On the occasion of India’s 77th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a stirring address from the iconic Red Fort. Addressing the nation, he extended his warm greetings to the 140 crore citizens, whom he affectionately referred to as “Pariwarjan” or family members. The Prime Minister noted the prevailing high level of trust in the country among its people, a sentiment that continues to rise.
Amidst his address, Modi expressed his solidarity with the people of Manipur. Recognising the challenges faced by the state, he voiced confidence in the potential for a peaceful resolution to the problems that have gripped the region. He acknowledged the state’s recent efforts to maintain peace, highlighting that a process of ongoing peace is vital.
PM Modi reflected on the history of Manipur, acknowledging the period of unrest and violence that has affected the region. He specifically mentioned the dignity of women, emphasising that the people of Manipur have been striving to sustain peace for some time. He said that there has been a period of unrest and violence in Manipur and news of attacks on the dignity of women. He affirmed that both the state and central governments are collaborating to address these issues and will continue to do so. “The state and the central government are working together to solve those problems and will continue to do so”, he said.
Additionally, in his address, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the valiant leaders of India’s freedom struggle. He commemorated the pivotal roles played by figures like Mahatma Gandhi during the Non-Cooperation Movement and Satyagraha Movement, and the sacrifices of revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru.
He also highlighted significant anniversaries occurring in the current year. Today marks the conclusion of the 150th Jayanti year of the great revolutionary and spiritual icon Sri Aurobindo. He also mentioned the 150th year of Swami Dayanand’s Jayanti, 500th birth anniversary of Rani Durgawati which will be celebrated with great enthusiasm. These milestones, he noted, represent India’s rich tapestry of history, spirituality, and resilience. He added, “In many ways, many opportunities, many possibilities, every moment new inspiration, moment by moment new consciousness, every moment dreams, moment by moment resolution, perhaps there can be no greater opportunity to be engaged in nation building than this.”
The Prime Minister’s address resonated with hope, unity, and a collective commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous India.