New Delhi: The 98-minute Independence Day address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the ramparts of Red Fort — his 11th in a row — left millions of people in India and abroad super hopeful for a ‘Swarnim Bharat’ (Golden India) sooner than expected.
For the Indian diaspora of nearly 20 million (over 1.3 per cent of the global population) —- with more than five million in the United States alone — the 78th Independence Day speech by PM Modi was full of vigor, showcasing his thorough vision of how we can achieve the 'Viksit Bharat' goal with a collective approach.
According to the prime minister, ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ is not just a phrase for speeches; there is hard work behind it. “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,” the PM said.
The country is committed to moving forward with a firm resolution by overcoming obstacles, hurdles and challenges. PM Modi said he sees clearly and there is no hesitation in his thoughts or veil in front of his dreams. “I can see clearly that the blood of our ancestors is in the veins of the 140 crore people. If those 40 crore people could fulfill the dreams of independence, then 140 crore citizens can realize the dream of a prosperous Bharat. I will work three times harder, at three times the speed and with three times the scale so that the dreams we have for the nation are realized sooner,” roared PM Modi, an untiring man in his third term.
“I will never shy away from hard work. I never back down in courage; I never fear facing challenges. Why? Because I live for you, I live for your future, I live for the bright future of Mother India,” he added.
In the same vein, President Droupadi Murmu, while addressing the nation on the eve of the 78th Independence Day, said the Amrit Kaal, the ongoing period of a quarter century leading to the centenary of our Independence, is going to be shaped by the youth of today.
“It is their energy and enthusiasm that will help the nation scale new heights. My greetings also to our diaspora: You are part of our family, making us proud with your achievements. You are great representatives of India’s culture and heritage,” she emphasized.
Congratulating India on its 78th Independence Day, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the comprehensive global and strategic partnership between the two countries is grounded in the deep bonds between our peoples, our economies, and built on the foundation of our shared commitment to democracy, freedom, and human dignity.
World leaders greet IndiaFrom Italian PM Giorgia Meloni to Canadian leader Justin Trudeau, world leaders greeted India and its leadership on the 78th Independence Day. Posting a picture of her and Modi at the G7 summit in June, Italian leader Meloni said the strategic partnership between both countries was important for the future. Trudeau extended his congratulations, saying Indo-Canadian communities were an integral part of his country’s national identity. Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said our enduring friendship, rooted in history, has evolved to foster prosperity and development in the Maldives and the region. Extending his wishes in both Hindi and English, French President Emmanuel Macron said he is looking forward to “working with my friend PM Modi on achieving the ambitious goals we have set for our strategic partnership”. Russian President Vladimir Putin said, “I am confident that the consistent implementation of the agreements reached following our recent talks in Moscow will contribute to the further development of multifaceted Russian-Indian cooperation”. Mauritius PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth wished “long live the vibrant and ever flourishing Mauritius Bharat relationship”. |
