PM Narendra Modi's Address to the Nation on India's 78th Independence Day: Full Speech from Red Fort
Aug. 15, 2024, 6:38 a.m.
Read time estimation: 49 minutes.
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On Thursday, August 15th, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort, marking the country's 78th Independence Day.
Clocking in at 98 minutes, this was the longest Independence Day speech ever delivered by an Indian prime minister. Modi surpassed his own previous record set in 2016, when he spoke for 96 minutes.
Here’s PM Modi’s full Independence Day speech in English, as published by the Press Information Bureau:
Advertisement “My beloved 140 crore family members,
India, the world's largest democracy in terms of both size and population, stands as a beacon of trust. Today, this immense nation celebrates its independence with its 1.4 billion citizens. On this momentous and sacred occasion, I extend my heartfelt greetings to every individual who loves, respects, and takes pride in our nation, India.
My dear family members,
The Non-cooperation/Civil Disobedience and Satyagraha Movement, led by our revered Mahatma Gandhi, and the bravery of individuals like Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru, along with their generation, has left an indelible mark on our independence struggle. Countless individuals contributed to our freedom, many making the ultimate sacrifice. Today, I pay my respects to all those who played a part and offer my humble gratitude for their sacrifices in securing our freedom.
August 15th also marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo, the revolutionary pioneer of spiritual life. It is also the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati. This year, our nation will commemorate with great enthusiasm the 500th birth anniversary of Rani Durgawati, the iconic warrior queen. We will also remember Meerabai, the epitome of 'bhakti and yog,' on the occasion of her 525th birth anniversary. On January 26th, our Republic Day, India will celebrate a significant milestone: 75 years of independence. As our country embarks on new possibilities and opportunities, this day will be a powerful reminder to dedicate ourselves to national development with renewed inspiration, awareness, and determination.
Advertisement My dear family members,
Tragically, this natural disaster has caused immense suffering in many parts of the country. My heart goes out to all the families affected by this crisis. I assure you that the state, working alongside the central government, will make every effort to support you and address these challenges as quickly as possible.
My dear family members,
In recent weeks, particularly in Manipur in the Northeast region, and other parts of India, there has been a period of violence, resulting in tragic loss of life and violation of the dignity of women. However, in recent days, we are receiving encouraging reports of peace, and the entire nation stands in solidarity with the people of Manipur. The people of Manipur have maintained peace in the last few days, and they should continue to cultivate this peace, as it is the path to resolving the situation. Both the state and central governments are collaborating to find solutions to the issues and will continue to do so.
Advertisement My dear family members,
When we look back at history, there are moments that leave an indelible mark, and their impact lasts for centuries. Sometimes, these events might seem small and insignificant at the beginning, but they lay the roots for numerous problems. We all know that our country was invaded 1000-1200 years ago. A small kingdom and its king were defeated. However, we couldn’t have known that this event would lead India into a thousand years of subjugation. We got ensnared in slavery, and whoever came, looted us, and ruled over us. What an adverse period it must have been, that thousand-year span.
Advertisement My dear family members,
An event might seem small, but its effects can persist for a thousand years. Today, I want to mention this because during this phase, India’s brave souls from across the country continued to keep the flame of freedom burning, and establish a tradition of sacrifice. Mother India stood up to break chains, to shatter shackles, and the women power, youth power, farmers, and people from villages, workers and every Indian who lived, breathed, and strived for the dream of freedom was ready. A formidable force was ready for sacrifices to attain freedom. Numerous great souls, who spent their youth in prisons, were relentlessly striving to break the chains of slavery and for the freedom of the country.
Advertisement My dear family members,
That widespread consciousness, the pervasive spirit of sacrifice and penance, instilled a new belief in the hearts of the masses, and in 1947, the country finally achieved independence, fulfilling the dreams nurtured during a thousand years of subjugation.
Friends,
I speak of events from a thousand years ago for a purpose. I am witnessing another opportunity before our nation, a time when we are living in such a period, an era like no other. We are fortunate to either be living in our youth or to have been born in the lap of Mother India in the first year of the 'Amrit Kaal'. And remember this, my dear fellow citizens, the actions we take, the steps we take, the sacrifices we make, the penance we undertake in this era will define our legacy.
Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay; We will take decisions one after the other, and the golden history of the country for the next 1000 years is going to emerge from it. The events taking place in this period are going to impact the next 1000 years. The country, which has come out of the slave mentality and is dedicated to the ‘Panch-Pran’ or the five resolutions, is moving forward today with a new self-confidence. The nation is working wholeheartedly to fulfil the new resolutions. My Mother India which was once a powerhouse of energy, but was buried underneath a pile of ashes, has been awakened once again by the efforts, consciousness and energy of 140 crore countrymen. Maa Bharti has been awakened and we have experienced in the last 9-10 years that this is the period in which a new trust, a new hope and a new attraction has emerged all over the world towards India, towards the potential of India, and the world can see a spark for itself in this beam of light that is emanating from India. A new trust is growing around the world.
