PM Modi's Independence Day Address: Here Are The Top Highlights

After arriving at the Red Fort today (Tuesday, 15 August), Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his address to the nation from its ramparts on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day.

This marked his tenth consecutive Independence Day speech since assuming office, and his final address before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Expressing his intent, PM Modi stated that he will present a complete report of his government's ten-year journey, reiterating his assurance that India will ascend to the position of the world's third-largest economy within the coming five years.

Here are the key highlights from his speech:

1. Honouring the freedom fighters

Prime MInister Narendra Modi started off his speech by highlighting India's position as the largest democracy globally and reminiscing about the sacrifices made by freedom fighters such as Mahatma Gandhi, Aurobindo Ghosh, and their compatriots.

2. The nation stands with Manipur: PM Modi

In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referenced the ongoing unrest in Manipur, affirming the nation's solidarity with its people.

He further noted the recent period of stability in the situation and urged collective efforts to sustain peace and harmony.

3. On 'Demography, Democracy, and Diversity'

PM Modi said "We are lucky to have demography, democracy, diversity," as he further emphasised that this trio would materialise the nation's aspirations and highlighted that the youth of the country will perpetuate the legacy and resolve of the nation.

4. We are in the middle of '1,000 years of enslavement and 1,000 years of greatness': PM Modi

In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that the present moment finds us at the crossroads of "1,000 years of subjugation and 1,000 years of greatness".

He further emphasized that the choices we make today will echo in the next millennium.

5. On the 'power of youth'

PM Modi expressed his confidence in the potential of India's youth to bring about substantial and transformative shifts within the nation.

He noted that the youth have not only excelled but also propelled the country forward through the flourishing start-up ecosystem, a source of immense pride.

Recalling the G20 Summit in Bali last year, he highlighted that leaders from developed nations displayed keen interest in potential of Digital India.

Furthermore, he underlined that the sweeping changes extended not only to urban centers like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai but also encompassed Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

6. A new world order post covid-19 pandemic

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that akin to the scenario following World War 2, a new global order is taking shape in the after the Covid-19 pandemic.

"India becoming voice of the global south, and its prosperity is becoming an opportunity for the world. We are bringing the promise of stability to the world," he said.

"No ifs, no buts, only trust," he added.

7. 'Reform, perform, transform,' the motto to usher in growth and change

PM Modi stated that in 2014, after a span of three decades, the nation chose to embrace transformation and elected a government committed to ushering in meaningful changes.

He outlined the substantial shifts that the nation has experienced in sectors such as AYUSH, fisheries, cooperatives, and more.

8. 'In 2014, we were ranked as 10th global economy, today we are 5th'

In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that upon his government's initial assumption of power in 2014, India held the 10th position in global economic rankings, whereas today it proudly stands at the 5th position.

"By constantly fighting corruption, we have ensured that economic prosperity has come for the common citizens today," he said.

9. On employment generation and building houses

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned that his administration was investing fourfold compared to previous governments in constructing houses.

He also noted that the MUDRA Yojana had effectively spurred job creation through small-scale entrepreneurial initiatives.

10. The promise of making India one of the 'top three global economies'

PM Modi emphasized that as poverty diminishes in the nation, the strength of the middle class experiences a significant rise.

'In the next 5 years, I promise India will be in the top 3 world economies,' he added.

11. 'India controlled inflation while the world is still grappling with the pandemic'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that the global recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic is still underway, and pointed out that when we import goods, we also import inflation.

However, he also emphasized that India's inflation situation fares better than that of other countries. "We have effectively managed to control inflation," he said.

12. 'Yeh Bharat na rukta hai, na thakta hai, na haanfta hai, na haarta hai': PM Modi

During his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Yeh Bharat na rukta hai, yeh Bharat na thakta hai, yeh Bharat na haanfta hai, yeh Bharat na haarta hai (This India doesn't stop, neither does it get tired or pant, nor will it lose)".

13. Prioritising 'women led development'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that development led by women will play a pivotal role in India's journey towards attaining its objectives and scaling new peaks.

He pointed to the growing number of women pilots and scientists, and recounted how he championed the concept of women-led development at the G20 summit, a notion that garnered acceptance from leaders across the world.

14. 'The village on the border is not the last, it's the first village of the country': PM Modi

In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed that his government has transformed the perspective towards border villages via its 'Vibrant Villages' initiative.

"The village on the border is not India's last village, as was said before, it is the first village of the country," he said.

15. India is now recognised as a 'Vishwamitra'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that his administration has elevated India's stature on the international platform, and the nation is currently recognised as a 'Vishwamitra' or a friend of the world.

He mentioned, "Following the Covid pandemic, we advocated the concept of 'One World, One Health'. We have actively contributed to global well-being through practices like yoga and AYUSH. Additionally, we have addressed concerns about global warming and deliberated on strategies to counter it".