New Delhi: The next 25 years will be crucial for India, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation after hoisting the national flag at the Red Fort. This is the PM’s ninth Independence Day address to the nation from the Red Fort.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat before addressing the nation at the Red Fort. For the first time in 75 years, a made-in-India gun was used for the ceremonial gun salute from Red Fort.
As he began his address, PM Modi said that it was a historic day for India as it takes a new path with a new resolve. He emphasised that India’s strength lies in its diversity, calling it the “mother of democracy”.
The PM coined the word 'Panch Pran' or lifeblood resolves for the nation when it celebrates its 100th year of independence in 2047. The five pledges for 2047 are, having developed India, removing any sign of servility, pride in heritage, unity and fulfilling our duties. The PM also urged the youth of India to dedicate the next 25 years of their lives for the for the nation's development and to work towards the development of the entire humanity.
India, which is the world's sixth largest economy with a GDP of USD 2.7 trillion, is currently classified as a developing nation.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on 76th Independence Day, he said an aspirational society is very precious for any country and in India, people's aspirations are on the rise.
"Aspirations are on the rise in every section of the society. Every citizen wants a change, wants to see it happening in front of their eyes and is not ready to wait anymore," the prime minister said.
People want to progress with speed and they are not ready to "force their coming generations wait for it", he said.
"Be it the Centre, states or local self-governance institutions, each of them will have to address the demands of the aspirational society," Modi said. "We cannot wait anymore to fulfil their aspirations," he added.
Emphasizing on the dignity of women, PM Modi said, “It is important that in speech and conduct, we do nothing that lower the dignity of women.”
The Prime Minister said natural farming will give new strength to India.
From renewable energy to increasing infrastructure for medical education, India has improved on every front. "From space sector to drone manufacturing to natural farming, India is progressing rapidly in every sector," he said.
The government also launched the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to encourage people to bring the Tiranga home and to hoist it to mark the 75th year of India's independence.
-Sources/PTI