We are fortunate to have inherited certain attributes from our ancestors, and the present era has also contributed its own unique elements. Today, we have demography, democracy, and diversity. This trinity of demography, democracy, and diversity holds the potential to fulfill every dream of India. While nations around the world grapple with aging populations, India is brimming with youthful energy. This is a moment of great pride, as India boasts the largest population under the age of 30. This is the reality of my country: youth under 30, countless hands, countless minds, countless dreams, countless resolutions! My brothers and sisters, my fellow countrymen, we can achieve the desired results.
My dear family members,
Such incidents have the power to alter a nation's destiny. We stand at a pivotal moment, poised between a millennium of subjugation and a thousand years of a glorious future about to unfold. We are at this crossroads, and we cannot falter; we must no longer dwell in indecision.
My dear family members,
Taking pride in the heritage that was once lost, gaining back the lost prosperity, let us once again believe that whatever we do, whatever step we take, whatever decision we make, will determine our direction for the next 1000 years and will write the fate of India. Today I would like to tell the youth of my country, to the sons and daughters of my country, you are fortunate. People hardly get the kind of opportunity that our youngsters are getting now,and so we don’t want to lose it. I have utmost faith in our youth power. There is huge potential/capability in our youth power and our policies as well as our ways provide an enabling environment to strengthen it.
Today my youth have propelled India to a certain position in the world’s first three startup economy systems. The youth of the world are amazed to see this power of India. Today the world is technology driven and the coming era is going to be influenced by technology. This gives a platform to showcase the prowess of India’s talent in technology who is going to play a new key role.
Friends,
Recently, I attended the G-20 Summit in Bali, and there the leaders of the most prosperous and developed countries in the world expressed immense curiosity and eagerness to learn about the nuances and successes of our Digital India initiative. They were amazed by our talent when I shared that this remarkable achievement India has made was not confined to the efforts of the youth in Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai but also included the contributions of the youth from our Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Today, they are shaping the destiny of our nation. Today, our youth, even from smaller places, and I say this with great confidence, are demonstrating a new potential for our country. That is why I say that our smaller cities may be limited in size and population, but the hope, aspirations, effort, and impact they have displayed are unparalleled. They possess innovative ideas to develop apps, provide solutions, and design technological devices. Just look at how our sports world has transformed. Children who emerged from slums are showcasing their strength on the global sporting stage today. The youth of small villages and towns, our sons and daughters, are achieving incredible feats in this arena. Now, consider this: there are 100 schools in our country where children are building satellites and even aspire to launch them one day. Today, thousands of tinkering labs are nurturing future scientists. Today, these labs are inspiring millions of children to embark on the path of science and technology.
I want to tell the youth of my country that today there is no dearth of opportunities, as many opportunities as you want, this country is capable of creating more opportunities. Sky’s the limit.
Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the mothers, sisters, and daughters of my country. Our nation has achieved its current standing due to the exceptional capabilities and competence of our mothers and sisters. Today, India is on the path of progress, so I also want to congratulate our farmer brothers and sisters. Today, I pay my respects to the laborers of my country, my dear family members, and all the millions who belong to these fraternities. Today, our nation, moving towards modernity, is recognized with a power that rivals the world. This could not have been possible without the substantial contributions of our laborers. Today is an opportune moment to acknowledge their tireless efforts from the ramparts of the Red Fort. I truly congratulate them all.
I express my profound gratitude to my family members, the 1.4 billion citizens of my nation, our hard-working laborers, street vendors, and those who provide us with fruits and vegetables. Professionals play a crucial role in driving our nation forward, propelling India to new heights of advancement. Whether they are scientists, engineers, doctors, nurses, teachers, scholars, universities, or gurukuls, every individual is contributing their utmost to brighten the future of Mother India.
My dear family members,
National consciousness is the term that is liberating us from worries. And today, this national consciousness is proving that India’s greatest strength is trust. India’s greatest strength is trust, our trust in each individual, trust of each individual in government, trust of each one in a bright future for the nation, and the world’s faith in India as well. This trust is for our policies and practices. This trust is because of the determined steps with which we are moving forward, towards a brighter future for India.
Brothers and sisters,
My dear family members, it is certain that India’s capabilities and possibilities are set to traverse new heights of belief, and this new belief in abilities and new strengths should be nurtured. Today, the country has got the opportunity to host the G-20 summit. And the way various G-20 events and programs have been organized in every corner of India since the past year, they have showcased the abilities of common people to the world. These events have introduced the diversity of India. The world is observing India’s diversity with amazement, and as a result, the attraction towards India has also increased. There is a growing desire to know and understand India. Similarly, India’s export is growing rapidly.And I want to say that experts from around the world, based on all these criteria, are saying that India will not stop now. There is hardly any rating agency in the world which is not praising India.
The world has entered a new era of thinking since the COVID-19 pandemic. I am convinced that just as a new world order emerged after World War II, a new global order, a new geopolitical landscape is rapidly taking shape in the aftermath of the pandemic. The interpretation of geopolitical dynamics is shifting, and definitions are being redefined. My fellow citizens, you should be proud that the world is witnessing the capabilities of our nation, with its 1.4 billion people, in shaping this changing world. We stand at a pivotal moment.
