NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Aug 15) said India has set itself a major national goal: becoming a developed country by 2047. Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day, Modi called on citizens to think bigger, stay determined and work together to turn the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ into reality.
Modi calls for a bigger national dream
The Prime Minister said India is moving ahead with a new sense of purpose and ambition. He said the country’s decision to become a developed nation would also influence how the world views India.
“Viksit Bharat will be realised in 2047,” Modi said.
He added that when the world’s most populous country takes a pledge to become developed, it reflects the confidence and courage of its people.
“A nation becomes great and achieves its goals when it moves forward driven by its dreams, its resolve, and its inherent strength,” he said.
Modi urged people not to limit their ambitions. “Small dreams will no longer suffice. We must dream big,” he said, adding that bigger dreams widen people’s thinking and their vision for the future.
From ‘fragile five’ to a fast-growing economy
Looking back at India’s economic journey, Modi said the country had earlier been counted among the “Fragile Five”. He said India has since moved to a different position and is now a major and fast-growing economy.
“We were in the Fragile Five. Now we are a major and fast-growing economy. We could not push ourselves earlier. We were stuck,” the Prime Minister said.
He also highlighted changes in key sectors over the past 12 years.
According to Modi, defence production has increased four times during this period. Production by Khadi and Gramodyog has risen five times, while electronic manufacturing has grown seven times. Mobile phone production has increased by 33%, and digital transactions have grown by 100%, he said.
Full Vande Mataram rendition at Red Fort
The Independence Day ceremony also marked a significant moment with the full rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ at the Red Fort for the first time since Independence.
Calling it a “historic moment”, Modi said the national song had special significance during the celebrations.
“For the first time since independence, ‘Vande Mataram’ is resounding at the Red Fort on August 15,” he said.
He said the Tricolour was present in homes and in the minds of citizens as India moved ahead with “enthusiasm and zeal” and new resolutions.
Flag hoisting and 21-gun salute
Earlier, Modi hoisted the National Flag at the Red Fort as part of the 80th Independence Day celebrations. The flag hoisting was synchronised with a 21-gun salute by the gunners of the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial).
The ceremonial battery used indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns. It was commanded by Major Pawan Singh Shekhawat, while Naib Subedar Anuthosh Sarkar served as the Gun Position Officer and Assistant Instructor in Gunnery.
Message to flood-hit families
The Prime Minister also referred to the floods that have affected several parts of the country in recent days. He expressed concern for the families facing the impact of the floods and assured them of national support.
“I assure the affected families that the whole country stands by them,” Modi said.
His Independence Day address combined the long-term goal of a developed India with a call for stronger resolve, bigger ambitions and support for citizens facing difficulties across the country. - The Statesman/ANN
