Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 78th Independence Day by hoisting the national flag and delivering his 11th consecutive speech from the Red Fort on Aug 15, 2024. This year's theme, ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’, underscores the aspiration to transform India into a developed nation by the year 2047.
With this address, Modi joins the ranks of Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi as only the third Prime Minister to achieve the milestone of delivering 11 consecutive Independence Day speeches. Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, delivered 17 consecutive speeches, while Indira Gandhi, who served as Prime Minister from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 to 1984, delivered 16.
During his address, Modi emphasized the challenges posed by frequent elections and advocated for the concept of 'one nation, one election', urging collective effort to make this a reality. He expressed concern over the impact of continuous elections on national progress and called for unified support to streamline the electoral process.
In his speech, Modi also addressed the issue of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, expressing hope for a swift normalization of the situation in the neighboring country. “We hope the situation normalizes in Bangladesh soon. Indians want the security of Hindus and minorities there to be ensured,” Modi said.
Modi further called for the implementation of a secular civil code in India, stressing the importance of eliminating discriminatory communal laws and promoting equality and fairness in the legal framework. This call for reform aims to address and rectify existing inequalities within the legal system.
The Prime Minister took the opportunity to congratulate India’s Olympic athletes. “Today, we also have with us the youth who made the Indian flag fly high in the Olympics. On behalf of 140 crore countrymen, I congratulate all our athletes and players... In the next few days, a huge contingent of India will leave for Paris to participate in the Paralympics. I extend best wishes to all our Paralympians,” Modi said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India should host the Olympic games in 2036.
“We are preparing for that,” he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted India's growing contribution to global economic growth, noting the increase in exports and the country's strengthening position in the global market.
In his address, Modi made a significant promise of creating 75,000 new medical seats across the country within the next five years.
“Students spend lakhs and crores for medical education abroad. We will create 75,000 new medical seats in the next 5 years,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi said that state governments must take cases of crimes against women seriously.
“I would like to express my pain once again from the Red Fort on Aug 15. As a society, we will have to think seriously about the atrocities against women that are happening—there is outrage against this in the country. I can feel this outrage. The country, society, and state governments will have to take this seriously. Speedy investigation of crimes against women; those executing these monstrous deeds are awarded strict punishment at the earliest; this is important to instill confidence in society,” he said.
Modi also underscored the need for prompt and rigorous investigations into crimes against women, urging state governments to take such cases seriously. He expressed deep concern over recent incidents, including the rape and murder of a woman postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata, and stressed the importance of speedy justice to restore public confidence.
In his address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra said there is a need to stop atrocities against women. “Need of the hour is to widely publicize punishment for atrocities against women so that there is fear of consequences,” he said.
Another key point in his speech was the call for improved ease of living across all levels of government. Modi emphasized the need for a concerted effort from panchayats to the central government to enhance the quality of life for citizens.
The Prime Minister highlighted India's growing contribution to global economic growth, noting the increase in exports and the country's strengthening position in the global market.
He praised the recent reforms in the criminal justice system under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, which prioritize justice over mere punishment.
“We prioritized justice over punishment in new criminal laws,” he said.
Modi also celebrated the rise of start-ups in the space sector, pointing out the launch of private satellites and rockets as evidence of India's advancements in this field.
"In the last 10 years, 10 crore women joined women's self-help groups. 10 crore women are becoming financially independent. When women become financially independent, they become part of the decision-making system in a household, leading to social change... Till now, 9 lakh crores have been given to self-help groups in the country," he said.
In his address, Modi affirmed the government's commitment to substantial reforms aimed at improving the lives of the poor, middle class, and youth.
"We have brought big reforms on the ground. For the poor, middle class, deprived... for the aspirations of our youth, we choose the path to bring reforms into their lives. I want to assure the citizens of India that our commitment towards bringing reform is neither just for editorials, praise, nor under compulsion. It is to strengthen the country," said PM Narendra Modi.
The PM praised the reforms in the banking sector, stating that Indian banks are now among the strongest in the world. He also highlighted the success of the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative and the ‘One District, One Product’ approach, which have fostered pride in local products and contributed to economic growth.
"We gave the mantra for 'Vocal for Local'. Today, I am happy that Vocal for Local has become a new mantra for the economic system. Every district has started taking pride in its produce. There is an environment of 'One District, One Product'..." PM Modi said.
Modi expressed pride in the Indian armed forces, acknowledging the sense of national pride that accompanies their operations, such as surgical and air strikes. He also conveyed his sympathy to those affected by recent natural disasters, offering support and assurance that the nation stands with them during these difficult times.
'Every Indian is filled with pride when armed forces conduct airstrikes', he added.
Addressing the nation from the Red Fort, PM Modi said that when armed forces carry out surgical and air strikes, every Indian is filled with pride.
PM Modi said that the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' are not mere words and that they are the reflection of the resolve and dreams of 140 crore people.
“People have given many suggestions to make India developed by 2047, including making the nation a manufacturing hub and seed capital,” he added.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, PM Modi said that we carry the blood of the 40 crore people who had uprooted colonial rule from India.
“Today, we are 140 crore people; if we resolve and move together in one direction, then we can become 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 by overcoming all obstacles in the way,” he said.
“Natural disasters have heightened our concern over the last few years. I express my sympathies to affected families,” said PM.
“Several people have lost their family members and property in a natural calamity. Our nation too has suffered losses. Today, I express my sympathy to all of them, and I assure them that this nation stands with them in this hour of crisis,” he added.
Finally, Modi honored the countless freedom fighters who sacrificed for India’s independence, underscoring the nation’s debt to their contributions and their role in shaping the country’s destiny.
“Today is the day to pay tributes to Azadi ke deewane” said PM Modi.
PM Modi while addressing the nation from Red Fort said, "Today is the day to pay tributes to the uncountable Azaadi ke deewane who made sacrifices for the nation. This country is indebted to them."