And during the corona period, the world has seen our capabilities in the way India has propelled the country forward. When the world’s supply chains were disrupted, when there was pressure on big economies, even at that time, we had said that we have to see the development of the world. It should be human centric and humane; that is when we will be able to find the right solutions to the problems. And Covid has taught us or has forced us to realize that we cannot do the welfare of the world by leaving human sensibilities.
Today India is becoming the voice of the Global South. India’s prosperity and heritage are turning into opportunities for the world today. Friends, with India’s participation in the global economy and the global supply chain and with the place that India has earned for itself, I can say with full confidence that the current scenario in India today has brought a guarantee of stability in the world. There are no ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’ now in our minds, or in the minds of my 140 crore family members, or in the mind of the world. There is complete trust.
My dear countrymen,
The opportunity is in our hands now, and we must seize it. I commend the people of India for their ability to grasp the root causes of challenges. This understanding led to the formation of a stable and strong government in 2014, ending three decades of uncertainty and instability. The country was finally free from the shackles of political constraints and able to move forward with a clear vision.
My dear family members,
The country has such a government today which is devoting every moment of the time and every penny of the people’s money for the balanced development of the country; for Sarvajan Hitaya: Sarvajan Sukhaya. The pride of my government and my countrymen is connected to one thing, that our every decision, our every direction is linked to just one yardstick, that is, ‘Nation First’. And ‘Nation First’, is going to produce far-reaching and positive results. Work is being done on a large scale in the country. But I would like to say that in 2014 as well as in 2019 you formed a strong government, and that is why Modi got the courage to bring reforms. You formed such a government that instilled courage in Modi to bring reforms. And when Modi brought reforms one after the other, the people of my bureaucracy, my crores of hands and feet, who are working as part of the government in every corner of India, ‘performed to transform’ . They fulfilled the responsibility very well and when the public joined in, we could see the transformation very clearly. And that’s why this period of ‘reform, perform, transform’ is now shaping the future of India. And we are promoting those forces within the country, which are going to strengthen the foundation of the coming thousand years.
The global community requires the power and skills of young people. To address this need, we have established a dedicated ministry for skill development. This ministry will not only cater to India's needs but also contribute to fulfilling global requirements.
The establishment of the Ministry of Jal Shakti signifies a profound shift in our approach. A closer examination of the ministry's structure reveals the government's clear vision and strategic thinking. The Ministry of Jal Shakti is unwavering in its commitment to ensuring access to clean drinking water for every citizen. Our focus is on developing robust systems to safeguard the environment. Following our nation's triumph over the Covid-19 pandemic, the world seeks a holistic approach to healthcare – a pressing need of our time. We have created a dedicated Ministry of AYUSH, and today, Yoga and AYUSH are gaining global recognition. Our commitment to global well-being has earned us international respect. If we undervalue our own capabilities, how can we expect the world to acknowledge them? The creation of this ministry signaled its importance to the world. We are not neglecting our fisheries and vast coastlines. We are deeply committed to the well-being of our countless fisherfolk brothers and sisters. They hold a special place in our hearts, which is why we have established a separate ministry for fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairy to support those segments of society that have been marginalized.
There are parts of the government economy in the country, but a large part of the society’s economy is the cooperative movement. Cooperative Ministry has also been created which is spreading its network through our cooperative institutions so that the poorest of the poor are heard, their needs are met and they too can contribute in an organized way towards the development of the nation by being a part of a small unit. We have adopted the path of prosperity through cooperation.
My dear family members,
When we came to power in 2014, India was ranked 10th in the global economy. Today, the relentless efforts of 140 crore Indians have paid off, and we have reached the 5th position in the world economy. This accomplishment has not come easily. When we assumed office, the nation was burdened by corruption, scams worth lakhs of crores were crippling the economy, and governance was weak. We tackled leakages, built a robust economy, and prioritized spending for the welfare of the poor. Today, I want to assure my fellow citizens that economic prosperity does more than just fill government coffers. It empowers citizens and strengthens the nation. When a government pledges to use its resources honestly for the well-being of its people, the potential for achievement is boundless.
I am sharing a decade's account with my fellow citizens from the ramparts of this Red Fort, where our tricolor stands as a witness. The figures you hear speak volumes about the transformative change that has taken place. You may wonder how this was achieved, how powerful our ability is to facilitate such a transformation. Ten years ago, the Government of India transferred 30 lakh crore rupees to the states. Over the past nine years, this figure has reached 100 lakh crore rupees. Previously, the Government of India spent 70 thousand crore rupees on local body development. Today, this figure has surpassed 3 lakh crores. Earlier, 90 thousand crore rupees were allocated to build homes for the poor. Today, that figure has quadrupled, and over 4 lakh crore rupees are being invested in housing for the underprivileged.
