PM Modi on Viksit Bharat, self-reliance, women’s representation: Top quotes from I-Day address

“We must enhance our own capacities and safeguard our interests ourselves,” the Prime Minister added.

‘We cannot afford to pause now’, said PM Modi.

“One-fourth of the century has already elapsed, and the upcoming one-fourth is exceptionally crucial for us. We cannot afford to pause now. Our momentum must not slow down. Our trajectory is already set, and we are determined to achieve our objective,” he said.

He mentioned that India is emerging as a respected global power.

“Today, India is emerging in the eyes of the world as a widely accepted and respected nation. India possesses a stable political mandate, a stable government, a vibrant democracy, a robust judiciary, and guiding all of us is the Constitution of India,” PM Modi said.

“The world has now truly begun to recognise these intrinsic strengths of ours,” he added.

PM Modi invoked ‘Sapta Dhara’ for Viksit Bharat, drawing on India's historical reference to the ‘Sapta Sindhu’.

“Today, I would also like to recall that era when the nation... when we knew, understood, and heard of India's prowess in the form of the 'Sapta Sindhu (Seven Rivers)'. Now, to build a Viksit Bharat, we need a new current. Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I invoke the 'Sapta Dhara' of strength before the nation,” he said.

The Prime Minister urged parties to ensure women's representation in politics.

“Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, standing under the shadow of the Tricolour, I earnestly appeal to and urge all political parties of our nation: Come forward and celebrate the strength and capability of our women. Step forward in honour of our women, and as swiftly as possible, ensure our mothers and sisters receive their due representation in the State Legislative Assemblies and the Lok Sabha so that they can actively contribute to shaping India's policies,” he added.

He warned against ‘dimagi Naxals’ and said, “We have succeeded in getting rid of armed Naxals in the jungles, but 'dimagi Naxals' (those with Naxal mindset) are looking for opportunities to create violence, unrest ... They want to drag society on the wrong path. These 'dimagi Naxals' have to be identified and isolated, and we must connect the youth with the mainstream.”

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