Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation from ramparts of Red Fort on the 76th Independence Day
Following
are the highlights from his speech
- Compliments to my
dear countrymen on the momentous occasion of completion of 75 years of
independence. Many congratulations to all! It is heartening to see our
tricolour being unfurled with pride, honour and glory, not only at all the
corners of India, but also worldwide by our Indians who love their country
immensely.
- All the
countrymen are deeply indebted to Pujya Bapu, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose,
Babasaheb Ambedkar, Veer Savarkar, who devoted all their life on the path
of duty towards the nation. The path of obligation has
been their sole life path.
- This
country is grateful to Mangal Pandey, Tantya Tope, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev,
Rajguru, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ashfaq Ulla Khan, Ram Prasad Bismil and
countless such revolutionaries of ours who shook the foundations of
British rule. This nation is grateful to those brave women, be it Rani
Lakshmibai, Jhalkari Bai, Durga Bhabhi, Rani Gaidinliu, Rani Chennamma,
Begum Hazrat Mahal, Velu Nachiyar, who showed the mettle of women power of
India.
- Today
is an opportunity to pay homage to countless such great men like Dr.
Rajendra Prasad ji, Nehru ji, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Shyama Prasad
Mookerjee, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Deendayal Upadhyay, Jai Prakash Narayan,
Ram Manohar Lohia, Acharya Vinoba Bhave, Nanaji Deshmukh, Subramania
Bharati who fought the war of independence and built the country after
independence.
- When
we talk about the freedom struggle, we cannot forget to take pride of our
tribal society living in forests. There are countless names like Bhagwan
Birsa Munda, Sidhu-Kanhu, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Govind Guru, who became
the voice of freedom movement and inspired my tribal brothers and sisters,
mothers and youth in the remotest jungles to live and die for the
motherland. It has been the good fortune of the country that there have
been many aspects of the freedom struggle.
- From
the last year, we are witnessing how the country is celebrating the ‘Amrit
Mahotsav’. It all began with Dandi Yatra in 2021. The people held programs
in every district, every corner of India to enlarge the scope of goals of
the ‘Amrit Mahotsav’ of Independence. This was perhaps for the first time
in history that such a huge and comprehensive festival for a single
purpose was celebrated.
- An
attempt was made in every corner of India to remember all those great men
who did not find mention in history for some reasons or who were
forgotten. Today, the nation found out all such heroes and great men
from every corner of the country and paid tributes to them for their
sacrifices. It was an opportunity to pay tributes to all these great men
during the ‘Amrit Mahotsav’.
- Today, as we are
celebrating the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, it is an opportunity to recall
the contributions made by those who dedicated their lives for the country
during the last 75 years, those who protected the country and fulfilled
the country’s resolutions; be it the army personnel, police personnel,
bureaucrats, public representatives, administrators of the local
self-government, state administration or central administration. Today we
must also recall the contributions made by the crores of citizens of the
country who have done everything possible to take the country forward
despite various challenges in 75 years.
- This journey of
75 years has been full of ups and downs. Amidst good and bad times our
countrymen have made various achievements; they have made efforts and have
not given up. They didn’t let the resolutions to get lost.
- The world was not
cognizant that India has an inherent potential of strong culture and
values, a bond of thoughts deeply embedded in mind and soul; and that is –
that India is a mother of all democracy. And when those who have democracy
pulsating in their mind walk with determination and resolve, it augurs
doom for the most powerful sultanates of the world. This Mother of
Democracy, our India has proven to all that we have this invaluable
strength.
- In the journey of
75 years, in the midst of hopes, aspirations, ups and downs, it is with
everyone’s effort that we could reach thus far. And when in 2014, my
countrymen gave me this responsibility, I was the first Indian born in
free India, who got the privilege to sing praises of glory to my dear
countrymen from the ramparts of the historical Red Fort.
- From the farthest
of latitudes and longitudes of India-east or west, north or south, ocean
beds or Himalayan peaks, I have left no stone unturned to reach the
corners and fulfil Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of inclusion. I have committed
myself to his vision of empowering and uplifting the person sitting at the
last mile.
- We are
embarking on the glorious years of 75 years today on AMRIT MAHOTSAV. On
the first morn of 76th year, I am filled with pride to see such an immensely endowed
nation.
- Every citizen of
the country wants to change things, wants to see things change, but is not
ready to wait. He wants these things to happen in front of his eyes and
wants to do it as part of his duty. And I believe whether it is the
central government, state governments, institutions of local
self-government, no matter what kind of governance system, everyone has to
address this aspirational society and we cannot wait longer for their
aspirations.
- Our aspiration
society has waited for a long time. But now they are not ready to force
their future generations to live in wait and hence the first dawn of this
‘Amrit Kaal’ has brought a huge golden opportunity for us to fulfil the
aspirations of that aspiration society.
