New Delhi: On the 74th Independence Day, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the nation from the Red Fort stressed on becoming ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. According to the PM, the path to become self-reliant lies in reducing the India’s imports of finished products. He highlighted the unusual times that the country is facing due to the coronavirus pandemic and said 'We're going through distinct times. I can't see young children in front of me today (at Red Fort). Corona has stopped everyone.'

But even in the face of such tough times, India has taken up the challenge of becoming 'atmanirbhar'

'Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, 130 crore Indians took the resolve to be self-reliant, and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' is on the mind of India. This dream is turning into a pledge. Aatmanirbhar Bharat has become a 'mantra' for the 130 cr Indians today,’ said Modi during his speech.

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Reducing Imports of finished goods

The PM talked about the need to reduce the export of  raw materials and purchase of finished products from other countries. For this he said that India needs to stand on its own feet and enhance resources to move forward towards development, and said, India has to focus on its human resources and skill development.

He also encouraged people to support local industries,"The mindset of free India should be 'vocal for local'. We should appreciate our local products, if we don't do this then our products will not get the opportunity to do better and will not get encourage."

And he gave the example of self relaince is the material developed in India to fight the coronavirus outbreak.

"We have seen that when we put our minds to it, we can achieve anything. We never made PPE kits, our production of masks and ventilators was meagre, but today we are making them all," said Modi.

Make for the world

As India becomes self reliant the PM also said that it is not just about making in India, also for the world.  He said in his speech,"Today, many big companies are turning towards India. We have to move forward with the mantra of ‘Make for World’ along with ‘Make in India’."

The Prime Minister said that he believes that  the goal of self reliance will be acheived soon.

"I am confident that India will realize this dream. I am confident of the abilities, confidence, and potential of my fellow Indians. Once we decide to do something, we do not rest until we achieve that goal," said Modi.

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