First the poor should get cheap urea. The bags of urea that are sold for 3,000 rupees in some global markets, we provide to our farmers for 300 rupees, and hence the government is providing a subsidy of 10 lakh crore rupees on urea for our farmers. The Mudra Yojana, with a budget of over 20 lakh crore rupees, has provided opportunities for self-employment, businesses, and ventures for the youth of our country. About eight crore people have started new businesses, and it’s not just eight crore people who started their businesses; each entrepreneur has provided employment to one or two individuals. The capability to provide employment to 8-10 crore new individuals has been achieved through the Mudra Yojana availed by eight crore citizens.
During the Corona crisis, MSMEs were supported with nearly 3.5 lakh crore rupees, preventing them from sinking and providing them strength. Under the “One Rank One Pension” initiative, which was a tribute to our soldiers, 70,000 crore rupees from India’s treasury has reached them. The families of our retired soldiers have got this money. These are just a few examples and I don’t want to take more time. There are many more initiatives that have significantly contributed to the country’s development, generating employment in various corners of the nation as the budget has been increased manifold across categories as compared to before.
And my dear loved ones,
But that’s not all; the result of all these efforts is that in my first five-year term, 13.5 crore of my fellow poor brothers and sisters have broken free from the chains of poverty and entered the new middle class. There can be no greater satisfaction in life than this.
My dear family members,
Various schemes, including housing programs, the provision of 50,000 crore rupees to street vendors through the PM SVANidhi scheme, and many others, have played a crucial role in helping these 13.5 crore people overcome poverty. In the coming days, we will launch a scheme on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti, which will benefit individuals skilled in traditional crafts, particularly from the OBC community. Carpenters, goldsmiths, masons, laundry workers, barbers, and similar families will be empowered through the Vishwakarma Yojana, starting with an allocation of approximately 13-15 thousand crore rupees. We have directly deposited 2.5 lakh crore rupees into the accounts of our farmers through the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. We have invested 2 lakh crore rupees in the Jal Jeevan Mission, ensuring access to clean water for every household. We have eased the financial burden of the poor who require medical attention through the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, investing 70,000 crore rupees in the scheme to guarantee access to medicine, treatment, and high-quality hospital care. The nation is aware of our expenditure of 40,000 crore rupees for providing free vaccines during the COVID-19 crisis. However, you might be pleased to know that we have invested nearly 15,000 crore rupees for the vaccination of livestock to safeguard their health.
My dear citizens, my dear family members,
Jan Aushadhi Kendras have provided new strength to senior citizens and middle-class families in our nation. In a joint family, if someone has diabetes, it’s quite natural to get a medical bill of Rs 2000-3000. We provide medicines which cost Rs 100 in the market for just Rs.10, Rs.15, Rs.20 through Jan Aushadhi Kendras . And today, with 10,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country, about Rs 20,000 crore have been saved by these people who needed medicines for these kinds of diseases. And these are mostly people who belong to middle-class families. But looking at its success today, I want to tell the countrymen that we are about to touch that section of the society with the Vishwakarma scheme. At the same time, we are also going to work on the target of 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country in the coming days from the present 10,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
My dear family members,
As poverty diminishes in the country, the power of the middle class increases significantly. I assure you that in the next five years, Modi guarantees that India will be among the top three world economies; it will happen without a doubt. The 13.5 crore individuals who have risen above poverty have essentially joined the middle class. When the purchasing power of the poor increases, the middle class's capacity to engage in business also expands. When rural purchasing power grows, the financial systems of towns and cities operate at a faster pace. Our economic cycle is interconnected, and we intend to strengthen it and move forward.
My dear family members,
The weaker sections who live in the cities face a lot of problems. Middle-class families are dreaming of buying their own houses. We are coming up with a new scheme in the coming years that will benefit those families that live in cities but are living in rented houses, or slums, or chawls and unauthorized colonies. If they want to build their own houses, we will assist them with a relief in interest rates and loans from banks that will help them save lakhs of rupees. If the income tax bracket for my middle-class families is raised from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 7 lakh, it benefits the salaried class, the middle class the most. Internet data was very expensive before 2014. Now we have the world’s cheapest internet data. Every family’s money is being saved.
My family members,
The world is still grappling with the negative consequences of the pandemic, and the ongoing war has further aggravated the situation. The global economy is currently experiencing a crisis of inflation. Inflation has gripped the economies of countries worldwide. We also import goods from various parts of the world. Unfortunately, we are forced to import these goods at inflated prices. The entire world is facing this inflationary challenge.
But my dear family members,
India has made every effort to control inflation. We have witnessed some success compared to the past, but we cannot become complacent. We must not rest on the assumption that our economic situation is better than the rest of the world. To reduce the burden of inflation on our citizens, I need to take further steps. We will continue to take these steps. My efforts will continue.
My dear family members,
Today the country is moving forward with various capabilities. The country is working to move towards modernity. Today the country is working in the area of renewable energy; today the country is working on green hydrogen; the country’s capability in the space sector is increasing.
