NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his longest Independence Day speech on Thursday, lasting 98 minutes, surpassing his previous record of 96 minutes set in 2016. PM Modi‘s speeches have averaged around 82 minutes, making them the longest of any PM in history.
On the 78th Independence Day, PM Modi, in his address, outlined a vision for India’s future.From hosting the 2036 Olympics to championing a Secular Civil Code, PM Modi emphasised India’s collective progress and empowerment of every citizen. He also spoke of continuing the fight against corruption with renewed vigour. With a focus on innovation, education, and global leadership, he reaffirmed that nothing can stop India from becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The PM also covered other topics, including corruption and violence against women.
Among several goals, PM Modi highlighted the creation of 75,000 new medical seats in the next 5 years to reduce the need for students to study medicine abroad; continued focus on reforms to change the lives of the middle class and poor; making India a manufacturing hub; providing basic amenities like water to every household; and more.
The PM’s speech also laid out a blueprint for growth through reforms and social welfare measures aimed at realising the ‘Viksit Bharat’ dream in the coming years.
Here are topic-wise highlights from PM Modi’s speech:
On empowerment and development
On women safety, empowerment
On the 78th Independence Day, PM Modi, in his address, outlined a vision for India’s future.From hosting the 2036 Olympics to championing a Secular Civil Code, PM Modi emphasised India’s collective progress and empowerment of every citizen. He also spoke of continuing the fight against corruption with renewed vigour. With a focus on innovation, education, and global leadership, he reaffirmed that nothing can stop India from becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The PM also covered other topics, including corruption and violence against women.
Among several goals, PM Modi highlighted the creation of 75,000 new medical seats in the next 5 years to reduce the need for students to study medicine abroad; continued focus on reforms to change the lives of the middle class and poor; making India a manufacturing hub; providing basic amenities like water to every household; and more.
The PM’s speech also laid out a blueprint for growth through reforms and social welfare measures aimed at realising the ‘Viksit Bharat’ dream in the coming years.
Here are topic-wise highlights from PM Modi’s speech:
On Viksit Bharat
- If 140 crore citizens of my country, 140 crores of my family members set out with a resolution, determine a direction and march forward step by step, shoulder to shoulder, no matter how great the challenges, how intense the scarcity or the struggle for resources, we can overcome every challenge and build a prosperous Bharat and achieve the goal of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
- We must not let this opportunity slip away. If we seize this moment and move forward with our dreams and resolutions, we will fulfil the
nation ‘s aspirations for a ‘Swarnim Bharat’ (Golden India) and achieve our goal of a developed Bharat by 2047. - A new and modern system is being established in every field, be it the tourism sector, MSMEs, education, healthcare, transport, agriculture, or the farming sector.
- We aim to advance in line with our country’s unique conditions while adopting the best practices from around the world.
- Every sector requires modernization and innovation, with an emphasis on integrating technology.
- Less government interference in the lives of ordinary citizens is an important part of our vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
- At least two annual reforms in each of the 3 lakh institutions operating across the country are mandated, then it could result in around 25-30 lakh reforms annually leading to increased confidence of common man.
On hurdles facing India
- In today’s India, there is no place for a Mai-Baap culture.
- There is a certain section of people who cannot think beyond their own welfare and do not care about the well-being of others. Such individuals, with their distorted mindset, are a concern. The country must avoid these people, who are mired in despair.
- These pessimistic elements are not merely hopeless; they are nurturing a negative mindset that dreams of destruction and seeks to undermine our collective progress. The country needs to recognize this threat.
- Corruption at all levels has shattered the common man’s faith in the system.
- I want to create an environment of fear for the corrupt, so the tradition of looting the common citizen comes to an end. The attempt to sow such seeds in society, the glorification of corruption, and the continuous efforts to increase the acceptance of the corrupt have become a significant challenge for a healthy society and a matter of great concern.
- Dynastic politics and casteism are causing significant harm to the democracy of Bharat.
On defence
- We are becoming self-reliant in the defence sector.
- India has gradually emerged and is establishing itself as an exporter and manufacturer of various Defence Equipment.
- When our armed forces conduct Surgical Strikes, our heart fills with pride and our heads are held high.
- 140 crore Indians today feel proud and confident of episodes of valour of our armed forces.
On financial sector, economy
- We have successfully doubled the per capita income of individuals.
- We have made significant strides in setting new records in employment and self-employment
- Multiple reforms were implemented to strengthen the banking sector. And today, as a result, our banks have secured their place among the selected strong banks in the world.
- Strong banking system becomes the greatest strength to meet the needs of the common poor, especially middle-class families.
