New Delhi: Today marks 80 years since our country gained independence. Since the end of British rule in 1947, Indians have witnessed numerous ups and downs and have set new benchmarks in making the nation capable and empowered—scaling new heights in everything from basic amenities to achieving self-reliance. The 80th Independence Day is being celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country.
Upon arriving at the Red Fort in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag and addressed the nation. During his address, he presented a roadmap for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) to the country. He elaborated on the significance of the interplay between resources and mindset in the nation’s progress. Here are the details of what he said from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
What PM Modi said about crude oil
On the occasion of Independence Day, PM Modi said, “My dear countrymen, a nation is often not held back by a lack of resources, but rather by the limitations of its mindset. When thinking becomes confined and stagnant, we fail to recognise our own latent potential. Today, the country remains dependent on imported crude oil, a situation largely stemming from the flawed mindset of the past.”
He further stated that the government is moving forward with plans to launch five new nuclear reactors. This year, India has achieved new milestones in ‘Fast Breeder Nuclear Technology.’ Consequently, the nation has taken a significant and successful leap towards self-reliance in nuclear fuel.
Multi-fold increase in defense production
Narendra Modi made a striking revelation regarding defence production. He noted that defence production has increased fourfold over the last 12 years. Production in the Khadi and Village Industries sector has risen nearly fivefold, electronics manufacturing nearly sevenfold, modern railway coach manufacturing 21-fold, and mobile phone manufacturing 33-fold. The number of internet users has increased nearly fourfold, four times as many patents have been granted, and digital transactions have surged a hundredfold.
Moving Forward with ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India)
PM Narendra Modi stated that while a great deal is available globally, often at low cost and with quick delivery,y such reliance neither builds our own capabilities nor tests them. Therefore, we must enhance our own capacities and ensure the protection of our interests ourselves. That is why we are moving forward with unwavering determination and strength, committed to the vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
Building a Developed India by 2047
Narendra Modi remarked that India has envisioned a grand dream today, ay a dream pursued with firm resolve and the aim of scaling new heights. This dream is that by the time India marks 100 years of independence in 2047, we will have successfully built and realised a ‘Developed India’.
We must achieve this goal through the hard work and concerted efforts of our 1.4 billion citizens. When the world’s most populous nation resolves to become a developed country, it stands as a testament to our courage before the entire world.
