If 40 crore Indians can break the shackles of slavery in 1947, 140 crore citizens can help build a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, when we celebrate the 100th year of Independence, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 11th Independence Day speech. Here are excerpts from his 98-minute address to the nation…
Dear Countrymen,
Viksit Bharat 2047 is not just a phrase for speeches. There is hard work going behind it. Suggestions are being taken from many people across the country and we have sought suggestions from the citizens. I am pleased that crores of citizens have given countless suggestions for a Viksit Bharat 2047. Every citizen's dream is reflected in this. Every citizen's resolution is evident in this. Be it the youth, the elderly, villagers, farmers, dalits, tribals, people living in the mountains, forests or cities, everyone has given valuable suggestions to build a Viksit Bharat by 2047 when the country celebrates 100 years of its Independence.
…Through the Jal Jeevan Mission, 12 crore families are receiving hygienic tap water supply in a short duration. Today 15 crore families are the beneficiaries of this scheme. Who among our people were deprived of these facilities? It is the dalits, the marginalized people, the exploited segment, the tribal brothers and sisters, people who dwell in slums and shackles, it is they who are devoid of such basic necessities. We made efforts to fulfill many such basic needs and the benefits of the results have been received by all members of the society.
Our government is deeply committed to major reforms, and through these efforts, we aim to set the country on a path of progress. New systems are being established in the country. To advance the nation, numerous financial policies are being continuously developed, and the country's trust in these new systems is steadily growing.
Those who are 20-25 years old today, and who were only 12-15 years old a decade ago, have witnessed this transformation taking place before their eyes. In just 10 years, their dreams have taken shape, sharpened, and ignited a new sense of self-confidence, which is now emerging as a formidable strength of the nation. Today, Bharat's reputation has enhanced globally, and the world's perception of Bharat has changed.
The doors of opportunities are now wide open for our youth around the world. Countless new employment opportunities, which had eluded us for so many years after independence, are now at their doorstep. Possibilities have expanded, and new opportunities are being created. The youth of my country no longer wish to move slowly. They do not believe in incremental progress. Instead, they are in the mood to take leaps, to achieve new milestones by making bold strides. I would like to say that this is a Golden Era for Bharat. Compared to global conditions also this is indeed our golden period.
We must not let this opportunity slip away. If we seize this moment and move forward with our dreams and resolutions, we will fulfill the nation's aspirations for a 'Swarnim Bharat' (Golden India) and achieve our goal of a developed Bharat by 2047. We have broken free from the shackles of centuries.
I am equally proud of several CEOs from India who are playing compelling roles at the global level today. It is indeed fulfilling to see that while on the one hand our CEOs are dominating the global business landscape, on the other hand one crore mothers and sisters joined women self-help groups and are becoming ‘lakhpati didis’. This is a matter of immense pride for me as well.
Today our nation has opened up immense possibilities and new opportunities. We need to focus on two more advancements which have catapulted our economic growth and development. First is the development of modern infrastructure in which we have grown leaps and bounds. Second is Ease of Living. The common people should also have access to an affordable dignified lifestyle and basic amenities.
We are working on a nationwide mission to create Ease of Living. I emphasize this at every level of government. I urge all elected representatives, regardless of party or state, to take steps on a mission mode for Ease of Living. I request our youth, professionals, and everyone to keep writing to the government about the trivial issues they face with their solutions. They should inform the government. There is no harm in removing unnecessary difficulties. I firmly believe that today's governments are sensitive. Whether it is local self-governance, state governments, or the central government, they will give importance to this issue.
Reforms in governance are essential for the dream of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. We must push forward with these reforms so that opportunities are created in the lives of ordinary citizens, and obstacles are eliminated. Citizens should experience dignity in their lives, and no one should ever have to say, "This was my right, and I did not get it." People should not have to look for what they deserve. Therefore, the delivery system in governance needs to be strengthened further.
Today, many of the world’s leading companies want to invest in Bharat. I have observed this after the elections, and the majority of people requesting to meet with me in my third term are investors. These are global investors who want to come to Bharat and invest here. This is a huge golden opportunity. I urge state governments to establish clear policies to attract investors. Provide assurance of good governance and build their confidence in the law and order situation. Every state should engage in healthy competition to attract investors. This competition will bring investment to their states, providing local youth with opportunities and creating jobs.
We are moving towards a net-zero future in the coming years and I remember the targets set in the Paris Accord. From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I wish to highlight the achievements of my countrymen. What the G-20 nations could not accomplish, our citizens have achieved. If any G-20 country has met its Paris Accord targets ahead of time, it is only my country, my Bharat. I take immense pride in this accomplishment. We have met our renewable energy targets and are ambitiously working towards reaching the target of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030.
I understand the concerns regarding recent events in Bangladesh, especially given our proximity as a neighboring country. I hope that the situation there soon returns to normalcy. The primary concern of our 140 crore citizens is to ensure the safety of Hindus, the minorities in Bangladesh. Bharat has always desired that our neighboring countries pursue a path of contentment and peace.
Laws that divide our nation based on religion and foster discrimination have no place in modern society. Therefore, I assert that it is time for the country to demand a Secular Civil Code. After 75 years of a Communal Civil Code, it is crucial to move towards a Secular Civil Code. Once this shift takes place, it will eliminate religious discrimination and will bridge the gap felt by ordinary citizens.
