India Is "Mother Of Democracy, Model Of Diversity": PM Modi Gives Mantra For Shreshtha Bharat

During his independence day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called India the "mother of democracy" and the "model of diversity".

"We have several languages, dialects, outfits... There are a lot of diversities, we have to mover forward with all of them," he said.

"When I talk about unity, it means that when Manipur is hurt, Maharashtra feels it. When Assam is flooded, Kerala becomes tense," the PM stated while pointing out that whatever happens in any part of India, we all feel that.

"When we bring Guru Granth Sahib from Afghanistan, the whole country feels proud. When a Sikh brother organises langar to feed poor during difficult times, we feel proud," Modi further said.

"Our national character should be ojasvi, tejasvi, purusharthi, prakhar, this is our collective responsibility. Our national character should have the message of unity. Our efforts should be towards uniting the country," Modi added.

"If we want a developed India by 2047, we have to make the mantra of shreshtha (best) Bharat a reality. Our products, words, services, institutions, decision making processes should be best," the PM stated.

Emphasising that women-led development is necessary, Modi said, "It's our social and familial responsibility to ensure that there are no crimes against women. It's our responsibility as a nation too."