Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on the 73th Independence Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi, soon after hoisting the National Flag. He extended his greetings to fellow countrymen and wished people on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan. During his address, the Prime Minister spoke at length about the transformations taking place in the country and presented the government’s vision to take India to greater heights of glory through public participation.
The Prime Minister began his speech by expressing solidarity with those affected by floods in several parts of the country. He assured the Central Government’s full assistance in relief measures and applauded the efforts of the NDRF and other rescue teams.
70 days of pathbreaking decision-making:
During his speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the landmark moves undertaken by the government in the first 70 days of its second term. “It has been under ten weeks since the new Government was formed but several pathbreaking decisions have been taken”, said PM Modi.
Speaking about the recent revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi said, "By abrogating Articles 370 and 35A, we have fulfilled Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's dream."
Highlighting the matter of Triple Talaq Bill, he added that the government had been able to ensure justice to all the Muslim women by implementing the Bill.
The PM added that the government had worked for the farmers and workers by providing MSP and pensions. He also enumerated measures being undertaken to tackle water crisis by forming a separate Jal Shakti Ministry.
SabkaSaath, Sabka Vikas, SabkaVishwaas:
Enumerating on the government’s vision of ‘SabkaSaath, Sabka Vikas and SabkaVishwaas’, PM Modi said, “We are also working to provide inclusive development to the tribal communities, minorities and all sections of the society.” He said that from 2014 to 2019, it was time to fulfil the needs of people and 2019 onwards is the time to give wings to the aspirations of the people of the country.
Ensuring gender justice:
Elucidating about the passage of the historic Triple Talaq Bill in the Parliament, PM Narendra Modi noted how Muslim women earlier used to suffer and be scared. “The fear of Triple talaq kept haunting Muslim women and that is why we took the step to criminalise instant talaq”, he said.
One Nation, one Constitution:
PM Narendra Modi said it was keeping up with the democratic spirit of India that Article 370 and Article 35A had been abrogated from Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. “We do not believe in creating problems or prolonging them. In less than 70 days of the new Government, Article 370 has become history, and in both Houses of Parliament, 2/3rd of the members supported this step. We want to serve Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh”, the Prime Minister said.
Shri Modi said that the old arrangement in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh encouraged corruption, nepotism and there was injustice when it came to rights of women, children, Dalits, tribal communities and sanitation workers.
Questioning those who supported Article 370, PM Modi said, “India is asking them: If this was so important and life changing, why was this Article not made permanent? After all, those people had large mandates and could have removed the temporary status of Article 370.”
He said that after the revocation of Article 370, the spirit of ‘One Nation, One Constitution’ has become a reality in India.
“GST brought to life the dream of One Nation, One Tax. India has also achieved One Nation, One Grid in the energy sector. Arrangements have been made for One Nation, One Mobility Card. Today, India is talking about One Nation, One Election”, he added further.
Jal Jeevan Mission:
Expressing concern about the water crisis, the Prime Minister said it was unfortunate that so many people lack access to water even 70 years after Independence. “Work on the Jal Jeevan Mission will progress with great vigour in the years to come. Rs 3.5 lakh crore will used for this mission”, he said. The PM said that people from all sections of society must focus on water conservation and make it a mass movement.
There must be greater awareness on population explosion: PM
Highlighting a major issue of population explosion from the Red Fort, PM Modi said, “We have to think- can we do justice to the aspirations of our children. There is a need to have greater discussion and awareness on population explosion.”
Encouraging family planning, PM Modi urged parents to give a serious thought to whether they will be able to fulfil their child's dreams and aspirations and support a new life.
Waging a war against corruption:
Prime Minister Modi during his addressed noted how corruption had ruined the nation for 70 long years. He said, “Every effort made to remove corruption and black money is welcome. These are menaces that have ruined India for 70 long years. Let us always reward honesty.”
Giving citizens the freedom to pursue their aspirations:
Prime Minister Modi called for reducing the excess influence of Governments on people’s lives. “Let our people have the freedom of pursuing their own aspirations, let the right eco-system be made in this regard”, he said.
He said that there should be no interference on the part of the government but if needed the government should always be there.
High jump, not incremental progress:
Prime Minister Modi said that India does not want incremental progress, but a high jump was needed. “Our thought process has to be expanded. We have to keep in mind global best practices and build good systems and ensure development accordingly”, he said.
The PM added that people now aspire big. “Earlier, people were happy with merely a plan to make a railway station. Now people ask when will Vande Bharat Express come to my area. People do not want only good railway stations or bus stations; they ask when a good airport is coming. Earlier the aspiration was to have a good mobile phone but now, people aspire better data speed. Times are changing and we have to accept that”, the PM remarked.
Zero Defect, Zero Effect:
Prime Minister Modi expounded upon the vision expanding exports. He said that it was time to think about how exports could be boosted. “Each district of India has so much to offer. Let us make local products attractive. May more export hubs emerge. Our guiding principle is Zero Defect, Zero Effect”, he said.
