Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort in New Delhi on the auspicious occasion of the 80th Independence Day, presenting a grand vision for the country’s future and vowing to ensure that India becomes a developed nation by 2047. The Prime Minister urged citizens to look beyond small dreams, set ambitious goals, and move forward with strong resolve.

No Room for Small Dreams, Goals Must Be High

Addressing the nation, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the era of settling for small dreams is behind us. He stated that big dreams expand the scope of one’s thinking, and the nation’s resolutions must match that height. The Prime Minister noted that any country grows great on the strength of its dreams, high resolve, and inherent capabilities. Earlier, he paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s independence, and inspected the Guard of Honour before his address.

Self-Reliance and Changing Global Dynamics

Highlighting the shifting global landscape, the Prime Minister stated that the era of globalization is evolving, and nations worldwide have begun utilizing their available resources in alignment with their national interests. In such times, the necessity for self-reliance has grown even more critical. He clarified that had the country not prepared itself in the direction of self-reliance over the past few years, facing current global challenges would have been immensely difficult. Today, India’s internal preparations are steadily growing stronger, and the country is progressing on the strength of its indigenous capabilities.

A Decade of Sound Policies Defeats Crisis

Addressing the ongoing crisis in West Asia, the Prime Minister remarked that some individuals took pleasure in trying to instill fear in the country during those times. However, the nation has witnessed how the well-considered policies and schemes formulated over the past 10 to 12 years have proven effective during times of crisis. Citing examples, he said that today petrol, diesel, and urea are readily available within the country, and rather than depending on others, India stands on its own strength.

From ‘Fragile Five’ to Global Economic Powerhouse

Tracing the nation’s economic journey, Prime Minister Modi stated that as a result of the collective efforts of citizens over the past 12 years, India has emerged from the list of fragile economies, known as the ‘Fragile Five’, to rank among the world’s leading economies. Every citizen has contributed to propelling India forward on the path of development. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that when the world’s most populous nation becomes a developed country, the global community will be compelled to view India through a new and distinct perspective.