- Recently, we have
seen and experienced one or two such forces and that is the collective
consciousness renaissance in India. I think that this awakening of
consciousness, this renaissance, is our greatest asset. Until 10th
August, people would not even be aware of the power within the country.
But for the last three days, the way the country has set about celebrating
the journey of the Tricolour, even the leading experts of social science
can't imagine the power within my country which has been shown by the
Tricolour.
- The
world is looking at India proudly and with anticipation. The world has
started searching for solutions to the problems on the soil of India. This
change in the world, this change in the thinking of the world, is the
result of our experienced journey of 75 years.
- The
world has started realising where the power to fulfil the expectations
actually lies. I see it as a feminine power. I see it as triple power or
tri-shakti, i.e. aspiration, re-awakening and the world’s expectations. We
are aware that to fulfil it, today, my countrymen have a major role in
awakening this trust of the world in India.
- 130
crore countrymen after several decades of experience have shown the world
the importance of a stable government, the power of political stability,
policies and how trust develops in the policies. The world too is now able
to understand it. And now when there is political stability, dynamism in
policies, speed in decision making, ubiquity and universal trust, then
everyone becomes a partner in development.
- We
started our journey with the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, but
gradually the countrymen have added more colours to it with Sabka Vishwas
and Sabka Prayas. So, we have seen our collective power and collective
potential.
- Azadi
Ka Amrit Mahotsav is being celebrated with the campaign to build 75 Amrit
Sarovars in every district today. People from every village are joining
the campaign and offering their services. With their own efforts, the
people are running a massive campaign for water conservation in their
respective villages.
- Today,
I am talking about the strength of 130 crore countrymen, witnessing their
dreams and feeling their resolutions from the ramparts of Red Fort, I
believe we must focus our attention on the “Panch Pran” for the coming 25
years. You have to concentrate on your resolves and strength. And we must
take up the responsibility of fulfilling all the dreams of the freedom
fighters by embracing those Panch Pran by 2047 when the country celebrates
100 years of independence.
- The Panch Pran of
Amrit Kaal- Goal of developed India, to remove any trace of colonial
mindset, take pride in our roots, unity and sense of duty among citizens.
- The need of the
hour is cooperative competitive federalism. Let there be a healthy spirit
of competition among the states on progressing in different sectors.
- When, I first
spoke about cleanliness during my first speech, the entire country
embraced it. Everyone moved towards cleanliness as per his capacity and
there is now antipathy towards filthiness. This is the country which has
done it, is doing it and will continue to do so in future also. Freedom
from open defecation has become possible in India today.
- When the world
was in a dilemma, this is the country which crossed the target of 200
crore vaccinations in a time-bound manner and broke all the previous
records.
- We are dependent
on the fuel from the Gulf. We had decided how to move towards bio-oil. The
10 percent ethanol blending seemed like a very big dream. Old experiences
showed that it was not possible, but the country has realized this dream
of 10 percent ethanol blending before time.
- Providing
electricity connection to 2.5 crore people in such a short time was not a
small task, but the country has done it. Today the country is rapidly
providing water from tap to the homes of lakhs of families.
- Experience tells
us that we can achieve our goals once we are determined. Be it the goal of
renewable energy, the intention of building new medical colleges in the
country or creating a workforce of doctors, the pace has increased a lot
in every field.
- Brothers, how
long will the world continue to distribute certificates to us? How long
will we live on the certificates of the world? Shall we not set our own
standards? Can a country of 130 crores not make an effort to exceed its
standards? Under no circumstances should we try to look like others. It
should be our temperament to grow with our own potential. We want freedom
from slavery. The element of slavery should not remain in our mind even
under the distant seven seas.
- I look with hope
the way the new National Education Policy has been formulated with a lot
of brainstorming, with the exchange of ideas from various people and is at
the root of the country’s education policy. The skill that we have
emphasized is such a power, which will give us the strength to be free
from slavery.
- We have seen that
sometimes our talent gets tied in the bondage of hope. This is the result
of slave mentality. We should be proud of every language of our country.
We may or may not know the language, but we should be proud that it is the
language of my country and it is the language given to the world by our
ancestors.
- Today we are
witnessing the structure of Digital India. We are looking at start-ups.
Who are these people? This is that pool of talent who lives in Tier-2 and
Tier-3 cities, or in villages and belongs to poor families. These are our
youngsters who are coming before the world today with new discoveries.
- Today the world
is discussing about holistic health care. But when it talks about holistic
health care, it looks towards India’s yoga, India’s Ayurveda and India’s
holistic lifestyle. This is our legacy that we are providing to the world.
- The world is
being influenced by it today. Now look at our strength. We are the people
who know how to live with nature. Coarse paddy and millets are household
items. This is our heritage. Due to the hard work of our small farmers,
paddy flourished in small pieces of land. Today the world is moving ahead
to celebrate the millet year at the international level. That means our
heritage is being appreciated around the world today. Let us learn to be
proud of it. We have a lot to offer to the world.