Moving towards a $5 trillion economy:
PM Modi during his speech said that there were several avenues which could contribute towards India becoming a five trillion-dollar economy. “Today, not only India has a stable Government, but the country’s policy regime too is predictable. The world is eager to explore trade with India. We are working to keep prices under check and increase development. The fundamentals of our economy are strong.”
Adding further about the nation’s wealth creators, PM Modi said that wealth creation was a great national service. “Let us never see wealth creators with suspicion. Only when wealth is created, wealth will be distributed. Those who create wealth are India’s wealth and we respect them”, he said.
The PM also drew attention of people towards the tourism industry in India and highlighted how the sector can be accentuated. He said that by encouraging tourism in the country, the country’s economy would benefit tremendously. Encouraging domestic tourism, PM Modi said that people travel abroad for holidays. He urged people to visit at least 15 tourist destinations across India before 2022, when we mark 75 years of freedom.
Strengthening coordination among defence forces:
India’s forces are India’s pride and to further strengthen the coordination among them, Prime Minister Modi announced a major decision from the Red Fort. “India will have a Chief of Defence Staff- CDS. This is going to make the forces even more effective”, said the Prime Minister.
Clarion call to free India from single use plastic:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his speech from the Red Fort today gave the clarion call to free India from single use plastic. “Can we free India from single use plastic? The time for implementing such an idea has come. May teams be mobilised to work in this direction. Let a significant step be made on 2nd October”, he said.
Urging people to consume ‘Made in India’ products, PM Modi said that it would improve the rural economy and give a boost to the MSME sector.
‘Yes’ to digital payments, ‘no’ to cash:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again urged the countrymen to use digital modes of payments. The PM urged people to make it their motto.
Soon after concluding his address, the Prime Minister met and interacted with the children who had gathered at the Red Fort. Dressed in the colours of the National Flag, the students were enthused to meet the Prime Minister.
Several Union Ministers, leaders and other delegates were present during the Prime Minister’s address.
The Prime Minister begins his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort by conveying Independence Day greetings.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
PM also conveys wishes on Raksha Bandhan.
Today, when we are marking Independence Day, many of our citizens are suffering due to floods in various parts of the nation.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
We stand in complete solidarity with those affected by the floods and I assure that all possible support that is needed will be provided to them: PM
I bow to all those great women and men who devoted their lives so that India becomes free: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
It has been under ten weeks since the new Government was formed but several pathbreaking decisions have been taken.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
This includes decisions for Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, the end of Triple Talaq, steps for the welfare of farmers and traders: PM @narendramodi
India understands the important of water conservation and thus, a new ministry for Jal Shakti has been created.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
Steps have been taken to make the medical sector even more people friendly: PM @narendramodi
This is the time to think about the India of the 21st century and how the dreams of the people will be fulfilled: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
अगर 2014 से 2019 आवश्यकताओं की पूरी का दौर था तो 2019 के बाद का कालखंड देशवासियों की आकांक्षाओं की पूर्ति का कालखंड है, उनके सपनों को पूरा करने का कालखंड है: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
‘सबका साथ, सबका विकास’ का मंत्र लेकर हम चले थे लेकिन 5 साल में ही देशवासियों ने ‘सबका विश्वास’ के रंग से पूरे माहौल को रंग दिया: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
We have to think about solutions to the problems people face.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
Yes, there will be obstacles on the way but we have to work to overcome them.
Remember how scared the Muslim women were, who suffered due to Triple Talaq but we ended the practice: PM @narendramodi
समस्यों का जब समाधान होता है तो स्वावलंबन का भाव पैदा होता है, समाधान से स्वालंबन की ओर गति बढ़ती है। जब स्वावलंबन होता है तो अपने आप स्वाभिमान उजागर होता है और स्वाभिमान का सामर्थ्य बहुत होता है: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
We do not believe in creating problems or prolonging them.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
In less than 70 days of the new Government, Article 370 has become history, and in both Houses of Parliament, 2/3rd of the members supported this step.
We want to serve Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh: PM @narendramodi
The old arrangement in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh encouraged corruption, nepotism but there was injustice when it came to rights of women, children, Dalits, tribal communities. The dreams of sanitation workers were incomplete. How can we accept such a situation: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
Five years ago, people always thought- ‘क्या देश बदलेगा’ or ‘क्या बदलाव हो सकता है’?
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
Now, the people say- “हां, मेरा देश बदल सकता है: PM @narendramodi
Those who supported Article 370, India is asking them:
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
If this was so important and life changing, why was this Article not made permanent. After all, those people had large mandates and could have removed the temporary status of Article 370: PM @narendramodi
We think differently and it is India First for us.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
Politics comes and goes but steps in the interest of the nation are paramount: PM @narendramodi
One Nation, One Constitution- this spirit has become a reality and India is proud of that: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
GST brought to life the dream of One Nation, One Tax.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
India has also achieved One Nation, One Grid in the energy sector.
Arrangements have been made for One Nation, One Mobility Card.
