PM Modi Independence Day 2024 Speech Highlights: Civil code, ‘Viksit Bharat’ feature in address from Red Fort

Here’s what the Prime Minister said during the speech:

📌 Prime Minister Modi honoured those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom. “The country is indebted to them,” he remarked, acknowledging the weight of the legacy left by India’s freedom fighters.

📌 The Prime Minister also took a moment to address the series of natural disasters that have recently struck various parts of the country. “Many have lost their families and loved ones in these calamities. Today, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to all those affected and assure them that we stand with them in this difficult hour,” he said.

📌 With less than 25 years to go until the country marks its centenary of independence, PM Modi underscored the government’s commitment to transforming the nation into a developed country by this landmark year. “Viksit Bharat 2047 are not mere words; they are reflections of the resolve and dreams of 140 crore people,” he emphasized, reiterating that this vision is shaped by the collective aspirations of the Indian populace.

📌 Viksit Bharat 2047: The Prime Minister also highlighted the overwhelming public input received for the ‘Viksit Bharat’ initiative. “People have given many suggestions to make India developed by 2047, including making the nation a manufacturing hub and ensuring seed capital availability,” he said. Other suggestions focused on governance reforms, speeding up the justice delivery system, and promoting traditional medicines, reflecting the diverse and forward-thinking aspirations of the citizens.

📌 Atrocities against women: In the wake of widespread protests across the country over the rape and murder of a medical student in Kolkata, PM also spoke about the issue of atrocities against women in the country and said he can feel the outrage of the people. “There is a need to widely publicise punishments given for atrocities against women so that there is a fear of consequence,” he said.

📌 Uniform Civil Code: “I believe we should discuss the civil code in the country. Discriminatory laws need to be abolished, and we should implement a secular civil code. We need to transition from a communal civil code to a secular one.” said PM Modi during his speech.

📌 Concerns over Bangladesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoped that the situation in Bangladesh would improve soon even as he expressed concern over the safety of Hindus and other minorities in that country. Modi said India will always be supportive of Bangladesh’s growth and development.

📌 One Nation, One Election: “From the Red Fort, I urge the political community to support the idea of “One Nation, One Election.” It is crucial for the nation to unite behind this initiative. Frequent elections create stagnation in the nation. Today, every scheme and initiative seems to be influenced by election cycles, and every action is colored by political considerations,” PM Modi said.

📌 Commitment to reforms: The Prime Minister took pride in the government’s unwavering commitment to reforms, which he described as essential not for temporary applause but to fortify the nation’s foundations. Citing the banking sector reforms as an example, he pointed out that Indian banks now rank among the strongest globally. “The path of reforms chosen by us has become a blueprint for growth and not just for debate clubs,” he asserted.

📌 Space sector and startups: PM also stressed how important the space sector is and noted that many changes have been made to improve it. He also mentioned that more startups are getting involved in this area. “Today, many startups are entering this sector. The space sector which is becoming vibrant is an essential element towards making India a powerful nation. We are focusing and giving strength to this sector with a long-term idea.”

📌 Revolutionizing education: Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that his government aims to develop an education system in India that would eliminate the need for young people to go abroad for their studies. “We want to build such an education system in India that youngsters do not need to go abroad to study. In fact we would want foreign students to come here and study,” he said. He also announced plans to add 75,000 new medical seats in the next 5 years, aiming to enhance the country’s medical education capacity and address the growing demand for healthcare professionals.

📌 Milestones and achievements: In his speech, PM Modi shared the significant milestones already achieved by his government. The Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide potable water to every household, has now reached an impressive 15 crore beneficiaries. He also touched upon the global promotion of millets, referred to as ‘Shri anna,’ stating, “People want ‘shri anna (millets)’ to reach every dining table in the world as a superfood.”

📌 National security: Addressing the nation’s security, PM Modi highlighted the pride felt by every Indian when the armed forces conduct surgical and air strikes. He reflected on the transformation in public expectations from the government, noting, “Earlier, people wanted change, but their aspirations were not paid heed to; we brought about big reforms on the ground.”

📌 PM Modi also highlighted the shift in governance over the past decade, where citizens no longer have to plead with the government for basic amenities. “Now, they get them at their doorstep,” he said, reflecting on the transformative change in service delivery.

📌 Climate change leadership: He announced that India is the only country among G20 nations to have met its climate targets under the 2015 Paris Agreement ahead of schedule. “I want to tell the world about the strength of my country’s people. My country and its people have accomplished what other G20 nations have not. We have met the climate targets set under the Paris Agreement ahead of schedule. India is the only nation among the G20 countries to do so, and we are proud of it,” he said.