle, he urged his countrymen to work towards the Viksit Bharat (developed India) agenda, saying, "If 40 crore people can break the shackles of slavery to gain freedom, just imagine what can be achieved by the resolve of 140 crore people."
Key takeaways from PM’s speech
Global Education Hub
In a nod to India's rich educational heritage, the Prime Minister called for a revival of the ancient Nalanda University spirit, with the goal of establishing India as a global education hub. This initiative follows the inauguration of Nalanda University earlier this year and aims to promote higher learning and research on a global scale.
Manufacturing powerhouse
Addressing the critical issue of technological self-reliance, PM Modi outlined India's commitment to becoming a global leader in semiconductor production. He highlighted the importance of reducing dependency on imports and bolstering the country's capabilities in chip manufacturing. The PM envisioned transforming India into a global manufacturing powerhouse. He called for leveraging the nation's vast resources and skilled workforce to position India as a leader in industrial production.
Highlighting the importance of innovation, he introduced the concept of "Design in India, Design for the World." He urged the nation to capitalize on its indigenous design capabilities to create products that meet the needs of both domestic and international markets.
Sustainability
The Prime Minister reiterated India's commitment to becoming a global leader in renewable energy, with the ambitious goal of achieving 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030. He proudly noted that India remains the only G20 nation to have met its Paris Accord goals.
Uniform Civil Code
The need for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for the country was also addressed in PM's speech,“In our country, the Supreme Court has repeatedly discussed the Uniform Civil Code. It has given orders many times because a large section of the country believes, and there is truth in it, that the civil code with which we are living is really a kind of communal civil code, a discriminatory civil code,” the PM said.
Inducting Fresh Blood in Politics
PM Modi also called for a new wave of political participation, inviting 100,000 young Indians with no prior political background to join the political system. This initiative aims to combat the evils of nepotism and casteism, bringing fresh perspectives into the nation's governance.
Women safety
The PM also spoke about the urgent issue of women’s safety and the rising crime against women in India. In context of the recent case where the trainee doctor was killed after being raped in Kolkata hospital, he said, “...There is an outrage in the country over this. I can feel it….Crimes against women must be probed as soon as possible and those who commit monstrous crimes should be punished as soon as possible….”
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