Khushboo Malhotra

India is glistening in the glory of 75 years of Independence. PM Narendra Modi congratulated everyone as he tweeted ‘Greetings on this very special Independence Day. Jai Hind!’ With these celebrations, he declared, it is now time to embark in a new direction with renewed resolve for a promising future for the nation.

On the auspicious occasion of celebrating 75 years of India’s Independence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort in Delhi for the 9th consecutive time on August 15th. He paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and unfurled the Indian national flag on this historic day.

India steps into its 76th year of independence, buoyed by the successes of the past but with its eyes set firmly on goals that are yet to be achieved in the coming decades. In his 83-minute speech, PM Modi outlined his commitment to creating a stronger foundation and an aspirational India, pledging to transform India into a developed country by the time of centennial celebrations in 25 years.

Image courtesy of Nemichandra Hambonnavar via Unsplash. Image license found here. No edits were made to this image.

‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav‘ is an Indian Government initiative to commemorate 75 years of independence and the history of its people, culture and achievements. It is dedicated to the people of India who have both helped to evolve India thus far and hold the potential to enable Prime Minister Modi’s vision of activating ‘India 2.0’.

The official journey of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, began on 12th March 2021, which commenced a 75-week countdown to the 75th anniversary of Independence and will conclude on 15th August 2023.

Speaking of the success of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, which encouraged the population to bring the National Flag home and hoist it. Modi claimed no one could imagine the level of enthusiasm to honour the spirit of the Tricolour. The idea behind the initiative was to invoke the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of the people and to promote awareness of the Indian National Flag, an embodiment of India’s reawakening, unity and commitment to nation-building.

Key Takeaways from PM Modi’s Speech:

Here are the 10 key takeaways from PM Modi’s Independence Day speech, and what India can look forward to in the next 25 years!

1. Thanking India’s Freedom Fighters

The Prime Minister commenced the speech by honouring the forgotten heroes and recounting the sacrifice of freedom fighters, including Rani Lakshmi Bai, Jhalkari Bai, Chennamma, and Begum Hazrat Mahal. He also honoured nation builders like independence activist Rajendra Prasad and former-PM Jawaharlal Nehru, as well as tribal community members including Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Sidhu-Kanhu, and freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi and Indian nationalist Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. He also honoured the innumerable revolutionaries who shook the foundation of British rule.

2. ‘Amrit Kaal’: A coming of age moment for India

PM Modi noted that India’s biggest asset is its aspirational society, stating that the country’s changes are being powered by a collective spirit. Modi observed that every citizen wants to see progress, but they are not willing to wait as they seek advancement and speed. “The next 25 years will be the country’s Amrit Kaal, where India will go to ever greater heights of progress,” he said.

He acknowledged that the government must promote development, but he urged people to carry out their commitments so that India can meet its goals faster.

3. ‘Panchpran’

The PM laid out a development strategy for the next 25 years that includes five pledges for India’s future:

  • To move forward with a bigger resolve for a developed India.
  • Erase all traces of servitude.
  • Take pride in India’s legacy.
  • Forge unity.
  • Fulfil one’s duties, from the individual to those in positions of power, including the Prime Minister and CMs.

4. Diversity & Respect For Every Language

Despite challenges faced by an independent India, PM Modi reflected on how its people have continued to overcome them.

This includes language barriers due to India’s diverse linguistic landscape which the PM encouraged citizens to respect, stating, “Sometimes our talent gets restricted by language barriers; this is an example of imperialism. We must be proud of every language of our nation. Whether we know a language or not, we must be proud of it because our ancestors have given it to us.”

5. Yuva Shakti

Modi spoke of how the youth of today will become the decision-makers of tomorrow, as young adults moving into the threshold of their careers today will pave the way for India’s 100 years of independence. Considering this, PM Modi urged the youth to devote 25 years of their lives to achieving complete independence for India by the year 2047.

6. Digital India

The PM said that India is mobilising the power of digital and startups. In particular, he lauded the efforts made by tier 2 and 3 cities for becoming the tailwind in these developments. He also lauded the growing digital transactions in the country and said that 5G and chip manufacturing would further evolve digital entrepreneurship.

7. Women Empowerment

In his speech, PM Modi frequently highlighted “Nari Shakti,” or women empowerment. This year, he took it a step further and pleaded with Indians to bring gender-based abuse to an end and stop the common cultural practice of using cuss words that degrade women.

8. Self-reliant India

The enthusiasm of a self-reliant India coursed through the veins of PM Modi’s speech. “We must push ahead with ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, which is a social agenda rather than just a scheme of the government.”

The Make in India initiative, PLI schemes to make India a manufacturing hub, and rising demand for Brahmos missile and Vande Bharat trains are some prime examples given by the PM. The PM also encouraged a focus on energy self-sufficiency as the next step for the country.

He also urged the private sector to play a key role in making Aatmanirbhar Bharat a reality by exploring and investing in the strengths of organic farming, green jobs, and the space sector.

9. COVID Vaccination

PM Modi praised India for its “common consciousness” that drew people together during the global pandemic and helped vaccinate millions of Indian residents, voicing that “When there was confusion in the world on the efficacy of vaccines, my country’s people stepped forward and we accomplished the feat of administering 200 crore vaccine doses.”

10. End Corruption And Dynastic Politics

PM Modi concluded his speech by reminding the people that corruption and dynasty politics are impeding the growth of India.

He also appealed to the citizens for their support in the fight against corruption, “corruption is hollowing the country like a termite and we will have to fight it.” He added that those who looted India in the past are “paying for their sins now”.

The PM encouraged every Indian citizen to reflect with pride upon the country’s advancements since 1947 and to contribute uniquely to mark 100 years of freedom.

Featured image courtesy of motionstock via Pixabay. Image license found here. No edits were made to this image.

Khushboo is a Twitter Editor at Empoword Journalism. She is an Award-nominated lifestyle and pop culture journalist, writer, and budding entrepreneur aiming to break down the boundaries of cultural stigma and shame attached to mental health and sexual health and bring marginalised topics to light. Send your stories, tips, and press announcements to khushboomalhotrafreelance@gmail.com

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