Addressing the nation for the 10th consecutive time from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 77th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15 started his speech with tributes to the great freedom fighters, a peace appeal for the strife-torn northeastern state of Manipur and expressed his sorrows for those affected by natural calamities across the nation. He also spoke about the importance of women's empowerment and a self-reliant India with its youth power and many achievements that assures a brighter future.
Highlights
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "The largest democracy of the world and now also the leading country in terms of population. Such a large country, 140 crore members of my family are celebrating Independence today."
- Paying homage to freedom fighters, he said, "I pay my tributes to all the brave hearts who gave their contribution to India's freedom struggle."
- Appealing for peace in Manipur, PM Modi said, "The country stands with the people of Manipur... Resolution can be found through peace only. The Centre and the State government are making all efforts to find a resolution."
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "This time, natural calamity has created unimaginable crises in several parts of the country. I express my sympathies to all families who faced this...."
- "The trinity of demography, democracy and diversity has the power to realise the dreams of the nation," he said.
- Lauding the efforts of women's self-help groups and their contribution, PM Modi said the G-20 grouping has acknowledged India's approach of women-led development. He said, "When you go to a village, you will find 'bank-wali didi, Anganwadi didi and dawai-wali (medicine) didi. It is my dream to make 2 crore lakhpati didis in villages."
- PM Modi said, "There is no dearth of opportunities in the country. The country has the ability to provide endless opportunities.."