Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 11th consecutive Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, highlighted the transformative reforms of the past decade and their impact on India’s youth.
Addressing the nation on the 78th Independence Day, PM emphasized that these reforms have bolstered the self-confidence of young Indians and fueled their ambition to take significant strides forward.
“People waited for reforms, we got an opportunity and we implemented major reforms,” PM Modi said. “Our commitment to reform is not restricted to editorials or small praise; it’s for making the country strong.” He described the current period as a “golden era” for India, noting that the youth now aspire to take giant leaps rather than small steps.
The Prime Minister urged the nation not to let this opportunity slip away, emphasizing the goal of achieving a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. He highlighted improvements across various sectors, including tourism, MSMEs, and healthcare, stressing the importance of adopting best practices and leveraging technology.
PM Modi also drew attention to the empowerment of women, mentioning that around 10 crore women are now part of self-help groups across different sectors. “When women become financially independent, this changes society,” he remarked.
Addressing recent natural disasters, the Prime Minister expressed concern over their increasing frequency and offered sympathies to affected families. He assured that the nation stands with those facing challenging times.
Remembering freedom fighters, PM said, “This is the day to salute those who have fought and sacrificed their lives for the nation’s independence.” He also acknowledged the contributions of various sectors of society, including farmers, soldiers, youth, and marginalized groups, in advancing the country.
The Prime Minister drew a parallel between the 40 crore Indians who fought for independence and the current 140 crore population, challenging them to work towards making India a developed nation by 2047. “Now is the time to live for Viksit Bharat 2047, and we Indians are determined. We have to become Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) in every field,” he said.
This year’s Independence Day theme, ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’, aligns with the government’s vision of transforming India into a developed nation by its centenary year of independence.
(Inputs from ANI)