Addressing the nation from the Red Fort in Delhi on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that before independence, people were committed to die for the country but today is the time to commit to living for the country.
“If the commitment to die for the country can bring independence, then the commitment to live for the country can also create a ‘prosperous India’”, he stated.
Paying homage to the countless martyrs who dedicated their lives for the country’s freedom, the Prime Minister said, “The lovers of freedom have given us the privilege of breathing the air of freedom. This country is indebted to them. We pay our respects to every such great man.”
Modi asserted that ‘Viksit Bharat-2024’ (Developed India-2047) is not just words in a speech and stated that a lot of hard work is being done to achieve this goal. He lauded the invaluable suggestions sent by citizens for this purpose and remarked that when people have broad thinking and big dreams, “a new determination is formed within us, the self-confidence in our mind reaches new heights.”
In his 11th consecutive Independence Day speech, the Prime Minister also said that his government has changed the “mai-baap” culture that existed after independence where people keep asking the government, keep extending hands before the government. He said, “Today the government itself goes to the beneficiary. Today the government itself provides gas stove, water, electricity and financial help to his house. Today the government itself is taking many steps for the skill development of the youth.”
The Prime Minister also mentioned that there are individuals who are incapable of acknowledging progress and stressed the need to “shield our nation from such individuals, whose toxic influence can lead to chaos and destruction. We must safeguard Bharat’s future from such regressive mindsets!”
Further, taking another jibe on the opposition, Modi remarked, “India’s democracy is being undermined by the ills of ‘Parivarvad’ and ‘Jaativad’” and called for the need “to free our political landscape from the grip of dynastic rule.”
He said that his government’s mission is to empower new generation of leaders “who do not have any political legacy in their families.”
This is a golden era for India, he remarked from the Red Fort, stating that the youth of today do not believe in incremental progress, and is in the mood to take giant leaps.
Modi said that the government’s policies are empowering every sector which is bringing forth a new era of modernisation in all sectors such as tourism, MSMEs, education, healthcare, transportation, and agriculture.
“I firmly believe that when we combine sound policies, noble intentions, and unwavering dedication to national progress, we consistently achieve outstanding results,” he stated while giving the call to the citizens to march together, step by step, to make the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 a reality.
6000 Special Guests were invited to witness the 78th Independence Day celebration at the Red Fort on 15th August 2024. These people from different walks of life, categorised as youth, tribal community, farmers, women and other special guests, have excelled in various fields with the help of various government schemes/initiatives.