- Banks are the biggest support for our MSMEs.
- Various under-privileged sections of society like the cattle-rearers, fishermen, street vendors are now connecting with banks and are achieving new heights, and becoming partners in the path to
development . - Numerous financial policies are being continuously developed to advance the nation and the country’s trust in these new systems is steadily growing.
- If there was any country that has swiftly improved its economy amidst the global covid pandemic, it is Bharat.
- Development of modern infrastructure & Ease of Living should be focused to catapult our economic growth and development.
- In the past decade, we have witnessed humongous infrastructure development by providing state of art railways, airport, ports, and robust roadways network to ensure government connectivity.
- I urge all elected representatives, regardless of party or state, to take steps on a mission mode to ensure Ease of Living.
- India is bound to become the third-largest economy during my third term, and that I will work three times harder, at three times the speed and with three times the scale so that the dreams we have for the nation are realized sooner.
On farmers
- Transformation in the agriculture sector is the crucial need of the hour.
- I am grateful to all the farmers who have chosen the path of natural farming and taken a resolve to serve our Mother Earth.
- Substantial schemes with significant provisions were introduced in this year’s budget to promote and support organic farming.
- We must strengthen the nutrition of the world and also support the small farmers of India.
- India and her farmers have the potential to create a global food basket of organic food.
- 60,000 ‘Amrit Sarovars’ (ponds) have been revived and replenished.
On world affairs
- G-20 was never held in such a grand manner before.
- Bharat has the capability to organize major international events and possesses unparalleled hospitality.
- External challenges, in particular, are likely to escalate.
- I want to convey to such forces that the development of Bharat does not mean a threat to anyone.
- We are the land of Buddha, and war is not our path. Therefore, the world need not worry.
- I hope that the situation in Bangladesh soon returns to normalcy, especially given our proximity as a neighbouring country.
- The primary concern of our 140 crore citizens is to ensure the safety of Hindus, the minorities in Bangladesh.
- Bharat has always desired that our neighbouring countries pursue a path of contentment and peace.
- Our commitment to peace is deeply rooted in our culture.
On empowerment and development
- We chose the path of reforms to bring about change in the lives of the poor, the middle class, the underprivileged, our growing urban population, the dreams and resolutions of the youth & their aspirations.
- When political leadership is determined to bring empowerment and is resolute towards development, then the government machinery also starts enabling and ensuring robust implementations.
- When every citizen starts participating actively towards ensuring empowerment and development, then the outcomes are bound to be valuable for the nation.
- Last mile connectivity has ensured every village and even forest zones get a school, modern hospitals and Arogya mandirs are built in faraway geographies to provide affordable healthcare to the marginalised through Ayushman Bharat schemes.
- When the mantra of saturation is embraced, the true essence of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” is realized.
- When we lift 25 crore people out of poverty, it reinforces our belief that we have maintained our momentum, and our dreams will soon be fulfilled.
- When my specially-abled brothers and sisters start communicating in the Indian sign language, or benefit from the campaign of inclusive and accessible nation through Sugamya Bharat, s/he feels respected and enjoys dignity as a citizen of the country.
- It is amazing to see our sportspersons come out in flying colors in Paralympics.
- Equitable decisions with high sensitivity towards our ostracized transgender society were undertaken by bringing amendments and introducing new laws for their incursion into the mainstream and ensuring dignity, respect and equality for all.
- We have embarked onto the ‘Trividh Marg’ (three-way route) and are seeing a direct benefit of the spirit of service to all.
- It is our duty to make every effort to include the neglected regions, the marginalized communities, our small farmers, tribal brothers and sisters in the forests, our mothers and sisters, our laborers, and our workers, ensuring they are uplifted and empowered.
On education
- 75,000 new seats will be introduced in the medical sector in the next 5 years.
- Through the new education policy, we want to transform the current education system in line with the requirements of the 21st century.
- We will revive the spirit of ancient Nalanda University, positioning India as a global education hub by promoting higher learning and research.
- We have to prepare future ready skilled resources in India to meet the expectations of the fast-paced development.
- We want to develop an education system so that the youth of our country don’t need to go abroad. Our middle-class families need not spend lakhs and crores of rupees. Not only that, we also want to create such institutions that attract people from abroad to come to Bharat instead.
- India’s talent should not be hindered because of language. The strength of the mother tongue empowers even the poorest child in our country to fulfil their dreams.
- ‘National Research Foundation’ was created, providing it with a legal framework to develop a permanent system that continuously strengthens research.
- It is a matter of great pride that we have decided to allocate one lakh crore rupees for research and innovation in the Budget so that the ideas of our country’s youth can be realized.