The country is making significant progress in the deep sea mission. Railways are undergoing modernization, and the Vande Bharat Bullet Train is now operating successfully within the country. Concrete roads are being constructed in every village. Electric buses and metro rails are also being built across the nation. Internet connectivity is reaching the most remote corners of every village. We also aspire to develop quantum computers. Simultaneously, we are working on Nano Urea and Nano DAP while emphasizing organic farming. The Farmers Producers Association app is being developed, and we aim to manufacture semiconductors.
As we strive to create an accessible and inclusive India for our differently-abled citizens, Divyangjan, we are empowering them to proudly raise the Indian flag at the Paralympics. We are providing special training to these athletes. Abandoning outdated perspectives and limited scope, India is moving forward with a vision for achieving these futuristic goals. I believe it is a blessing that I was chosen and destined to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of so many projects.
Our work culture of aspirational mindset, thinking big, farsightedness, Sarvajan Hitaya: SarvajanSukhaya: Such has been our working style. And with this energy we work on how to achieve beyond and more than a resolution. We had resolved to make 75 thousand Amrit Sarovar in the Amrit Mahotsav of independence. At that time, we had resolved to make 75 Amrit Sarovar in every district. Around 50-55 thousand Amrit Sarovars were conceived. But today the work of construction of about 75 thousand Amrit Sarovar is going on. This in itself is a humongous task. This strength of manpower and water power is also going to be useful in safeguarding India’s environmental wealth. Providing electricity to 18 thousand villages, opening bank accounts for the masses, building toilets for daughters, all the targets will be accomplished with full force ahead of time.
And when India takes a decision, it achieves it. This is what our track record says. Accomplishing 200 crore vaccinations successfully was an eyeopener for the world. A 200 crore figure leaves them flabbergasted. My country’s Anganwadi workers, our Asha workers, and our health workers have made this possible. This is the strength of my country. We rolled out 5-G. My country is the fastest in the world to roll out 5-G. We have reached more than 700 districts. And now we are already preparing for 6-G also.
We have established a task force to spearhead our efforts in the renewable energy sector, where we have surpassed our ambitious targets. The target we set for renewable energy by 2030 was achieved in 2021-22. We had envisioned a 20% blend of ethanol in fuels, and this goal was achieved five years ahead of schedule. Similarly, our export target of $500 billion was reached ahead of time and subsequently surpassed, exceeding $500 billion.
We were determined to realize a long-held aspiration – a new parliament for our nation, a vision discussed for 25 years. This dream has now become a reality. Never before has there been such a compelling need for a new Parliament. My dear brothers and sisters, it is Modi who has ensured that this new Parliament is ready ahead of schedule. This is a government that delivers, a government that exceeds its targets. This is a new India, an India brimming with self-confidence, an India relentlessly working to transform its aspirations into reality.
And so this India is unstoppable, this India is tireless, this India does not gasp and this India does not give up. And that’s why, my dear family members, with economic prowess our labor force has got new strength, our borders have become more secure than before and the soldiers are minding the borders.
On this auspicious occasion of Independence Day, as I address the nation, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our valiant soldiers safeguarding our borders and to the uniformed forces ensuring our internal security. To remain a formidable force, our military must undergo continuous modernization, empowerment, rejuvenation, and readiness for any eventuality. Therefore, our armed forces are undergoing continuous reforms.
My dear family members,
We once faced a daily barrage of bomb blasts, a constant sense of unease. Warnings against suspicious packages and frequent announcements were commonplace. Today, the nation enjoys a sense of security. With a secure nation comes peace, which paves the way for realizing new dreams of progress. The era of serial bomb blasts is now a relic of the past, the innocent lives lost now part of history. The country has witnessed a substantial reduction in terrorist attacks. Even in Naxal-affected regions, a significant transformation has taken place, fostering an environment conducive to profound change.
My dear family members,
In every aspect of progress, when we move forward with the dream of a developed India by 2047, it’s not just a dream but a resolve of 1.4 billion citizens. To fulfill that resolve, hard work is essential, but our national character is the most significant force. The countries that have progressed, the ones that have overcome challenges, all of them have had a crucial catalyst – their national character. We must further strengthen our national character and move forward. It is our collective responsibility that our nation, our national character, should be vigorous, dynamic, hardworking, valiant, and outstanding. For the coming 25 years, we should follow only one mantra which should be the pinnacle of our national character. We should move forward with the message of living the unity of India and refrain from any language or step which will cause any harm to the unity of India. Every moment, I will continue my efforts to ensure the unity of the country. India’s unity gives us strength.
Be it North or South, East or West, village or city, male or female – all of us contribute to the strength of our country with the spirit of unity and diversity. The second important aspect that I am observing is that if we want to see our country as a developed India by 2047, we must live by the mantra of ‘Shreshtha Bharat’ and characterize it. Now talking about our production, I had said in 2014, “Zero Defect, Zero Effect.” If there’s a “Made in India” product on any table in the world, the world should have confidence that there is nothing better than this. This will be ultimate. Be it our produce, our services, our words, our institutions, or our decision-making processes, everything will be supreme. Only then can we carry forward the essence of excellence.
