New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at the 73rd Independence Day celebrations marking a turning point in the history of India. A few weeks back Jammu and Kashmir was fully integrated into the Indian Union paving way for a strong and united India. With India asserting its rights and exerting its pressure on the world stage, this year’s Independence Day surely garners more significance.
From the ramparts of Red Fort, today, the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, outlined India’s success and also gave the different undertakings his government is going to turnout in the coming future.
He spoke for nearly two hours wearing a traditional turban and white half kurta that is unique to Narendra Modi.
Narendra Modi spoke about the success of his government in abrogating Article 370 and bifurcating the state into Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh. He said his government fulfilled the dreams of Sardar Patel. He denounced Article 370 by saying that it had brought nepotism, encouraged corruption and was unjust to women, children, Dalits, and tribal communities.
He talked about banning Triple Talaq and said how women suffered due to the evil practice. Modi said, “When Islamic nations can ban it, then why can’t we? When we can ban sati, when we can take strong steps against female infanticide, child marriage, then why not this?”
Notably, the Prime Minister brought into focus the dangers of population growth and the need to control birth to ensure a healthy and educated generation. He asked couples to think about the means to raise children before bringing them into the world. He added that those who follow policy of small family is contributing to the development of the country and is a form of patriotism.
A major announcement that Modi made at the Red Fort today was to pledge Rs. 3.5 lakh crore to go forward with Jal Jeevan Mission. Under this project every household in India will have access to drinking water. At present not even half of India’s household are getting water supply.
Jal Jeevan Mission will have a tremendous change in the lives of millions of Indians.
The Prime Minister said, “However, it is also true that half the households in India have no access to drinking water. Half their day is spent in getting water. Therefore, we in our government gave a thought on ways to provide drinking water to all,”
“This mission should not just be at the govt’s level. Just like Swachhta Mission this should a people’s mission.”
Another announcement that Narendra Modi made concerns the Military force of India. He said that his government will create Chief of Defence Staff – as head of the tri-services, Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The need for a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was felt after the Kargil War. The CDS will ensure efficient leadership and synergy among the different services and will function as a single point military advisor to the Defence Minister.
Narendra Modi also reiterated his government’s promise to invest Rs. 100 lakh crore to develop modern infrastructure for the country. He said that it will aid in doubling the size of Indian economy and achieve a $5 trillion economy in the coming five years.
Modi also gave confidence to the people who doubts achieving a $5 trillion economy by saying, “To some, the target of nearly doubling the size of Indian economy to $5 trillion in five years may seem difficult. But when we have in five years (of BJP rule) added $1 trillion as compared to $2 trillion size achieved in 70 years of independence, then this target is achievable.”
The Prime Minister also spoke about importance of the wealth creators which include big corporate and industrialists of the country and asked not to regard them with suspicion.
He said, ” “Wealth creation is a great national service. Let us never see wealth creators with suspicion. Only when wealth is created, wealth will be distributed. Wealth creation is absolutely essential. Those who create wealth are India’s wealth and we respect them.”
This is Narendra Modi’s 6th consecutive Independence Day speech and the first since assuming office for the second term as Prime Minister. In a short while of the second Modi government a lot of work has been completed some of which are historic and life changing.
The boldness and swiftness of the present leadership raises hope to the more than billion strong Indian citizens that a ‘New India’ is on the rise.