“Na gaal, na goli se, parivartan hoga gale lagane se,” (Neither with abuses, nor bullets, change will come from embracing each other), said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as he addressed the nation from the Red Fort in New Delhi. Speaking on the occasion of India's 71sr Independence Day, Modi kept his speech short as promised. He, however, unfailingly hit all the right notes.
In his fourth speech, dressed in his signature half-sleeves kurta, churidar pajama, and a Rajasthani headgear, Modi appealed to the people to put their heart and sinew in building a “new India”. He said Indians today need to replicate the kind of effort invested by preceding generations in the five-year period between 1942- launch of the Quit India Movement, and 1947- when the country achieved independence. He said that the message was 'Bharat Chodo' in 1942, now, it should be 'Bharat Jodo'.
Vying for a better India, Modi said, “If each one of us, irrespective of where he belongs to, strives with a new resolve, a new energy, a new strength, we can change the face of the country with our combined strength in the 75th year of our independence in 2022. It will be the New India – a secure, prosperous and strong nation. A New India where there is equal opportunity for all; where modern science and technology play an important role in bringing glory for the nation in the global arena.”
The Red Fort, which saw the presence of senior ministers, top bureaucrats, foreign dignitaries, and the customary massive turnout during Modi's address, was guarded by thousands of security personnel, including 9,100 personnel from the Delhi Police who were deployed in and around the infrastructure. Two dozen Parakram Vans manned by quick reaction teams of NSG-trained commandos had been stationed in areas with high footfall to thwart any attempt by terror groups to disrupt peace. As many as 11 such vans were deployed in the area around the Red Fort.
At the Red Fort, a special team of NSG snipers and commandos formed the inner layers of the security cordon while anti-aircraft guns were deployed to thwart any aerial intrusion by objects like drones and projectiles, senior police officials said. Delhi Police have already prohibited aerial activities, including para-gliding, flying UAVs and hot air balloons, across the city.
“New systems are emerging,” Modi said. “Today roads are being built at twice the speed. The railway tracks are being laid at double the speed. More than 14,000 villages that were hitherto shrouded in darkness even after Independence, have been provided with electricity. Bank accounts of 290 million people have been opened, more than 90 million farmers have got Soil Health Card. More than 20 million poor mothers and sisters are no longer using the fuel wood and using LPG gas stove now. The poor tribals have gained faith in the system. The person at the last mile of development now joins the mainstream and the nation is marching ahead.”
Speaking on the thriving issue of terrorism, he said, “India today has gained in stature across the globe. You will be happy to know that we are not alone in our fight against terrorism. Many nations are proactively supporting us. Be it Hawala, or any inputs related to terrorism, the global community is supporting us with critical information. We have joined hands with other nations in the combined fight against terrorism. We shall take strict steps against terrorism. There is no question of being soft on terrorism or terrorists. We have been asking the extremists to join the mainstream.”
Modi found himself overwhelmed by the response he received especially from children. On his way out, he stopped his motorcade only to break protocol and security cover to enter an enclosure where he was welcomed by children with loud cheers. Children from different schools in New Delhi had formed a 'Bharat' formation in Hindi in front of the fort. Some had reached the venue dressed as young Lord Krishna. The PM met them all and interacted with the children.
