Prime Minister Narendra in his address to the nation on 76^th Independence Day squarely attacked corruption for its wide-ranging evil effects on the all-round developments of the nation. He appeared equally aggressive on dynastic politics. Terming them as the country’s two biggest challenges, he appealed to the countrymen to take the country to the next level of development by eradicating them. If the estimates of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are to be believed, the cost of bribery alone could be around 2 trillion dollar a year globally, which represents around 2% of the global GDP. Since, corruption has wider ramifications for a developing country, hence PM’s concerns could well be understood.

Donning a white turban with Tricolour motif in tune with ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’, PM Modi discussed a number of issues in his speech. In his power-packed speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, PM Modi said India is the mother of democracy and democratic traditions have spread from the Indian soil to several parts of the globe. Terming India’s diversity as its strength, he said we inherit strength from our diversity, adding that the common thread of patriotism makes India unshakeable.

On this occasion, PM Modi recalled the sacrifices and contributions of Rani Laxmi Bai, Jhalkari Bai, Rani Gaidinliu and others, saying the country is indebted to them as they all have shown the true strength of India’s NariShakti.

Delivering a customary speech, PM said, on Aug 14, we remembered the horrors of partition. Today, is the day to remember all citizens of the country who contributed towards taking our country forward in last 75 years. During ‘Azadi ke Amrit Mahotsav’, we remembered our many national heroes, said PM Modi.

He also recalled Mahatma Gandhi (Bapu), Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Veer Savarkar, who contributed tremendously to the making of the country. PM also remembered great thinkers like Vivekanand, Aurobindo and Rabindranath Tagore for their invaluable contributions to the society, adding the country is grateful to Gandhiji, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Ramprasad Bismil, Rani Laxmi Bai, Subash Chandra Bose, & all other freedom fighters who shook the foundations of the British Empire.

PM also remembered Adivasi freedom fighters such as Birsa Munda, Tirot Singh & Alluri Sitarama Raju, who played a pivotal role in keeping the freedom struggle alive in every corner of India.

In his speech, he saluted Indian soldiers, police forces & most importantly every citizen who combated many challenges and yet worked towards the vision of New India.

PM also recollected the crisis and challenges that India has faced in the past like food crisis, wars, natural disasters, calamities, failures and how we triumphed over these challenges, adding when we attained freedom there were many cynics who doubted our development trajectory but we took over all problems. This 75 years journey was full of ups and downs. However, our countrymen during these times, have also made achievements, made efforts, have not given up and have not allowed resolutions to disappear.

PM said, based on the philosophy of Gandhi Ji, we are working towards empowering every Indian at every corner of the nation- be it Dalit, women, farmers, Divyang from north to south and east to west. India is an aspirational society and such a society is an asset. The people of India want positive changes and they want it at a quick pace and want to contribute to it.

PM said that the way India has marched ahead on the path of rapid development, has made the world change its mindset. The skills of more than 130 crore Indians further promise a lot for the country. In the last few days we have seen an increase in common consciousness of the love for the nation. #HarGharTiranga has been an example of the entire nation coming together to celebrate spirit of our glorious country.

PM said that during Covid-19 pandemic, Indians showed a unique example of a common and collective consciousness, where citizens came together willingly and offered all sorts of helps to the needy. From supporting doctors to propelling research to taking vaccines to the remotest parts, we all have stood together in the times of crisis.

Now celebrating 75 years of Independence, we need to move forward with a renewed focus and resolve for the next 25 years, and this can be made possible through the strength and determination of more than 130 crore Indians.

On this occasion, PM also talked of five resolves- Viksit Bharat, removing every ounce of Gulami in us, pride for our glorious heritage, unity and fulfilling our duties. He called upon the countrymen to come together and focus on these resolves for the next 25 years and urged the youth to dedicate the next 25 years of their lives for the development of the nation and entire humanity, which is the strength of India.

PM Modi paid a tribute to maharishi Aurobindo on his birth anniversary today. PM said, Atmanirbhar Bharat is not a government agenda or a program, but a mass movement, which we have to take forward, adding from renewable energy to increasing infrastructure for medical education, we have improved on every front.

At the same time, he also talked of the restrictions our talented youth confront when it comes to languages, obliquely referring to English. He said sometimes our talent is restricted by language barriers, which is an example of imperialism, hence we need to be proud of every language in our country.

He said, we were highly dependent on oil imports for our needs. We planned to blend 10% ethanol with petrol. It appeared to be a difficult task to accomplish in the beginning. However, we achieved the blending of ethanol with petrol ahead of the schedule.

On this occasion, PM Modi also threw light on the farming and farmers, adding we need to focus on ‘Per drop more crop’ initiative, chemical-free farming and more for making India fully self-reliant in terms of all kinds of crops. We also need to be Atmanirbhar in our energy sector. From solar energy to Mission Hydrogen to adoption to EVs, we need to take these initiatives to the next level for energy independence. From space sector to drone manufacturing to natural farming, India is progressing rapidly in every sector.

PM Modi didn’t disappoint women folk of the country either, saying respect for women is an important pillar for India’s growth. We need to support our Nari Shakti.

A day earlier, President Droupadi Murmu in her speech said that the people freed themselves from the shackles of colonial rulers and reshaped the country’s destiny with their committed efforts. She said India proved the sceptics wrong who believed a democratic country like India couldn’t sustain and grow at good rate.