“Nation First is the bedrock of our policies”, says PM Modi, addressing the Nation on the 77th Independence Day

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort marking the occasion of the 77th year of Independence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referred to the citizen as his ‘parivarjaan’ (family members). The theme this year was, “India First, Nation First”, ushering in a more prosperous era for this country, he claims that Global experts have opined that India will not stop now. The Prime Minister touched upon a plethora of pressing issues, including Manipur, in his speech.

Ahead of his speech on the 77th Independence Day, the PM began his I-Day salutations by offering his tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the Raj Ghat, he then kick started the celebrations by unfurling the Indian Flag at the Red Fort. “I pay my tributes to all the brave hearts who contributed in the India’s freedom struggle. He started his speech by paying homage to the freedom fighters who selflessly fought for the freedom of this country.

The Manipur mayhem made it to the Prime Minister’s speech, he said, “The country stands with the people of Manipur...Resolution can be found through peace only. The Centre and the State government is making all efforts to find resolution." He assured that India stands with the people of Manipur, and that the government is working tirelessly to restore normalcy in the strife torn state. Moreover, he condemned the atrocities that have been meted against the women and the violence that has rocked Manipur.

Calling India the largest democracy in the world, the PM stated that a harmonious synthesis between demography, diversity and democracy will play a significant role in helping the nation achieve its goals. He stated that this nation is brimming with potential and talent, and the country has endless opportunities to accommodate such talent. “There is no dearth for opportunities in our country. The country has the ability to provide endless opportunities”, he said.

Shedding light on the pressing issue of climate change and the ensuing national calamities that has affected thousands across the State, he said, “This time, natural calamity has created unimaginable crises in several parts of the country. I express my sympathies to all families who faced this.”

The Prime Minister assured that in the post Covid era, the geo-political scenario has undergone a paradigm shifting change, the cumulative ability of 140 crore people can be seen shaping the new world order. “In shaping a changing world, Indian people’s capabilities are evident”, said the Prime Minister.

“Nation First is the bedrock of our policies; people formed such government in 2014 and 2019 that gave me strength to pull off reforms”, says the Prime Minister, stressing on the fact that the needs of the Nation reigns supreme over all other constructs. In tandem with this claim the PM said that the economic conditions of the country have grown exponentially, many poor families have been propelled to the status of a middle class or a lower middle class family. Moreover, he launched the ‘Vishvakarma Yojna’ from the Red Fort, with outlay of Rs 13,000-15,000 crore to help our workers. “India will become 3rd largest global economy in next 5 years” guaranteed the Prime Minister.

“The one thing that will take the country forward is women-led development. Today, we can proudly say that India has the maximum number of pilots in civil aviation. Women scientists are leading the Chandrayaan mission. The G20 countries are also recognising the importance of women-led development” said the Prime Minister, laying stress on the importance of women centric development in the country. “It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure there is no atrocity against our daughters”, he added.

The Prime Minister harped on the importance of unity from the Red Fort, and its impact on the democratic model that India follows. “In next 25 years we have to move forward with message of unity, there would be efforts to strengthen country’s unity”, he said. He further stated that India is the mother of democracy and is a model of diversity. The people of the country have to move forward taking into account the many diversities that encompass the idea of India. “We have to live with mantra of ‘Shreshtha Bharat’ to make India developed by 2047”, said the Prime Minister, promising to take India to an epitome of development by 2047.

According to the PM, the tree sins that act as a hindrance in the development of this nation are, corruption, nepotism and appeasement and calls for getting rid of them. “I am confident that in 2047 when India marks 100 years of its independence, it will be a developed nation”, he said.

Taking a jibe at the alleged failure of the previous government, PM Modi said, “India feeling sense of security now. Serial bomb blasts thing of past; terror attacks, incidents in Naxalism-hit areas curbed.” He further stated that corruption has affected India’s capability, and he pledged to create a corruption free India. Hitting back at Congress, he said, “Democracy is affected by ills of nepotism; dynastic parties work with mantra of party of family, by family and for family”.

The Prime Minister concluded his speech with a promise for a better India. Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he stated that the next five years are for unprecedented development of India. “The biggest golden moment to realise the dream of 2047 is the coming five years. The next time, on 15th August, from this Red Fort I will present before you the achievements and developments of the country.”he said.