Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India has moved from being counted among the ‘Fragile Five’ economies to becoming the world’s fastest-growing major economy over the past 12 years, crediting the country’s people for the transformation.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, PM Modi said citizens across sections of society had contributed to India’s progress through determination and sustained efforts.
“Over the past 12 years, crores upon crores of citizens of this country – whether Dalit, oppressed, deprived, tribal, rural resident, urban resident, poor, or middle class; whether youth, elderly, woman, or man; whether from the North, South, East, or West – everyone over the past 12 years, with determination and dedication, has made every possible effort to take the country to new heights,” he said.
Acknowledging their contribution, the Prime Minister said 25 crore people had moved out of poverty in the period.
“I acknowledge and pay my respectful tribute to their efforts. And it is the outcome of these very efforts that in such a short span of time, 25 crore fellow countrymen have defeated poverty and emerged out of it,” he added.
“We were once counted among the ‘Fragile Five’. However, India has, within just 12 years, emerged as the world’s fastest-growing major economy,” PM Modi said.
Recalling India’s economic journey after Independence, he said the country had always harboured big aspirations, but its progress often did not match the pace it sought to achieve.
“The entire world dumped us in the category of ‘Fragile Five’,” he said.
The Prime Minister said India was now moving ahead with greater speed and confidence.
“Today, India is moving ahead with unprecedented speed and confidence. And now, no force can stop the resolve of 140 crore Indians,” he added.
Highlighting India’s achievements, PM Modi pointed to progress in defence production, garment and electronics manufacturing, railways, as well as the digital and innovation sectors.
He reiterated India’s ambitious goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, when the country completes 100 years of Independence.
“India has dreamed a big dream, to touch new heights. The dream is that when we complete 100 years of Independence, we will make Viksit Bharat in 2047, with the contribution, efforts and participation of 140 crore people of our nation,” he said.
-IANS
