Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday underscored India's philosophy of non-violence in his 11th Independence Day speech and said we are a country of Buddha and 'yudha' (war) is not our path. The statement came days before PM Modi's visit to war-torn Ukraine on August 23.
The Prime Minister also stressed India's development is not detrimental to anyone and emphasised several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the dignity and rights of marginalised communities. PM Modi said his government has taken big steps to boost infrastructure in the country in the last 10 years.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day, the Prime Minister said, "India's development not detrimental for anyone; we are the country of the Buddha, 'yudha' (war) is not our path."
Modi noted that there has been tremendous progress in infrastructure in the last ten years. "We have also given priority to ease of living... We have taken big steps to boost infrastructure in the country in the last ten years... 140 crore citizens of India can achieve the goal of a prosperous and developed India if they walk with a united resolve. There may be challenges and shortages of resources but people united in their goal can overcome them," he said.
The Prime Minister said that as 140 crore Indians collectively work towards creating a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, the country is on its way to becoming the third-largest economy with big reforms across sectors.
“We received feedback from millions of Indians on how to make the country a developed nation by 2047, and becoming the third-largest economy is one of those suggestions. We are committed to continue to bring big reforms which are the blueprint of our future growth,” the Prime Minister emphasised.
PM Modi mentioned reforms in the banking sector under the BJP-led NDA government in the past decade, which revived the sector once reeling with losses and high NPAs due to the phone-banking policy of UPA. “Today, Indian banks are one of the strongest globally. For the growth of our micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), banks have become a backbone,” said PM Modi.
The Prime Minister also exuded hope that the situation in Bangladesh will normalise soon. "As a neighbouring country, I can understand the concern regarding whatever has happened in Bangladesh. I hope that the situation there gets normal at the earliest. The concerns of 140 crore countrymen to ensure the safety of Hindus and minorities there - India always wants our neighbouring countries to walk the path of prosperity and peace. We are committed to peace...In the days to come, we will continue to wish well for Bangladesh in its 'Vikas Yatra' because we think about the welfare of humankind," he said.