Seven Highlights From The Prime Minister’s Independence Day Speech

1. In Solidarity with the Victims of Tragedies

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his celebratory speech by remembering the people who suffered from natural calamities in various parts of the country. He also expressed his pain and anguish at the tragic death of children in a government hospital in Gorakhpur. Beginning his optimistic Independence Day address, on a solemn note, he ensured that those affected by tragedies are not forgotten by their fellow Indians. That he mentioned these issues without skirting them, sets a precedent.

2. Addressing the Millennials

Children of the twenty-first century were directly addressed by the Prime Minister in his speech. In 2018, they would be completing 18 years and hence, they play a crucial role in India’s growth – they essentially form India’s much-discussed demographic dividend. Where everybody else may have different opinions on millennials, Prime Minister Modi surely has a lot of expectations from them.

3. No More ‘Chalta Hai’

Prime Minister Modi evoked Shri Krishna’s wisdom to Arjuna during the great war of kings in Mahabharata to drive home the point of having a mind willing to drive change and getting things done rather than compromise. In conclusion, no more “chalta hai” but more of “badal sakta hai” attitude.

4. Na Gaali Na Goli

The Prime Minister, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, called on all parties in Jammu and Kashmir to forgo petty rivalries and strife and come to the table to have a dialogue for progress of the state. “Na gaali na goli” he said, even as he invited terrorists to give up their ways and voice their views within the democratic mainstream to get their concerns addressed.

5. Saluting The Armed Forces

Prime Minister Modi applauded the Indian forces for their sacrifices to protect our land and our people. He made it clear that there could be no compromise with terrorism and those who perpetuate it. He mentioned that the surgical strikes showed the army’s steely response in the face of adversity. He also announced launch of a unique website to document and preserve the heroic acts of men and women in Indian armed forces who have been awarded gallantry awards.

6. Strong Pitch For Woman Empowerment

Standing by the victims of triple talaq, Prime Minister Modi lauded their courage to stand up and fight for their rights. It is for the first time that a head of state has taken the issue head on, that too, in his Independence Day address. He also mentioned Ujjwala scheme that has provided clean cooking gas to crores of women and the maternity benefits amendment.

7. 1942 Was Bharat Chhodo, Now It Is Bharat Jodo

Throughout his speech the Prime Minister emphasised on the need to put collective efforts in the building of New India. He appealed to the people to shun violence in the name of faith and come together. He also used catchy one-liners to convey his point – “From Bharat Chhodo to Bharat Jodo” and “From Swarajya to Surajya”.