“India has 1.25 Billion Brains to resolve its Problems’’: PM Narendra Modi on Independence Day
As India celebrated her 71st Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed his countrymen from the bastions of the momentous Red Fort after hoisting the national flag. His captivating speech reminds us of what makes India great.
The crux of his address was unity, taxation and economic progress. Prime Minister began his 55 minutes speech by paying homage to our freedom fighters and condolences to children who succumbed to Encephalitis in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.
The first Prime Minister born in Independent India, Narendra Modi elaborated on the visions of the future for the country.
He prioritized national security as the highest on the agenda, lauding the Indian Army for their courage in trying times. He also said that India has many other countries standing with it in its fight against terrorism. The Prime Minister called upon all countrymen to take up the collective responsibility for Kashmir’s progress. He mentioned that GST had established the significance of cooperative federalism and the entire nation has joined hands to endorse and uphold it.
Expressing his gratitude to the nation for their support on gas subsidy, Swachh Bharat and demonetization, the Prime Minister underlined that the support extended by all Indians has been wholehearted. Drawing attention on corruption, he said that his Government had confiscated more than Rs 800 cr worth benami property. On violence, he conveyed a stern message that it will not be tolerated in our country. India is about Shanti, Ekta, and Sadbhavana.
Here are the key takeaways and quotes from the Prime Minister’s 71st Independence Day Speech:
On the Gorakhpur Tragedy
“Few days back many of our innocent children died in a hospital. People of India stand shoulder to shoulder with those affected due to natural disasters and the tragedy in Gorakhpur”
On Kashmir and Terrorism
“Neither guns nor abuses can solve the Kashmir problem, it will be solved by embracing all Kashmiris. There is no question of being soft on terrorism or terrorists. You will be happy to know that today we are not alone against our fight against terrorism, many countries supporting us actively”.
On Quit India
The PM highlighted that this year is special for it marks the 75th anniversary of Quit India and 100 years of Champaran Satyagraha.
On Armed Forces
Commending the armed forces for driving surgical strikes against Pakistan, PM Modi said, “The country’s security remains our priority; our forces have always proved their mettle.”
On launch of http://gallantryawards.gov.in/
The Prime Minister announced the launch of a new website to revere gallantry award winners. The portal, he said, will have a repository and narrate stories of our valiant men and women, both, civilians as well as men in uniform.
On India’s progress:
“India is not 70 years old but this journey is 70 years long.”
On economic growth
“As far as GDP growth rate is concerned, we have left behind even the big economies of the world.”
On public issues
Prime Minister Modi talked about the Triple Talaq issue where he added, “I want to mention those women who have to suffer due to ‘Tripe Talaq’- I admire their courage.”
On toilets
“More than 20 million toilets have been constructed in our villages. Over 70,000 villages are now free from open defecation.”
On stalled projects
“Blocking projects, delaying them and wasting money amounts to criminal negligence.”
On inflation
“I will not allow the poor man’s dish to become costlier.”
On governance
“Now turning self-governance to good governance is the resolve of 1.25 billion countrymen.”
On future vision
He asserted, “January 1, 2018 will not be an ordinary day, those born in this century will start turning 18, ‘Bhagya Vidhatas’ of our country. We must leave this ‘Chalta Hai’ (‘Let it be’) nature. We have to now think of ‘Badal Sakta Hai’ (‘Change is possible’), it will help us progress as a nation”.
On New India
Speaking on the New India scheme, he said, “We have to take the country ahead with the determination of creating a New India. Everybody is equal in our nation, no one big or small. We together can bring a positive change in the nation.”
On GST
Focusing on the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Prime Minister said that “GST that was put into action on the midnight of June 30 and July 1 has shown the spirit of cooperative federalism. The nation has come together to support GST and role of technology has also helped”.
On Corruption
Moving on with his address, he advanced on corruption and black money where he said, “Those who have looted the nation and looted the poor are not able to sleep peacefully today. Today we are celebrating the festival of honesty.”
On Demonetization
“In future digital currency will take the place of paper notes and hence we are determined to carry on with less cash economy. If we will be successful in Swachh Bharat, it will rein in inflation and help the poor save money. The demonetization move has helped banks lower interest rates”.
On Farmer and the Poor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the aim is at provision of medical treatment for poor and middle class at reduced costs. “Want to double farmer income by 2022 and also we aim to provide home, water and power to all poor people”.
On Casteism and Communalism
He stressed that India endeavors to be a nation that is free from communalism and casteism.
The Prime Minister concluded his speech with the aim to build a new India where youth and women can walk the path to achieve their dreams without any obstacle. Therefore, for ‘Team India’ the timing is just right to start building a ‘New India”. The ambience reverberated with chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai, Vande Mataram and Jai Hind.