Today, India is talking about One Nation, One Election: PM @narendramodi
जम्मू-कश्मीर और लद्दाख सुख समृद्धि और शांति के लिए भारत के लिए प्रेरक बन सकता है और भारत की विकास यात्रा में बहुत बड़ा प्रेरक बन सकता है: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
जो लोग इसकी वकालत करते हैं उनसे देश पूछता है अगर ये धारा इतनी महत्वपूर्ण थी तो 70 साल तक इतना भारी बहुमत होने के बाद भी आप लोगों ने उसे permanent क्यों नहीं किया: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
In the last 70 years, every Government at the Centre and the various States, irrespective of which party they belonged to, have worked for the welfare of the people: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
It is unfortunate, however, that so many people lack access to water even 70 years after Independence.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
Work on the Jal Jeevan Mission will progress with great vigour in the years to come: PM @narendramodi
देश को नई ऊंचाइयों को पार करना है, विश्व में अपना स्थान बनाना है और हमें अपने घर में ही गरीबी से मुक्ति पर बल देना है और ये किसी पर उपकार नहीं है: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
भारत के उज्ज्वल भविष्य के लिए हमें गरीबी से मुक्त होना ही है और पिछले 5 वर्षों में गरीबी कम करने की दिशा में, गरीबीं को गरीबी से बाहर लाने की दिशा में बहुत सफल प्रयास हुए हैं: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
The movement towards water conservation has to take place at the grassroots level. It cannot become a mere Government programme. People from all walks of life have to be integrated in this movement: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
There is one issue I want to highlight today- population explosion.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
We have to think- can we do justice to the aspirations of our children.
There is a need to have greater discussion and awareness on population explosion: PM @narendramodi
Every effort made to remove corruption and black money is welcome. These are menaces that have ruined India for 70 long years. Let us always reward honesty: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
I always ask- can we not remove the excess influence of Governments on people's lives. Let our people have the freedom of pursuing their own aspirations, let the right eco-system be made in this regard: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
India does not want incremental progress. A high jump is needed, our thought process has to be expanded. We have to keep in mind global best practices and build good systems: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
आज देश में 21वीं सदी की आवश्यकता के मुताबिक आधुनिक इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर का निर्माण हो रहा है। देश के इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर पर 100 लाख करोड़ रुपए का निवेश करने का फैसला किया गया है: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
People's thinking has changed.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
Earlier, people were happy with merely a plan to make a railway station.
Now people ask- when will Vande Bharat Express come to my area.
People do not want only good railway stations or bus stations, they ask- when is a good airport coming: PM
Earlier the aspiration was to have a good mobile phone but now, people aspire better data speed.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
Times are changing and we have to accept that: PM @narendramodi
Time has come to think about how we can boost exports. Each district of India has so much to offer.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
Let us make local products attractive.
May more export hubs emerge.
Our guiding principle is Zero Defect, Zero Effect: PM @narendramodi
Today, the Government in India is stable, policy regime is predictable...the world is eager to explore trade with India.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
We are working to keep prices under check and increase development.
The fundamentals of our economy are strong: PM @narendramodi
हमारी अर्थव्यवस्था के fundamentals बहुत मजबूत हैं और ये मजबूती हमें आगे ले जाने का भरोसा दिलाती है: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
Wealth creation is a great national service.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
Let us never see wealth creators with suspicion.
Only when wealth is created, wealth will be distributed.
Wealth creation is absolutely essential. Those who create wealth are India's wealth and we respect them: PM @narendramodi
From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I give my greetings to the people of Afghanistan who are marking 100 years of freedom: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
Our forces are India's pride.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
To further sharpen coordination between the forces, I want to announce a major decision from the Red Fort:
India will have a Chief of Defence Staff- CDS.
This is going to make the forces even more effective: PM @narendramodi
Can we free India from single use plastic? The time for implementing such an idea has come. May teams be mobilised to work in this direction. Let a significant step be made on 2nd October: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
Our priority should be a 'Made in India' product.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
Can we think of consuming local products, improving rural economy and the MSME sector: PM @narendramodi
“डिजिटल पेमेंट को हां, नकद को ना”...
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
Can we make this our motto.
Let us further the use of digital payments all over the nation: PM @narendramodi
India has much to offer.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
I know people travel abroad for holidays but can we think of visiting at least 15 tourist destinations across India before 2022, when we mark 75 years of freedom: PM @narendramodi
हम जानते हैं कि हमारे लक्ष्य हिमालय जितने ऊंचे हैं,
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
हमारे सपने अनगिनत-असंख्य तारों से भी ज्यादा हैं,
हमारा सामर्थ्य हिन्द महासागर जितना अथाह है,
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
हमारी कोशिशें गंगा की धारा जितनी पवित्र हैं, निरंतर हैं।
और सबसे बड़ी बात,
हमारे मूल्यों के पीछे हजारों वर्ष पुरानी संस्कृति की प्रेरणा है: PM @narendramodi