- We are the people
who see the divine in the plants. We are the people who consider the river
as mother. We are those people who see Shankar in every stone. This is our
power. We see every river as a form of mother. Such enormity of the
environment is our pride! When we are proud of such heritage, the world
too will feel proud of it.
- Today
the world is facing a severe crisis due to conflicts caused by the
attitude of one upmanship- the reason of all tensions. We have the wisdom
to resolve this. Our scholars have said “Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti”
meaning that absolute Truth is one but it is manifested differently. This
is our glory.
- We are the people
who have seen the welfare of the world; we have been on the path of social
good not only for our people but the whole world by believing in “sarve
bhavantu sukhinaḥ, sarve santu nirāmayāḥ”. It is ingrained in our values
that we will pray that may all be prosperous and happy, may all be free
from illness, may all see what is auspicious, and may no one suffer.
- In the same way,
another very important issue is Unity and solidarity. We need to celebrate
the diversity of our huge country. The peaceful co-existence of
innumerable traditions and creeds are our pride. For us all are equal. No
one is inferior or superior; all are our own. This feeling of oneness is
important for unity.
- My brothers and
sisters, from this rampart of Red Fort, I also want to share an
agony. What I wish to share is that it hurts me to say that we have
witnessed a perversion in our day to day speaking, behaviour. We have been
casually using expletives and cuss words which are abusive and against our
women. Can we not pledge to get rid of every behaviour, culture that
humiliates and demeans women in our daily life? Women’s pride is going to
be a huge asset in fulfilling the dreams of the nation. I see this power
and therefore I am insistent on it.
- It is the job of
the government to make efforts to provide 24 hours electricity, but it is
the duty of the citizen to save as many units as he can. It is the
responsibility and efforts of the government to supply water to every
field, but a voice should come from each of my fields that we will move
forward by saving water by focusing on 'per drop more crop'. It is our
duty to do chemical free farming, organic farming and natural farming.
- Friends, whether
it is police or people, ruler or administrator, no one can be untouched by
this civic duty. If everyone performs the duties of a citizen, I am sure
that we can achieve the desired goals ahead of time.
- Today is also the
birth anniversary of Maharishi Aurobindo. I bow at the feet of that great
man. But we need to remember the great man who gave a call for ‘Swadeshi
to Swaraj’ and ‘Swaraj to Suraj’. This is his mantra. And, therefore,
‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ becomes the responsibility of every citizen, every
government and every unit of society. ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ is not a
government agenda or a government programme. This is a mass movement of
society, which we have to take forward.
- My friends, today
we heard this sound after 75 years of independence for which our ears were
yearning to hear. For the first time after 75 years, the Made in India
cannon has saluted the Tricolor from the Red Fort. Will there be any
Indian who will not be inspired by this sound?
- My dear brothers
and sisters, today I want to congratulate the soldiers of the army of my
country from my heart. I salute the way the army jawans have shouldered
this responsibility of self-reliance in an organized way and with
courage. The resolution of our country is not small when the armed
forces make a list and decide not to import 300 defence products.
- Speaking of the
PLI scheme, people from around the world are coming to India to try their
luck. They are bringing new technology along with them. They are
generating new employment opportunities. India is becoming a manufacturing
hub. It is building a foundation for a Self-reliant India.
- Be it
manufacturing of electronic goods or mobile phones, today the country is
progressing at a very fast pace. Which Indian wouldn’t be proud when our
Brahmos is exported to the world? Today the Vande Bharat train and our
metro coaches are becoming objects of attraction for the world.
- We have to become
self-reliant in the energy sector. How long will we be dependent on others
in the field of energy? We should be self-reliant in the field of solar
energy, wind energy, various renewable energy sources and must lead in
terms of Mission Hydrogen, bio fuel and electric vehicles.
- Today natural
farming is also a way of becoming self-reliant. Today the factories of
Nano Fertilizer have brought a new hope in the country. But natural
farming and chemical-free farming can give a boost to self-reliance.
Today, new employment opportunities in the form of green jobs are opening
up very fast in the country.
- India has opened
up space through its policies. India has come up with the most progressive
policy regarding drones in the world. We have opened up new doors of
opportunities for the youth of the country.
- I also call upon
the private sector to come forward. We have to dominate the world. One of
the dreams of a self-reliant India is to ensure that India does not lag
behind in fulfilling the needs of the world. Even if it is the MSMEs, we
have to take our products to the world with Zero Defect, Zero Effect. We
have to be proud of Swadeshi.
