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Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation from the Red Fort on India’s 78th Independence Day. He delivered a 98-minute speech, his longest till now, out of his 11th Independence Day speech.
PM Modi, who sported a blue Nehru jacket and a colourful turban, spoke about ‘Viksit Bharat,’ women’s empowerment, and his vision for India, among other topics.
Here is a look at some announcements PM Modi made from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
PM Modi greets his countrymen on Independence Day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets people at the Red Fort on 78th Independence Day, in New Delhi, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024.
PTI“Long live Mother India,” Modi said thrice as he began his address, calling his countrymen “my family members.” He commended the countless freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom.
“Today, the freedom fighters have given us the good fortune of breathing the air of freedom on this festival of independence. This country is indebted to them. We express our reverence towards every such great man,” said the Prime Minister.
On achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets children at the Red Fort on 78th Independence Day, in New Delhi, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024.
He lamented that 40 crore countrymen perished under British rule, “a long period of slavery.” Lauding the contribution of these 40 crore countrymen to India’s freedom, PM Modi said, “140 crore countrymen can also build a prosperous India with the same spirit.”
On a Secular Civil Code
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi with the Paris Olympics 2024 medal winning contingent and others during the 78th Independence Day celebration at the Red Fort, in New Delhi, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh with Union Ministers of State Jitin Prasada, Jayant Chaudhary, Anupriya Patel and Arjun Ram Meghwal during the 78th Independence Day celebration at the Red Fort, in New Delhi, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024.
Modi spoke of the need for a “secular civil code”, replacing the uniform civil code and sought support from all political parties. “I would say, it is the need of the hour that India has a secular civil code. We have lived 75 years with a communal civil code. Now, we have to move towards a secular civil code. Only then would religion-based discrimination end.”
On ‘Nari Shakti’
Indian naval band march past at the Red Fort premises during the 78th Independence Day celebration, in New Delhi, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024.
“Women are leading the way in every sector, from the Air Force to beyond, showcasing unparalleled excellence. Their achievements are a testament to the strength and spirit of Nari Shakti,” said Modi about women empowerment.
One Nation, One Election
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and others stand during the national anthem at the Red Fort on 78th Independence Day, in New Delhi, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024.
The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment towards a single election in the country. "Today, connecting every scheme to elections has become a habit because elections are held every few months in the country. The media often portrays that all these schemes are announced because of the elections," the Prime Minister said.
On hosting 2036 Olympics
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju with Paris Olympics medallists; shooters Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh and Swapnil Kusale, wrestler Aman Sehrawat and the Indian men's hockey players, during the 78th Independence Day celebration at the Red Fort, in New Delhi, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024.
Three days after the Paris Olympics ended with a dismal show by Indian athletes, PM Modi spoke about India’s capabilities to organise the Olympics, 12 years from now. “India has the capability to organise large-scale events...It is the dream of India to host 2036 Olympics, we are making preparations for that,” he said.
On making India a leader in the global gaming market
Soldiers take part in Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort in Delhi, India, August 15, 2024.
“India must leverage its rich ancient legacy and literature to come up with Made in India gaming products. Our products from the gaming industry should reach the entire world; We should also establish our dominance in the world of animation," said Modi.
"India has a huge legacy and we can bring forth talent in the field of gaming. I urge that India's children, youngsters, IT professionals lead the world of gaming with our gaming products. We can make our mark in the field of animation," he reiterated.
