New Delhi: Addressing the nation on the occasion of India's 76th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday laid out the country's vision for achieving five resolves (panch pran) till 100 years of freedom while also urging citizens to stop disrespectful conduct against women.
In his 82-minute speech, PM Modi spoke about India's achievements in technology, ethanol production, the COVID-19 vaccination programme, and more.
5 Major Highlights From PM Modi's Speech
Panch Pran: The Prime Minister laid out five resolves for India as he emphasised that India was transitioning from 'Amrit Mahotsav' to 'Amrit Kaal'. The five 'pran' that he mentioned are:
- The goal of Developed India Third Pran
- Remove any trace of colonial mindset and slavery (ghulami)
- Take pride in Indian roots
- Unity
- Sense of duty among the citizens
"For the next 25 years we need to focus on the five resolves," he said.
Tirade On Corruption & Parivardwaad: PM Modi asked the nation to fight against the ills of corruption and nepotism ("parivarwaad") as he noted, "If there are crores of problems there are crores of solutions. When 130 crore people take one step ahead, the nation moves 130 crore steps", He identified corruption and nepotism as two key issues that need to be dealt with head on.
"Corruption is hollowing the country like a termite, the nation will have to fight it," he said. Modi mentioned that his government is striving to ensure that the corrupt individuals who looted India are made to return what they took.
"Another evil we need to come together against is nepotism. We need to give opportunities to those who are talented and will work towards the progress of the nation. Talent will be the basis of a New India," he added.
He went on to state: "To cleanse every institute of India, let's shift our mentality from nepotism and dynasty and give opportunity to citizens who deserve it."
Respect For Women & 'Nari Shakti' Pitch: The role of women in India's progress was a major element addressed by the Prime Minister who, in an emotional appeal, noted that respect for women is an important pillar of the nation's growth. It is important that in speech and conduct "we do nothing that lowers the dignity of women", he said.
"A distortion has crept in our conduct and we at times insult women," he said, and asked, "Can we take a pledge to get rid of this from our behaviour and values?"
He laid emphasis on gender equality and highlighted increased women's participation, 'Nari Shakti' in all walks of life.
India As An Aspirational Society: The Prime Minister hailed India as an aspirational society, noting that the nation is "the mother of democracy" and has "inherent strength".
"Our nation has proved that we have an inherent strength from our diversity and the common thread of patriotism makes India unshakeable," Modi said, as he termed India the "mother of democracy".
He also said, "India is an aspirational society and such a society is an asset. The people of India want positive changes and they want it at a quick pace. They also want to contribute towards it."
PM Modi noted India's success in administering 200 COVID vaccine doses while as he stated, the world continued to indulge in debates and was puzzled over the performance of new vaccines.
Nation First Approach: The Prime Minister asked Indians to adopt a 'Nation First' approach for everything they do.
"I urge the youth to dedicate the next 25 years of their lives to the development of the nation. We will work towards even the development of the entire humanity. That is the strength of India," he said.
"By the 100th year of Independence, we have to work with the vision of accomplishing what our freedom fighters dreamt of," he affirmed.
Notably, a made-in-India gun was used for the first time in 75 years for the ceremonial 21-shot salute at the historic Red Fort on Independence Day. So far, British guns have been used for the ceremonial salute.
Amid "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav" celebrations, PM Modi wore the traditional kurta and churidar paired with a blue jacket and black shoes. He chose to wear a white safa with tricolour stripes and a long trail for his 76th Independence Day look.
To mark the 75 years of Independence, Indians across the country are also participating in the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign.
(With Agency Inputs)