New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first Independence Day address of his third term magnified the theme of this year's Independence Day: 'Viksit Bharat @ 2047'. Highlighting the spirit of diversity, he said that from Srinagar and Ladakh to the nation's capital, the country will come together to celebrate its freedom on August 15.
Here are the top 10 quotes from the PM's speech today:
- I would like to express my pain once again, from the Red Fort today. As a society, we will have to think seriously about the atrocities against women that are happening - there is outrage against this in the country. I can feel this outrage. The country, society, and State Governments will have to take this seriously.
- India always wants our neighbouring countries to march on the path of prosperity and peace. We are committed to peace. As a neighbouring country, I can understand the concern regarding whatever has happened in Bangladesh. I hope that the situation will improve at the earliest. We will continue to wish well for Bangladesh in its development journey.
- 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. Even today, children, mostly belonging to the middle class, are going abroad for medical education. They spend lakhs and crores on medical education abroad. Around 25,000 youths every year go abroad for medical education and they go to such countries, I get surprised when I hear about them. So we have decided, 75,000 new seats will be created in the medical line in the next five years.
- India's efforts to tackle the global issue of climate change have reassured and surprised the world. 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.
- Most of the people who meet me want to invest in India. It's a golden opportunity to make India a hub of global manufacturing. I call upon state governments to make polices to attract investment, while ensuring good governance and law and order. The country needs to work on 'Design In India' and 'Design for the World'. Our focus is on comprehensive skill development, spanning every sector, from agriculture to sanitation. Through 'Skill India' programme, India has ignited growth and a new momentum, he added. 'Vocal for Local' has become the mantra of India's Arthatantra (economy). With "One District, One Product," each district now takes pride in its produce and strives to identify its unique strengths to specialise in one particular product, aiming to boost exports.
- A large section of the country believes - and it is true, that the Civil Code that we are living with is actually a Communal Civil Code in a way...I would say that it is the need of the hour that there be a Secular Civil Code in the country...only then would we be free of discrimination on the basis of religion.
- We want to identify 1 lakh youth who have no political background. We want to introduce fresh blood into politics so that there is freedom from dynast and caste politics.
- Every citizen has been tired of corruption. We have waged a war on it and I have to pay a price for it, but there is no price to pay for the nation. My fight against the corrupt will continue. I want to stop the tradition of looting the middle class.
- India's development should not be a matter of concern for world powers. We have never thrown the world into war. We are a country of Buddha, Yudha (war) is not our way. Hence, I want to assure the world that it should not be worried by India's progress. The world should understand India's culture, and our thousands of years of history. Don't consider us a danger. Don't associate yourself with powers which may make India do more hard work to achieve its goals.
- This is India's golden era. 2047 is awaiting our Viksit Bharat. Defeating the obstacles and challenges, this committee to go ahead with a new resolution...I had said earlier too that in my third term, the country would become the third-largest economy and I would work at three times the speed. So that the dreams of the country are realised at the earliest...24/7 for 2047.
Read More:
