Marking I-Day, India’s Modi vows self-reliance

TDT | Manama

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Independence Day address to outline key achievements, major reforms, and a vision for a self-reliant, developed India by 2047.

“My dear countrymen,

This festival of Independence is a celebration of the 140 crore resolutions of our people and a moment of collective pride. From the deserts to the Himalayas, the seashores to crowded cities, the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign echoes the praise of our motherland.

In 1947, our nation began its journey with immense challenges. Guided by the Constitution, shaped by leaders like Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Sardar Patel, and Hansa Mehta, we have followed the path set by revered Bapu. Today, I bow to these makers of modern Bharat.

On this 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, we recall his sacrifice for ‘One Nation, One Constitution’. Guests from across Bharat, from village panchayats to sportspersons, are present here, symbolising unity.

Nature has tested us with landslides and cloudbursts; relief and rescue efforts are ongoing. Operation Sindoor showed our resolve after the Pahalgam massacre. Our forces, given full freedom, destroyed terrorist bases deep inside enemy territory. Bharat will not tolerate nuclear blackmail, nor will we allow water that belongs to us under the Indus Treaty to flow away unjustly.

Self-reliance is the foundation of a Viksit Bharat. ‘Made in India’ enabled Operation Sindoor’s success. We are advancing in semiconductors, clean energy, nuclear power, and critical minerals. By 2047, nuclear capacity will grow tenfold, and we aim for energy independence through the National Deep Water Exploration Mission.

We are building an Aatmanirbhar Gaganyaan and preparing our own space station. I urge our scientists, engineers, and youth to develop indigenous jet engines, medicines, AI platforms, fertilizers, EV batteries, and more.

Entrepreneurship thrives, with women’s self-help groups achieving remarkable success - two crore have become ‘Lakhpati Didi’. Farmers have broken production records, with agro-exports at Rs 4 lakh crore. Schemes like PM-Kisan and crop insurance are empowering them.

In ten years, 25 crore people have risen out of poverty, creating a new ‘neo–middle class’. Development is reaching backward regions and communities through missions for aspirational districts and blocks.

Sports are now encouraged nationwide; the Khelo India policy builds an ecosystem from schools to the Olympics. I urge families to address the growing challenge of obesity.

Security is paramount. We have reduced Naxal-affected districts from over 125 to just 20. Today, I announce the Sudarshan Chakra Mission - a powerful, indigenous defence system to protect strategic and civilian areas by 2035.

We must remain united, free from the remnants of slavery, proud of our heritage, and committed to making Bharat developed by 2047.

Let us remember: those who toil create history. This is the time to bend time in our favour. Jai Hind! Bharat Mata ki Jai! Vande Mataram!”