PM Modi discussed India's challenges and opportunities on Independence Day

INDC Network : New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 78th Independence Day speech focused on India's global standing and the challenges the country faces. He made it clear that India's rise is not a threat to world peace and warned India's opponents at the global level to refrain from targeting India. He said India's growth will be the best for the world, as India has always advocated peace and non-violence. The Prime Minister also mentioned the internal and external challenges the country faces and said that India is fully prepared to face these difficulties. In his speech, Modi expressed concern over the Islamist coup in Bangladesh and the subsequent violence against Hindus and other minorities. He said India is facing challenges from both inside and outside, including conspiracies to create instability and communal hatred. He stressed that India's culture is that of the land of Buddha, not war, and India's rise is a symbol of peace and prosperity. PM Modi also discussed India's economic situation and expressed his commitment to make India the third largest economy in the world after the US and China. He also expressed concern that certain forces globally are trying to stop India's growth, including by promoting communal and caste divides. He also hit out at pessimists within the country who have not appreciated India's rapid progress. Modi also warned about global instability, especially in the context of growing tensions between Iran and Israel and the ongoing war in Ukraine. He also mentioned the concerns of India's national security planners, including cross-border terrorism from Pakistan in the Jammu region and provocations by Khalistani forces in Canada, the US, and the UK. The Prime Minister also hinted at action against these forces, as he mentioned the surgical strikes and the Balakot attacks.

PM Modi also mentioned the achievements of his government and said that his government has contributed significantly to the country's development journey in the last 10 years. He discussed the steps taken towards the development of the country in his 11th Independence Day speech. Modi also spoke on the occasion about initiatives like 'Swachh Bharat' and 'Jan Dhan' accounts, which he launched in his first Independence Day speech in 2014. Prime Minister Modi has also made his mark as the leader who has given the longest speech in the history of Independence Day. His shortest speech in 2017 was 55 minutes, while his longest speech in 2016 was 94 minutes. After Modi, former Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral gave the longest speech of about 71 minutes in 1997. Modi also highlighted this year's Independence Day theme 'Developed India' in his address. This theme is in line with the government's vision to transform India into a developed country by 2047. He said that this theme will inspire the country towards building a new world and make India stronger on the global stage.

The Independence Day celebrations began with the arrival of the Prime Minister, where he was welcomed by senior government and military officials. This was followed by the inspection of the Guard of Honour, which this year was coordinated by the Indian Navy. A symbolic moment came when the Prime Minister hoisted the national flag and was given a 21-gun salute, using the indigenous 105 mm Light Field Gun. 161 field workers selected from across the country and their spouses and companions were invited as special guests on the occasion. In addition, selected women workers from Anganwadi workers, Sakhi One-Stop Centres, Sankalp: Mahila Empowerment Centres, Child Welfare Committees and District Child Protection Units were also invited. All these women were invited as special guests to interview the Prime Minister's Independence Day speech, an effort to honour their work and their contribution to the society.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while highlighting the challenges and opportunities of India during his Independence Day speech, called upon the countrymen to build a developed and empowered India. His message was clear that India's pursuit of growth and development translates to peace and prosperity not just for the country but for the entire world.