New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of 75th anniversary of India's Independence from British Rule.
In what is his eighth consecutive Independence Day address, PM Modi highlighted various aspects of India, lauded doctors, nurses & paramedical staff for dedicated services to battle Covid pandemic and announced some key measures for development in various sectors of the country.
PM Modi Speech Highlights: Top 10 Points
- Covid Management & vaccination Drive
Hailing the covid management and fast-tracked efforts in making its own Covid-19 vaccine, PM Modi said, "During COVID, our doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, sanitation workers, scientists who were developing vaccines & crores of citizens who were working with a sense of service -all those who devoted every moment to serve others in this period, deserve our appreciation. We can proudly say that the largest Covid-19 vaccination program is being run in India today. More than 54 crore people have received vaccine doses so far. It's a result of strength of our industrialists & scientists, that today India doesn't need to depend on any other nation for vaccines," the PM said.
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- Tokyo Olympics 2020
Applauding the athletes for the remarkable achievement at Tokyo Olympics, PM Modi in his speech at Red Fort said, "The athletes who have made us proud at Tokyo Olympics are here amongst us today. I urge the nation to applaud their achievement today. They have not only won our hearts but also inspired future generations."
"There was a time when sports wasn't considered a part of the mainstream. Parents used to tell children that they would spoil their life if they kept playing. Now, awareness regarding sports & fitness has come within the country. We have experienced this in Olympics this time," PM Modi said.
- Partition Horrors Remembrance Day
PM Modi on Sunday reiterated his decision to observe August 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. Addressing the nation today, the PM said, "We have taken a decision to observe August 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, to honour the pain and sufferings faced by the people of India during the partition. We forgot the Partition and its horrors after Independence. We need to remember them and the tragedy they faced due to the Partition. We will observe August 14 in honour of the victims of Partition."
- Assembly Elections In Jammu & Kashmir
In a major development after since the abrogation of Article 370, PM Modi on Sunday said that a Delimitation Commission has been constituted in Jammu and Kashmir and preparations are on for assembly elections in the future. PM also said that Ladakh, too, is walking its road towards development. "On the one hand, Ladakh is witnessing the creation of modern infrastructure, while on the other hand Indus Central University will make Ladakh a center of higher education," PM Modi noted.
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- National Education Policy
Stressing on the new National Education Policy, PM Modi said that the National Education Policy 2020 will become a major force in the fight against poverty. It will empower the poor child to become professionals with education in their regional languages.
- Measure to Increase Collective Strength of Small Farmers
Speaking over measures for the growth and prosperity of small farmers in the country, PM Modi urged citizens to increase the collective power and give new facilities to farmers to allow them becoming the pride of the country. "In the coming years, we will have to increase the collective power of the small farmers of the country. We have to give them new facilities. They must become the country's pride," PM Modi said.
"Our mantra is 'Chhota kisan bane desh ki shaan'. It's our dream. In yrs to come, we've to further increase the collective strength of small farmers of the country, we will have to provide them new facilities. 'Kisan rail' runs on more than 70 rail routes of the country today," PM Modi added. In 75 weeks of the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav', 75 'Vande Bharat' trains will connect different parts of country, PM Modi announced.
- PM Gati Shakti Plan
In another major announcement, PM Modi announced to launch PM Gati Shakti Plan, a 100 lakh crore national infrastructure master plan which will make a foundation for holistic infrastructure and give an integrated pathway to the economy.
- India Aims to Become Zero Carbon Emitter By 2030
Stressing on need to protect the environment, PM Modi in his speech said, "Today, we have to pledge to make India energy independent before completing 100 years of independence. India has moved towards electric mobility and work is underway on 100% electrification of Indian Railways with the aim to becoming net-zero carbon emitter by the year 2030."
He further announced National Hydrogen Mission in view of climate change. "Today, I am announcing the National Hydrogen Mission in view of climate change. We have to make India a hub for production and export of Green Hydrogen."
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- Warning to Enemies
Giving out a stern message to the enemies, PM Modi on Sunday said, "By conducting surgical strikes and airstrikes, we have given a message of the emergence of a new India to our enemies. It also conveys that India can take tough decisions."
- Girls in Sainik Schools
Focusing on women empowerment, PM Modi said daughters are eager to get their due equal space. He announced that girls will now be allowed admission in all sainik/army schools in the country.