On women safety, empowerment
- 10 crore women have become a part of women self-help groups in the last decade.
- Women become guarantors and custodians of social transformation when they are financially empowered.
- One crore mothers and sisters joined women self-help groups and are becoming ‘lakhpati didis’.
- Funds allocated to women self-help groups will be increased from 10 lakhs to 20 lakhs.
- Till date, a total of nine lakh crore funds has been channeled via banks to these self-help groups.
- The paid maternity leave was extended from 12 weeks to 26 weeks for working women by our Government.
- Women are taking on leadership roles. Today, in many areas—be it our defence sector, the Air Force, the Army, the Navy, or our space sector—we are witnessing the strength and capabilities of our women.
- As a society we should seriously dwell upon the atrocities being meted out to our mother, sisters and daughters.
- Crimes against women should be investigated without any delay. Those committing such demonic acts must be booked prima facie to reinstate the trust on the government, judiciary and civil society.
- The need of the hour is that there should be a wide discussion about the criminals who get punished so that even those who commit such sins fear the consequences including hanging to death. I feel that it is very important to create this fear.
On developing industry
- “Vocal for Local” has become a new mantra for economic development.
- “One District One Product” is the new wave now.
- Bharat will become an industrial manufacturing hub and the world will look up to it.
- We must embrace the call of “Design in India” and move forward with the dream of “Design in India and Design for the World.”
- State governments should establish clear policies to attract investments, offer assurances of good governance, and ensure confidence in the law-and-order situation.
- India’s commits to become a global leader in semiconductor production
- India must leverage its rich ancient legacy and literature to come up with Made in India gaming products.
- Indian professionals must lead the global gaming market, not just in playing but also in producing games.
- Indian standards should aspire to become international benchmarks.
- Bharat’s contribution to global growth is substantial, our exports are continuously rising, our foreign exchange reserves have doubled, and global institutions have increasingly placed their trust in Bharat.
- We are proud that our toy industry has also become a name to reckon with in the global market. We have started exporting toys.
- There was a time when mobile phones were being imported, but today India has a large hub of manufacturing ecosystem of mobile phones and we have started exporting them all over the world. Such is the prowess of India.
On railways
- Government is committed to make its railways a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030.
On renewable energy
- India has achieved more in the renewable energy sector than G 20 Nations collectively.
- India is working hard to become self-reliant in the energy sector.
- The PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme is set to provide new strength, and its benefits will be felt by the average families in our country, particularly the middle class, when their electricity bills become free. Those who generate electricity from solar energy under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, can also reduce their fuel costs.
- The demand for electric vehicles is on the rise.
On sports
- The aim is to train India’s youth and become the skill capital of the world.
- 1 lakh youth should be inducted into the political system, specifically those with no history of politics in their families.
- Given the challenges of sustaining an entire family on small plots of land, we are making comprehensive efforts to equip the youth with the skills needed to secure new jobs and create additional sources of income.
- On behalf of 140 crore fellow countrymen, I extend my congratulations to all the athletes and players of our nation who represented India in the Paris Olympics.
- I also convey my heartfelt best wishes to all our Paralympic athletes.
- Our goal is clear: to host the 2036 Olympics on Indian soil. We are preparing for this and making significant progress towards it.
On law and justice
- The current Civil Code resembles a Communal Civil Code, one that is discriminatory.
- Laws that divide our nation based on religion and foster discrimination have no place in modern society.
- After 75 years of a Communal Civil Code, it is crucial to move towards a Secular Civil Code.
- It is our collective responsibility to realize the vision of the framers of our Constitution.
- We should welcome diverse opinions and perspectives regarding the secular civil code.
- India should come forward to embrace the concept of “One Nation One Election”.
- Over 1,500 laws were eliminated to ensure citizens are not trapped in a web of legal complexities.
- We have replaced the centuries-old criminal laws with new criminal laws known as Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, whose idea at core is to ensure justice for citizens as against British ideology of reprimand and punishment.
On skill development
- Government is actively taking steps to promote the skill development of our youngsters.
- We have earmarked a huge fund in this year’s Budget for Skill India Programme.
- Internships for youth, emphasized in this budget, helps gain experience, build their capacity and showcase their skills in the market.
- Bharat’s skilled manpower will make their mark in the global job market. We are moving forward with that dream.
On housing
- Four crore pukka homes have given a new lease of life to the poor.
- Three crore new homes have been promised in an effort to further this national agenda.
#PMs #speech #78th #Independence #Day #reveals #Modi #govt #focus #years #India #News #Times #India