The third point is that the additional power of women-led development will take the country towards further progress. Today, India can proudly say that if any country in the world has the highest number of women pilots in civil aviation, it’s our nation. Whether it’s the progress of Chandrayaan or the moon missions, many women scientists are at the forefront.
Today with the aim of creating a base of 2 crore Lakhpati Didis, we are working on women self-help groups. We, while promoting the potential of our women power, we are focusing on women-led development. When I put forward the matter of women-led development in the G-20, the whole G-20 group acknowledged its importance. And by acknowledging its importance, they are giving a lot of emphasis on it. Similarly, India is a country full of diversities. We have been a victim of imbalanced development. Some parts of our country have been victims of alienation. Now we must lay emphasis upon regional aspirations for balanced development and give due respect to that spirit regarding regional aspirations. If any part of our Mother India, or our body remains under-developed, then our body will not be considered fully developed. If any part of our body remains weak, then we will not be considered healthy. Similarly, if any part of my Mother India, or even a section of the society remains weak, then we cannot consider my Mother India as healthy and capable. And that’s why we need to address regional aspirations and that’s why we want to move forward in the direction of all-round development of the society, all-round development of every region and to ensure that every region gets an opportunity to reach its potential.
My dear family members,
India embodies the spirit of democracy and is a beacon of diversity. We celebrate a multitude of languages, dialects, traditions, and cultures. It is essential that we progress while embracing this rich tapestry.
My dear family members,
When I talk about unity, and an incident occurs in Manipur, we feel the pain in Maharashtra. If Assam faces floods, Kerala becomes concerned. If anything negative happens anywhere in India, we feel the pain as if it were our own. It's our social responsibility to ensure that the daughters of our country are not oppressed. It's a responsibility we all share, both as individuals and as a nation. When copies of the Guru Granth Sahib are brought back from Afghanistan, the entire country feels a sense of pride. When, during the pandemic, a Sikh brother in another country sets up a langar, feeds the hungry, and receives global acclaim, India rejoices.
My dear family members,
Speaking of respecting women, I recently visited a country where a senior minister asked me, “Do your daughters study science and engineering?” I told him that in my country, today, more girls than boys are pursuing STEM fields, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. He was surprised to learn that a majority of our daughters are engaged in these fields. This is a testament to the capabilities of our nation today.
My dear family members,
Today 10 crore women are involved in women self-help groups and if you go to a village with women self-help groups, you will find bank didis, Anganwadi didis with and didis who distribute medicines. And now my dream is to create a base of 2 crore lakhpati didis in the villages. And now we have new options for the same i.e. science and technology. I can see the potential of the women in our villages and that’s why I am thinking of a new scheme. That will provide training to the sisters of Women Self Help Group with the integration of technology in our agriculture sector thereby strengthening our agritech. We will give skill training to women and train them to operate as well as repair drones. The Government of India will provide drones to thousands of such Women Self Help Groups. We will initiate making drone services available for our agricultural work. To begin with, we will start building 15 thousand Women Self Help Groups which will give flight to the dream of enabling a robust drone training mission.
My beloved family members,
Today, our nation is making remarkable strides towards modernization. Whether it's highways, railways, airways, digital infrastructure, waterways, or communication networks, we are witnessing progress across all sectors. Over the past nine years, we have placed a strong emphasis on development in coastal, tribal, and hilly regions. We have empowered these communities through programs like Parvat Mala and Bharat Mala. We have integrated our eastern states into the national grid by establishing gas pipelines. We have bolstered our healthcare infrastructure by increasing the number of hospitals and medical college seats, enabling our youth to pursue their dreams of becoming doctors and serving the nation. To ensure equitable access to education, we have promoted the use of mother tongues in the learning process. I commend the Indian Supreme Court for making it possible for people to understand court judgments in their native languages, as the importance of mother tongues continues to grow in our society.
My dear family members,
For villages located on our borders, we have introduced the "Vibrant Border Village" initiative. Previously, these villages were seen as the last outpost of our nation. We have changed this perception entirely. These villages, situated on the border, are the first villages of our country. As the sun rises in the east, these villages are the first to bask in its rays. And as the sun sets, they receive the last rays of the day. They are our frontline villages, and I am delighted that 600 headmen from these villages are here today at the historic Red Fort, participating in this significant program. They have traveled a great distance to join us, filled with renewed commitment, strength, and determination.
My beloved family members,
We envisioned Aspirational District and Aspirational Block to reinstate balanced development and its positive results can be seen today. Today, with the normal parameters of the states, these Aspirational Districts, which were once far behind, have shown better performance. I am positive that in the coming days, our aspirational districts and our aspirational blocks will definitely move forward. As I was speaking about India’s character- first I mentioned India’s unity; secondly, I mentioned that India should focus on excellence, thirdly, I spoke about women development. And today, I want to reiterate one more thing, fourthly Regional aspiration and the fifth important thing is India’s national character and we are moving forward in that direction. Our national character should think about the betterment of the world. We have to make the country so strong that it can play its role for the welfare of the world. And after handling a global crisis like Corona, and the way we stood up as a country to help the world, the result is that our country has now taken the form of a friend of the world.