- Till today we
always remember our revered Lal Bahadur Shastri ji for his inspirational
clarion call of Jai Jawan Jai Kisan meaning “Hail the Soldier, Hail the
Farmer. Later Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji added a new link of Jai Vigyan which
meant “hail science” and we gave it utmost importance. But in this new
phase Amritkal now it is imperative to add jai Anusandhaan that is “hail
innovation”. Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhaan
- Today we are all
set to enter the 5G era. You don’t have to wait too long before we match
the global steps. We are ensuring that optical fibre reaches each and
every village until the last mile. I am fully informed that the dream of
Digital India will be attained through the rural India. Today I am happy
that four lakh Common Service Centres of India are being developed in
villages which are being managed by the youth of that village.
- This Digital
India movement of developing semiconductors, entering 5G era, spreading
the network of optical fibers is not just to establish ourselves as modern
and developed, but it is possible because of three intrinsic missions. The
complete transformation of education eco-system, revolution in health
infrastructure and improvement in quality of lifestyles of the citizens
will be possible only through digitalization.
- Friends, I can
foresee that India will march ahead phenomenally in this decade which is
hailed as the tech-age for humanity. It is a decade of technology. In the
field of IT, India has become a force to reckon with globally. We have the
competencies to contribute in this tech-age.
- Our Atal
Innovation Mission, our incubation centres, our startups are developing a
whole new sector, opening up new opportunities for the younger generation.
Whether it is a matter of space mission, whether it is about our Deep Ocean
Mission, whether we want to go deep into the ocean or we have to touch the
sky, these are new areas, by which we are moving forward.
- We must
acknowledge and strengthen the potential of our small farmers,
entrepreneurs, small and medium sized enterprises, cottage industries,
micro industries, street vendors, domestic labourers, daily wagers, auto
rickshaw drivers, bus service providers etc. These form the largest
population who need to be empowered.
- I want to say
something from the experience of the last few years. You must have seen
the power of ‘Nari Shakti’ in courts who are working in the field of
judiciary. Look at the public representatives in the rural area. Our ‘Nari
Shakti’ is devotedly engaged in solving the problems of our villages. Look
at the field of knowledge or science, the ‘Nari Shakti’ of our country is
visible. Even in the police force, our ‘Nari Shakti’ is taking the
responsibility of protecting the people.
- In every walk of
life, whether it is the playground or the battlefield, the ‘Nari Shakti’
of India is coming forward with a new strength and a new belief. I can see
the manifold contribution of ‘Nari Shakti’, my mothers, sisters and
daughters, in the next 25 years compared to the contribution in the 75
years of India’s journey. The more we pay attention to this aspect, the
more opportunities and facilities we provide to our daughters, they will
return us much more than that. They will take the country to a new height.
- There are many
states of our country, which have played a great role in taking the
country forward, have led and worked as examples in many fields. This
gives strength to our federalism. But today the need of the hour is that
we need cooperative federalism as well as cooperative competitive
federalism. We need competition for development.
- I do not want to
discuss everything but would definitely want to focus on two issues. One
is corruption and the other is nepotism. We have to fight against
corruption with all our might. In the last eight years, we have been
successful in working for the betterment of the country by saving two lakh
crore rupees which used to go into the wrong hands, using all the modern
systems like Direct Benefit Transfer, Aadhaar and Mobile.
- Those who fled
the country after looting banks during the tenure of previous government,
we have seized their property and are trying to get them back. Some have
been forced to go behind the bars. We are trying to ensure that those who
looted the country are compelled to return.
- Brothers and
sisters, the corrupt are eating away the country like termites. I have to
fight against it, intensify the fight and have to take it to a decisive
point. So, my 130 crore countrymen, please bless me and support me! Today
I have come to seek your support and cooperation so that I can fight this
battle. I hope the country becomes victorious in this war.
- It is truly a sad
state of affairs that even after conviction in corruption cases in court
of law or those who were jailed for such cases, some people stoop so low
even to glorify them. Therefore, till there is a feeling of hatred against
corrupt ones in society, this kind of mindset is not going to end.
- On the other
hand, I want to discuss about nepotism and when I talk about nepotism,
people think, I am only talking about nepotism in politics, but the
reality is that this malaise has spread into all institutions of the
country, which adversely affects the talent and opportunities. I,
therefore, appeal to the people of the country from the ramparts of the
Red Fort to take a pledge under the tricolor to root out the menace the
nepotism for purification of India’s politics and all intuitions of the
country in the true spirit of Indian Constitution.
- I urge the
countrymen to start the ‘Amrit Kaal’ today by nurturing new possibilities,
realizing new resolutions and moving ahead with confidence. The “Amrit
Mahotsav’ of freedom has moved in the direction of ‘Amrit Kaal’ and,
therefore, ‘Sabka Prayas’ (everyone’s efforts) is necessary in this ‘Amrit
Kaal’. The spirit of Team India is going to take the country forward. This
Team India of 130 crore countrymen will realize all the dreams by moving
forward as a team.