Before the general elections in 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made several significant statements on Independence Day. He talked about the decisions, and sacrifices in this period will impact the next 1,000 years. He spoke about Manipur violence, naxal-prone areas, government initiatives, India's new position in the world arena, and other topics.
PM Modi’s Independence Day speech today ended at the 90-minute mark, making it his fourth longest Independence Day address ever. The prime minister delivered his 10th consecutive Independence Day address from the ramparts.
At the beginning of his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the nation stands with the people of Manipur and urged the residents of the state to maintain peace. "We are receiving reports of peace prevailing in the state for the past few days. The nation is with the people of Manipur. Central and state governments are making efforts to resolve the problems and will continue to do so," he said. He further stated that the government will continue to fight against the evils of Corruption, dynasty, and appeasement. The country's biggest capability is trust - people's trust in the government, in the country's bright future and the world's trust in India.
He invited nearly 1,800 special invitees to the Red Fort as India marked its 77th Independence Day on Tuesday. The special invitees included Central Vista construction workers, village leaders from various parts of the country, fisher folk, teachers and farmers. Other guests included dignitaries, young students and citizens of the nation.
Before delivering his 10th consecutive Independence Day speech, PM Modi paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. He reached the Red Fort shortly after and was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of Defence of State Ajay Bhatt, and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane. A salute from the Delhi Police Guard and the Inter-Services was followed by the guard of honour.
The spirit of patriotism emanated from the enclosures full of young students and locals as the PM approached the Red Fort. After the tricolour was raised, a 21-gun salute resounded as the national anthem began to play, inspiring pride and love for the country in many. Before PM Modi began his speech, the audience was greeted with showers of flower petals from the sky by two helicopters.
PM Modi touched upon various issues plaguing the country, including the rapid population growth, Manipur violence, growing GDP, the youth of the country, ‘nari shakti’ and more. In addition to the tricolour flying triumphantly from the walls of the famous structure, balloons in the colours of the national flag were launched into the air as he concluded his address. PM Modi greeted the special guests and shook their hands, but many of them were seen swarming him for selfies.
Decisions taken today will decide the future of the country
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, PM Modi said that there is a tremendous opportunity before the country due to the trinity of democracy, demography, and diversity. He said India waged a freedom struggle for several years before it gained independence in 1947. "I am talking about the last 1,000 years because I see that there is opportunity before the country once again. What we do in this era, the steps we take, and the decisions we take one after the other will decide the direction and the future of the country in the coming 1,000 years," he said.
"Today, we have demography, democracy, and diversity - these three together have the ability to realise the dreams of the nation. Highlighting his government's efforts in poverty alleviation, the PM said over 135 million poor people came out of poverty to become part of the neo-middle and middle classes in the last five years alone. "When the country celebrates its 100th Independence Day in 2047, it will be a developed nation," he said.
It’s worth remembering that, in 1992, PM Modi proved his patriotism when terrorists challenged that one who is a real son of his mother should try and dare to unfurl the Indian flag Tricolour at the Lal Chowk of Srinagar. At that moment, he is seen with Dr Murli Manohar Joshi and other BJP workers waving the Tricolour at Lal Chowk. It is noteworthy that during Modi's second term as prime minister, articles 370 and 35A were repealed, and Lal Chowk was decorated with the lighting of the Indian flag tricolor.
India a ‘beacon of hope’ for world, says President
In her speech to the nation on the eve of Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu noted that India has emerged as a "beacon of hope" and reclaimed its rightful position on the international stage. She also emphasised that by holding the G-20 presidency, India has the exceptional opportunity to influence decision-making towards equitable progress and steer global discourse in the right direction.
"During my visits and interactions with members of the Indian diaspora, I have observed a new confidence in the India story. India is playing a crucial role in promoting developmental and humanitarian goals around the world," Murmu said.
"What is notable in India’s presidency of the G20 is the way diplomatic activity has been taken to the grassroots. There has been a first-of-its-kind campaign to encourage people’s participation," she said. Hailing India’s economic performance amid global uncertainty, the President said, "India’s economy has proven to be not only resilient during turbulent times but is also a beacon of hope for others. The world economy is passing through a delicate stage, as the (Covid) pandemic has been followed by international events that have added to the air of uncertainty. Yet, India has been able to navigate the stormy waters very well."
President Murmu called for the economic empowerment of women and appealed to tribal "brothers and sisters to enrich their traditions while embracing modernity. Each of us has many identities apart from caste, creed, language, and region; we are also identified with our families and professions, but there is one identity that is above all. That is our identity as citizens of India. Each one of us is an equal citizen; each one of us has equal opportunity, equal rights, and equal duties," the President said.
I-Day celebrations across India and the world
Tri-colour has been hoisted in states and union territories. The government has also assigned selfie locations in an effort to increase awareness of its major initiatives ahead of the general elections in 2024. More than 88 million selfies of people from across the country with the national flag were uploaded on the central government's 'Har Ghar Tiranga' website until noon under the three-day campaign being run since PM Modi's fresh clarion call last week.
Many towns and cities across the nation unite in a symphony of tricolour rallies, yatras, and events, setting the stage for an exultant celebration of Independence Day. In Porbandar (Gujarat) swimmers of Sriram Swimming Club hoisted the national flag in the sea. The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, flagged off 'Tiranga Yatra' in Srinagar on August 13. The rally was attended by thousands of people, along with the LG. The walkathon started from the Dal Lake area towards the Botanical Gardens. The LG said the entire J&K was participating in the Tiranga Yatra.
Indians also gathered at diplomatic missions throughout the world to commemorate India's Independence Day. They exchanged greetings and sang the national anthem and patriotic songs.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the bilateral relationship between the United States and India is deeper and more expansive than ever during a celebration of India's 77th Independence Day in Washington, DC.
Indian diaspora and embassy representatives both celebrated Independence Day in Beijing. President Murmu's speech was followed by the raising of the tricolour in Australia by High Commissioner Manpreet Vohra. Over a thousand members of the Indian diaspora and communities in Singapore, as well as crewmen visiting INS Kulish, celebrated the Day at the chancery under the direction of Acting High Commissioner Pooja M. Tillu. The INS Kulish band performed musical numbers, and band members joined kids from nearby Indian schools in singing national anthems.
In Sri Lanka, High Commissioner Gopal Baglay and officers of the Indian High Commission paid homage at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial.
