India is dreaming big’: PM Modi’s 13th Independence Day speech | Top quotes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the nation from the Red Fort after hoisting the national flag on India’s 80th Independence Day, outlining his government’s vision for a developed and self-reliant India while paying tribute to the country’s freedom fighters.

Modi pays tribute to freedom fighters

Modi began his address by remembering the “ultimate sacrifice” made by the men and women who fought for India’s freedom.

“With freedom as the sole objective, they devoted their entire lives to sacrifice and struggle,” he said, paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, freedom fighters and revolutionaries who inspired the country’s independence movement.

‘Vande Mataram’ echoes from Red Fort

This year’s celebrations marked 150 years of Vande Mataram, with the National Song being rendered at the Red Fort during the Independence Day ceremony.

Calling it a historic moment, Modi said, “For the first time since Independence, Vande Mataram is echoing from the Red Fort on August 15.”

‘India will become developed by 2047’

Modi reiterated his commitment to making India a developed nation by 2047, saying the country must aim for new heights.

“The world will be forced to look at India differently when the most populous country becomes a developed nation,” he said.

He also called for reforms suited to the 21st century, saying India could not move forward by relying on laws from the previous century.

Push for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’

Calling self-reliance the “highway towards a developed India”, Modi urged citizens to reduce dependence on other countries and embrace the spirit of “vocal for local”.

He announced a major semiconductor programme aimed at strengthening India’s self-reliance in the sector. Modi said three semiconductor plants had already begun operations and that production had started being exported.

He added that another five to eight semiconductor plants were expected to become operational over the next seven to eight years.

Modi warns against ‘fear’ and rumours

Reflecting on crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic and conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, Modi alleged that some people had sought to keep Indians fearful by spreading rumours.

He cited claims that vaccines would not be available, the CoWIN platform would fail, and the country would face shortages of petrol, gas, diesel and fertilisers.

Modi said India did not succumb to such fears and that preparations made over the previous decade helped the country withstand major crises.

“Hum apni takat ke upar khade ho rahe hain,” he said, meaning that India was increasingly standing on its own strength.

Nuclear technology milestone

The prime minister also highlighted India’s progress in nuclear technology, saying the country had achieved an important milestone in mastering 5G nuclear technology and had taken a major step towards self-reliance in the sector.

Modi urges youth to help with Census

Modi made a direct appeal to young Indians to participate in the national Census.

“I am asking all of you for your help,” he said, urging youngsters to contribute their time to the exercise.

He said even one or two hours spent helping with the census could become a significant contribution to the country. Modi also highlighted the availability of digital self-registration, saying citizens could upload their census information online.

According to Modi, digital participation would help reduce data-entry errors and improve the accuracy of the information collected.

He concluded by urging young people to actively participate in the Census exercise and help the country make more effective use of its time and resources.