- Thursday, February 27, 2025
At the end of his speech, the PM said he would return to the ramparts of the historic monument if people’s blessings are with him.
By: Shubham Ghosh
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (15) unfurled the Indian Tricolour at the Red Fort in Delhi on the occasion of the country’s 77th Independence Day. He spoke on a diverse range of issues, ranging from massive opportunities besides taking a dig at his political rivals. At the end of his address, Modi said he would return to the ramparts of the historic monument if people’s blessings are with him.
It was Modi’s 10th consecutive Independence Day speech since he became the prime minister in 2014 and the final one before next year’s general elections.
The prime minister started his speech by expressing concern over the continuing violence in the north-eastern state of Manipur and reports of atrocities committed against women there. He said that “India stands with Manipur”.
“In the last few weeks, Manipur witnessed a wave of violence. Several people lost their lives, and our mothers and sisters were dishonoured. But, peace is slowly returning to the region. India stands with Manipur,” he said.
In a departure from his usual style, PM Modi today repeatedly addressed the 140 crore Indian citizens as his “parivarjan (family members)”.
In his earlier speeches, the prime minister referred to the people of the country as “my beloved brothers and sisters”.
Highlighting the “track record” of his government, Modi recalled various efforts that it has taken to empower people and take the country towards development.
“Our track record attests to the fact that India fulfils what it resolves,” he said, citing successes in meeting various targets.
It is ‘Modi’s guarantee’ that India will become the third-largest global economy in the next five years, the prime minister, who will complete a decade in office next year, added.
Modi also said that “demography, democracy and diversity” together have the ability to realise the nation’s dreams.
“This Triveni (confluence of three) can fulfil all dreams of India,” Modi added.
Speaking about his government’s efforts to alleviate poverty, Modi said more than 13.5 crore (135 million) people came out of poverty to become part of the neo-middle, middle class in the last five years.
“When the country celebrates its 100th Independence Day in 2047, it would be a developed nation,” he said.
Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, Modi was received by Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh, India’s minister of state for defence Ajay Bhatt, defence secretary Giridhar Aramane and the chiefs of the three services.
As soon as the Tricolour was hoisted by the prime minister, flower petals were showered at the venue by the Indian Air Force’s two Advanced Light Helicopters Mark-III Dhruv.
Around 1,800 people from different professions — nurses, sarpanches of Vibrant Villages, teachers, farmers, and fishermen — were invited as special guests for the programme in line with the government’s vision of “Jan Bhagidari” (public partnership).