As an unwavering ally of the world, India has established its identity today. When we talk about global welfare, India’s fundamental idea is to carry that thought forward. I am pleased that on this occasion of August 15th, several esteemed representatives from the US Congress are present among us.
What is India’s perspective, and how do we advance the idea of global welfare? Now, when we think, what do we say? We have presented this vision to the world, and the world is joining us with this vision. We said “One Sun, One World, One Grid” in the field of renewable energy. This is a significant statement from us, and today the world is acknowledging it. After COVID, we told the world that our approach should be “One Earth, One Health”. Solutions to problems will arise only when humans, animals, and plants are equally addressed during times of illness.
We have put forth the concept of “One World, One Family, One Future” for the G20 summit and are working in that direction. As the world grapples with climate crises, we have shown the way and launched the LifeStyle for Environment – Mission LiFE initiative. We formed the International Solar Alliance in collaboration with the world and many countries are now part of the International Solar Alliance. We have emphasized the importance of biodiversity and advanced the establishment of the “Big Cat Alliance”.
For the damage caused to infrastructure due to global warming from natural disasters, there is a need for long-term arrangements. Therefore, we have introduced the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) as a solution. While the world is currently witnessing conflicts in the oceans, we have provided the world with the concept of the “Sagar Platform” which can guarantee global maritime peace. Emphasizing the need for traditional medical practices in mind, we have worked towards establishing a global-level center of the World Health Organization (WHO) in India. Through yoga and Ayurveda, we have worked for global well-being and health. Today, India is laying a strong foundation for global welfare. It is our collective responsibility to build upon this strong foundation.
My dear family members,
We have many dreams, clear resolutions, and definite policies. There is no questioning the intention. However, we must accept some truths and work towards their solutions. Therefore, my dear family members, I have come to the Red Fort today to seek your help and blessings, because in recent years, I have understood the nation’s needs and assessed its necessities. Based on my experience, I am saying that we must now address these matters with seriousness. During the ‘Amrit Kaal’ of independence, when the nation celebrates 100 years of freedom in 2047, at that time, the Tricolour should be of a developed India in the world. We must not pause even for a moment, nor should we step back. For this, awareness, transparency, and impartiality are the necessary strengths. We have to provide as much nourishment to this strength as possible.
It should be our collective responsibility to ensure that we can provide it through institutions as a citizen and as a family. And that’s why if we look at the history of the last 75 years, there was no dearth in India’s potential. And why can’t this country, which was once called the ‘golden bird’, rise again with that same potential? Friends, my dear family members, I have an unwavering belief that in 2047, when the country celebrates 100 years of independence, my country will be a developed India. And I am saying this on the basis of the strength of my country, our available resources and particularly trusting the power of youth, of those under 30 years of age. Moreover, I am saying this on the basis of the strength of my mothers and sisters. However, there are certain obstacles in front of it because in the last 75 years certain bad elements have creeped into the society and have become a part of our social system so much so that sometimes we even turn a blind eye toward these. Now is not the time to shut your eyes.
If our dreams are to be fulfilled, if our resolutions are to be achieved, then it is imperative that we confront these three evils head-on. Corruption is at the root of all our country's problems. Like a termite, it has eroded the very foundation of our systems and undermined our capabilities. Freedom from corruption, a fight against corruption in every area and every sector is urgently needed. My fellow countrymen, my dear fellow citizens, this is Modi's commitment, my personal commitment, to continue fighting corruption. Secondly, dynastic politics has plagued our nation. This dynastic system has gripped the country and usurped the rights of our citizens.
Appeasement is the third major evil. It has tainted our national identity and harmony. These practices have caused significant damage. My fellow countrymen, we must unite and vigorously combat these three evils: corruption, nepotism, and appeasement. These challenges have stifled the aspirations of our people. They rob our country of the talents and potential of individuals. These practices undermine the hopes and dreams of our citizens, particularly the poor, Dalits, backward classes, Pasmanda communities, tribal communities, mothers, and sisters. We must eradicate these evils to secure their rights. Let us create an environment where corruption is abhorred, just as we despise dirt in our lives. There is no greater stain on our public life than corruption.
And that’s why we must give a new twist to our cleanliness campaign and cleanse our system of corruption. The government is making a lot of efforts to get rid of corruption with the use of technology. You would be surprised to know what was achieved on the ground in the last 9 years in this country. If you listen to the alarming figures, you will realize that Modi takes such steps. I stopped the unfair advantage that nearly ten crore people used to take. Some of you might claim that severe injustice was done to these people; But no, who were these 10 crore people? Alarmingly, these 10 crore people were those who were not even born, and yet many falsely identified themselves as their widows and divyangs and reaped the benefits. Such women upon getting old often became disabled, and thus continued to take false benefits of government schemes. This is the pious task where we were able to stop 100 million such benami activities that had been going on since decades. The property of the corrupt that we have seized is 20 times more than before.
