Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2022, led the Independence Day celebrations from the iconic Red Fort in the national capital.
Modi hoisted the national flag and addressed the nation for the ninth consecutive time.
In his Independence Day speech, he set five key goals for the next 25 years for India to become one of the developed countries by 2047.
Terming the goals as ‘panch pran’ (five pledges), Modi said that the country should come together and achieve the goals of being a developed nation.
The other four ‘prans’ are getting rid of slave mentality, taking pride in our legacy, a sense of togetherness and citizens being aware of their duties.
Modi appealed to the younger generation to work incessantly for the next 20-25 years to put India in the league of developed nations.
He insisted on cutting dependence on imports and making India self-reliant.
PM Modi named corruption, nepotism as primary bane to nation’s progress.
Key points of PM Modi’s Independence Day speech at Red Fort:
PM Modi said that Indians must work towards a developed country and remove any vestiges of colonialism. He added that Indians must also retain their roots while ensuring unity in diversity. PM Modi said that citizens must also carry out their duties.
We must work towards a ‘viksit bharat’
As we enter the Amrit Kaal, we must resolve to fulfill the dreams of India’s freedom fighters, said PM Modi. “We must resolve to work towards a ‘viksit bharat’ (developed India) and remove any vestiges of colonialism from any corner or in our hearts.
India is an aspirational society
India is an aspirational society where changes are being powered by a collective spirit. The people of India want positive changes and also want to contribute to it. Every governmentt has to address this aspiration in society.
We must fight against dynastic politics
PM Modi hit out at dynasty politics in his address at the Red Fort. Stating that it’s a challenge for India, he called upon the citizens to fight against the “bhai-bhateeja”, “parivardvadi” politics. “Corruption is eating away at the foundation of India. I want to fight against it. I call upon the 130 crore Indians to help me fight against corruption,” PM Modi said.
“Some people keep glorifying those who have been convicted of corruption and spent time in jail. We must ensure an attitude of hatred towards corruption and the corrupt,” he added.
Respect women, support Nari Shakti
Saluting the role of women in India’s struggle for independence, PM Modi said that every Indian is filled with pride when they remember the strength of the women of the country – be it Rani Laxmibai, Jhalkaribai, Chennamma, Begum Hazrat Mahal. PM Modi said respect for women is an important pillar of India’s growth and stressed the need to extend support to ‘Nari Shakti’.
“I have one request to every Indian. Can we change the mentality towards our women in everyday life? The pride of Nari Shakti will play a vital role in fulfilling the dreams of India. Respect for Women is an important pillar of India’s growth. We need to support our Nari shakti,” said PM.
Lists ‘Panchpran Pledge’, spells out a roadmap for 2047
“We have to work with the vision of accomplishing what our freedom fighters dreamt of. By 100 years of independence, for the next 25 years, we need to focus on the 5 resolves – 1. Viksit Bharat (Developed India), 2. Removing every ounce of Gulami (slavery) in us, 3. Work on the pride for our glorious heritage, 4. Ensuring Unity among all, 5. Fulfilling our fundamental Duties,” PM Modi said.
India is the mother of democracy
PM Modi said India is the mother of democracy and we have seen a lot of ups and downs in the last 75 years. He said, “There have been sorrows as well as achievements in these years. We faced natural calamities, wars, and other problems. But unity in diversity became our guiding power.”
The nation is thankful to freedom fighters who shook British Rule
“When we speak of freedom struggle, we can’t forget the tribal community. Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Sidhu-Kanhu, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Govind Guru – there are innumerable names who became the voice of the freedom struggle & inspired the tribal community to live & die for mathrubhumi,” said PM Modi.
“During our freedom struggle, there was not one year where our freedom fighters did not face brutality and cruelty. Today is the day when, as we pay them our respects, we need to remember their vision and dream for India,” said PM Modi.
Spirit of ‘Team India’ among 130 crore citizens will take country forward
The spirit of “Team India” will take the country forward and help fulfill the dreams of 130 crore Indians, said PM Modi, before concluding his speech at the Red Fort.
