PM Modi Sets Ambitious Goals in Independence Day Address In his recent Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated a vision that not only resonated with the international community in anticipation of India’s hosting of the upcoming G-20 summit but also reached out to diverse social segments ahead of the significant 2024 elections.
Delivering his address in New Delhi, PM Modi underscored the nation’s demographic diversity as its paramount strength. He called for a strategic embrace of “values-centered development” to propel India towards becoming a developed nation by the year 2047.
The speech served a dual purpose: projecting India’s global standing in preparation for the forthcoming G-20 summit and engaging various societal factions in the lead-up to the crucial 2024 polls.
Central to the Prime Minister’s discourse was the concept of “Rashtra Chetna” (national consciousness) and “Rashtra charitra” (national character), both aimed at fostering Vishwa Kalyan (global welfare). Notably, he extended solidarity to the state of Manipur in the aftermath of violent incidents, particularly emphasizing support for women affected by such events. This gesture was significant in light of criticisms leveled against the PM for purportedly neglecting Manipur.
The speech allocated considerable attention to environmental concerns, underscoring the impact of natural calamities this year, including floods and landslides in states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. PM Modi highlighted his government’s initiatives in constructing disaster-resilient infrastructure and reinforcing relief efforts.
PM Modi emphasized India’s advocacy for the “One Earth, One Family, One Future” theme at the G-20 summit and championed the concept of “Lifestyle for Environment.”
Acknowledging the pivotal role of bureaucracy, PM Modi attributed the successful implementation of his government’s vision over the past nine years to bureaucratic efforts. He applauded aanganwadi and Asha workers for their contributions to vaccination campaigns and acknowledged the Supreme Court’s support for promoting regional languages.
Of note was the Prime Minister’s praise for bureaucracy and the Supreme Court, which bears significance given their influence on his governance style characterized by administrative oversight. The interplay between the government and the judiciary has not been devoid of disagreements.
Throughout the speech, recurring themes included “naarishakti” (women power), “samajik nyay” (social justice), “yuva shakti” (youth power), “pariwarvaad” (dynasty-led politics), “brashtachar” (corruption), and “tushtikaran” (appeasement). Strikingly, PM Modi employed the term “adhunikta” (modernity) frequently to illustrate his governance model, a fusion of traditional values and modernity. He juxtaposed advancements in nano technology with efforts to promote organic farming.
Highlighting India’s demographic advantage, PM Modi underlined that the nation’s youthfulness contrasted with the aging populations of some other countries. This assertion carried significance as India surpassed China to become the world’s most populous country. India boasts the largest youth population globally, with over 908 million individuals under 35, constituting 66% of the total populace.
Managing this burgeoning youth population entails addressing challenges related to education, skill development, employment, and healthcare.
PM Modi centered his speech around the upcoming G-20 summit, asserting that India’s role in shaping the evolving global landscape was pivotal. In the post-Covid-19 era, a new world order has emerged, with Indians playing a significant role in its evolution. The international community recognizes India’s commitment, engendering faith in the nation’s capabilities.
PM Modi underscored the importance of upholding quality standards for “Make in India” products. He emphasized that India’s digital initiatives garnered attention and interest from world leaders during the G-20 meeting in Bali.
A notable aspect of the address was PM Modi’s emphasis on India’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities, underscoring their aspirations and potential. He assured residents of these towns that opportunities for growth would not be scarce.
The Prime Minister’s speech also encompassed new announcements concerning social justice and women’s rights. This signaled the BJP’s inclination toward social engineering in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
In a significant move, PM Modi extended outreach to the OBC communities, a substantial portion of the electorate. He unveiled the Vishwakarma yojna, aimed at aiding barbers, tanners, blacksmiths, and others. This initiative aligned with the BJP’s efforts to counter similar initiatives by various state governments, thus solidifying its stance on OBC welfare.
PM Modi’s commitment to women’s empowerment was evident in his announcement to create 2 crore “lakhpati didis” (prosperous sisters) in villages. He also highlighted women’s engagement in STEM fields and training for women self-help groups to operate and repair agricultural drones.
Addressing security concerns, PM Modi emphasized that modernizing the armed forces contributed to enhanced citizen security. He noted a decline in terrorist activities and Maoist attacks, highlighting citizens’ increased sense of safety.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the issue of inflation and rising essential commodity prices, expressing the government’s dedication to addressing these challenges. These concerns held significance, as national security remained a government strength while inflation concerns prompted defensive measures.
PM Modi reiterated his government’s substantial financial allocation to states over the past five years, surpassing previous administrations’ contributions. He stressed the importance of bolstering regional aspirations and providing equal opportunities to each state. The allocation of resources for housing, agricultural subsidies, and assistance to MSMEs witnessed substantial growth, aligning with the government’s commitment to overall national progress.
The Prime Minister’s appeal for viewing the country as a unified entity, regardless of regional differences, carried a message of unity amidst the backdrop of North-South disparities and Center-State dynamics. This resonated with opposition parties emphasizing the federal nature of India.
PM Modi continued his critique of the opposition, identifying corruption, dynasty-based politics, and appeasement as impediments to democracy. He reiterated his government’s commitment to combatting corruption and noted significant property seizures from corrupt individuals. This stance reflected his dedication to rooting out corruption and maintaining transparency.
In conclusion, PM Modi exuded confidence about his return as the Prime Minister in the following year, citing his government’s diligent work and India’s self-assured trajectory.