With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on the horizon, Prime Minister Modi’s Independence Day speech provided a reflective account of India’s trajectory since 2014, while offering a glimpse into his vision for the future.
Over the years, his addresses consistently spotlighted India’s expanding global influence and the renewed energy driving its development.
Within this narrative, Modi has always underscored the rising confidence of India’s citizens and the nation’s unwavering dedication to security and foreign policies anchored firmly in national interest.
An integral element of his speeches is the recognition of India’s illustrious historical figures.
This trend, observed in previous addresses, is expected to persist as Modi continues to map out India’s journey under his leadership across various sectors.
In his recent speech, he directly addressed the nation’s youth, asserting, “India brims with boundless opportunities.”
The Prime Minister lauded Mahatma Gandhi for leading India’s non-violent freedom struggle, drawing attention to Gandhi’s vision of a village-centric economy and sustainable farming.
Taking a cue from Gandhi’s opposition to chemical farming, Modi urged reducing chemical fertilizer usage.
This ethos resonates with Modi’s “Make in India” initiative, which draws inspiration from Gandhi’s Swadeshi movement, seeking to enhance India’s manufacturing prowess.
Furthermore, Modi paid homage to Sardar Patel, praising his instrumental role during India’s formative years and his unwavering commitment to national unity.
He also celebrated Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s unparalleled contribution as the primary architect of the Indian Constitution, spotlighting the essence of India’s federal structure.
Some of the key sectors Modi highlighted in his speech are:
Science: Modi highlighted India’s advancements in modern technologies, such as renewable and hydrogen energy. He expressed pride in the nation’s deep-sea exploration endeavors and lauded the increasing number of girls choosing STEM subjects.
Economy: Modi confidently projected that India would soon become the world’s third-largest economy. He acknowledged the global challenges of inflation, ensuring that its impact on the people is minimized.
Small Artisans and MSMEs: The introduction of the Vishwakarma Yojana signifies Modi’s commitment to traditional artisans, aiming to enhance their economic opportunities and integrate them with global value chains. This initiative especially targets artisans from marginalized communities, seeking to uplift them socio-economically.
Agriculture: Emphasizing the importance of sustainable farming, Modi promoted natural farming methods and judicious water usage. He mentioned India’s self-reliance in food production and raised the possibility of supporting other nations’ food security needs.
In conclusion, Modi’s speech highlighted India’s transformation over the years, emphasizing its increasing global influence and the evolving self-confidence of its citizens.
Through his words, Modi presented a vision of an India moving forward, grounded in its rich heritage, and working towards a prosperous future.