My dear family members,
These people absconded after robbing your hard earned money. We confiscated 20 times more property, and hence people’s resentment towards me is very natural. But I have to intensify this fight against corruption. Due to our faulty government system, even if something happened in the eye of the camera, it used to get stuck afterwards. Compared to earlier times, we have now filed many more chargesheets in the court and getting bails is not easy. We are progressing by building such a firm system, because we are earnestly and honestly fighting against corruption.
Today, nepotism and appeasement have brought big misfortune to the country. Now how can this happen in democracy that a political party, and I am giving special emphasis on ‘political party’, has brought such a distortion in the democracy of my country. It can never strengthen India’s democracy. What is that disease: familial politics. And what is their mantra? Party of the family, by the family and for the family. Their life mantra is that their political party belongs to the family, through the family and for the family, Nepotism and partisanship are the enemies of our talent pool. These parties deny capabilities and refuse to accept their competence. And therefore, for the strengthening of the democracy of this country we must liberate ourselves from nepotism. Sarvajan Hitaya Sarvajan Sukhay! Everyone deserves to get their rights. Hence, it is very important to reinstate social justice as well. Appeasement has done the biggest harm to social justice. If someone has destroyed social justice, then this appeasement thinking, appeasement politics. Government schemes for appeasement have indeed killed social justice. And that’s why we realize appeasement and corruption are the biggest enemies of development. If the country wants development, the country aspires to fulfill the dream of 2047 of a developed India, then it is necessary for us that we refuse to tolerate corruption in the country under any circumstances. We should walk forward and onward with this mood.
My beloved family members,
We all have a profound responsibility. Forcing the next generation to live the way we have is a grave injustice. It is our duty to leave a prosperous and balanced nation to our future generations. We must strive to create a country rooted in social justice, so that our children do not have to struggle for basic needs. This is the responsibility of every citizen. This era, the Amrit Kaal, is Kartavya Kaal, an era of duty. We cannot shirk our responsibilities. We must build the India that Mahatma Gandhi envisioned, the India that our freedom fighters dreamed of, the India that our brave martyrs and women who sacrificed their lives for the nation had in their hearts.
My dear family members,
When I came in 2014, I came with a promise of change. In 2014. I made a promise to you that I will bring about change. And the 140 crore members of my family placed their trust in me, and I made every effort to fulfill that trust. The promise of Reform, Perform, Transform changed into belief because I had promised change. Through Reform, Perform, Transform, I have turned this promise into belief. I have worked tirelessly, I have worked for the country, I have worked with pride, and I have done it with the spirit of “Nation First.” Based on my performance, you blessed me once again in 2019 and the promise of change brought me here. The next five years will be the years of unprecedented development. The next five years are the golden moments to realize the dream of 2047. And next time, on the 15th of August, from this very Red Fort, I will present to you the achievements of the country, your capabilities, the progress made by you, the successes achieved with even greater self-confidence.
My dear loved ones,
I come from among you, I live for you. My dreams are for your well-being. My efforts are for your progress. Not because you have entrusted me with this responsibility, but because you are my family. As a member of your family, I cannot bear to see your sorrows, I cannot bear to see your dreams shattered. I am here to fulfill your aspirations, to stand by you as a companion, to serve you, to be connected with you, to live with you, and to fight for you. I am determined to embark on this journey with you. The struggles of our ancestors for independence and the dreams they held are alive in us today. The blessings of those who sacrificed for our freedom are with us. An opportunity has arisen for the 1.4 billion citizens of our country, and this opportunity comes with immense potential and strength.
And therefore, my dear loved ones,
Today, as I speak to you in this 'Amrit Kaal,' the first year of this golden era, I want to say with absolute confidence –
As the wheel of time keeps turning,
The ever revolving cycle of the Amrit Kaal,
Everyone’s dreams are my own dreams,
Nurturing all our aspirations, moving forward with determination, our youth march with courage and purpose.
With unwavering principles, we chart a new path, setting a steady pace, and forging a brighter future.
Confront challenges with unwavering determination, elevate our nation's reputation on the global stage.
My dear family members,
My fellow citizens in India and around the world, I extend my heartfelt greetings on this auspicious Independence Day! This 'Amrit Kaal' is a time for all of us to dedicate ourselves to our nation. This period is an opportunity for us to contribute to the progress of 'Maa Bharati'. During the freedom struggle, the generation born before 1947 had the chance to sacrifice their lives for the country. They gave their all for our independence. While we may not have the opportunity to die for the country, we have an even greater opportunity – to live for the country. Let us dedicate every moment to our nation and with this resolve, let us strive to fulfill the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians during this 'Amrit Kaal'. We must work together to achieve our goals, and by 2047, when the tricolor is hoisted, the world will recognize India as a developed nation. With this belief and determination, I wish you all the best. Happy Independence Day!
Jai Hind, Jai Hind, Jai Hind!
Bharat Mata ki Jai, Bharat Mata ki Jai, Bharat Mata ki Jai!
Vande Mataram! Vande Mataram! Vande Mataram!
Thank you very much!”
