 "Women’s safety, ‘Secular Civil Code’ & more: Key takeaways from PM Modi’s I-Day speech")
Raising the pitch of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of Delhi’s Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day. Donning a multi-coloured turban, white kurta-pyjama and blue jacket, he hoisted the national flag for the 11th time in a row, becoming only the third prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi to do so.
From women’s safety to big reforms brought by his government, PM Modi touched upon several topics during his 98-minute speech. He also talked about multiple natural disasters that recently hit various parts of the country. “Many have lost their families and loved ones in these calamities. Today, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to all those affected and assure them that we stand with them in this difficult hour.”
Let’s take a look at the key takeaways from PM Modi’s I-Day speech.
‘Viksit Bharat 2047’
PM Modi said his dream of making India a developed nation by 2047 – when the country will mark its 100th Independence Day – is a “reflection of the resolve and dreams of 140 crore” Indians.
“Viksit Bharat 2047 are not mere words; they are reflections of the resolve and dreams of 140 crore people,” he declared.
Remembering those who won our freedom 77 years back, Modi said, “We are proud that we carry the blood of the 40 crore people who uprooted the colonial rule from India…Today, we are 140 crore people, if we resolve and move together in one direction, then we can become ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 by overcoming all obstacles in the way.”
He also highlighted the public input for the ‘Viksit Bharat’ initiative. “People have given many suggestions to make India developed by 2047, including making the nation a manufacturing hub and ensuring seed capital availability,” Indian Express quoted him as saying.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe recommendations also included reforms in governance, promoting traditional medicines, and enhancing the justice delivery system.
Reforms by the NDA govt
PM Modi focused on the reforms rolled out by his National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government during his first Independence Day speech after returning to power for a third straight term.
He said the previous governments had a “chalta hai” – indifferent – attitude to development and reforms. Modi said his government broke the mindset of the status quo and implemented “big reforms” for the poor and the middle class.
Modi said his government’s commitment to reforms is “not for a few days of appreciation”, but to strengthen the country’s foundation. “The path of reforms chosen by us has become a blueprint for growth and not just for debate clubs,” he stated.
Hailing the banking sector reforms, he said Indian banks are now among the “few strong banks globally”. Modi also pointed out the reforms in the space sector, saying more startups are getting involved in this area.
The PM also spoke about the change in the public’s expectations of the government. “Earlier, people wanted change, but their aspirations were not paid heed to; we brought big reforms on the ground.”
Modi asserted these reforms are not borne out of a political compulsion but the dedication to the nation first.
Women’s safety
Amid widespread outrage in India over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a state-run hospital in West Bengal’s Kolkata, women’s safety also featured in PM Modi’s speech.
Commenting on the issue of atrocities against women, he said he understands and shares people’s anger over such incidents.
“The country, society, and state governments must address this matter with utmost urgency. There must be a swift probe into crimes against women, and those responsible for these horrific acts should face strict punishment without delay,” he said.
हमारी माताओं-बहनों-बेटियों पर अत्याचार के गुनहगारों को जल्द से जल्द कड़ी सजा मिलनी चाहिए, ताकि ऐसा पाप करने वालों में डर पैदा हो। pic.twitter.com/Nu8ktqDxtZ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2024
The PM said there is “no fear” in offenders as there is not much publicity about the punishments for the culprits for such crimes. “We need to instil a sense of fear amongst those abusing women,” he added.
‘Secular Civil Code’
Batting for the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) demand for a common civil code, PM Modi said India has had a “communal civil code” for long. He said laws that “divide” the country on religious lines have no place in modern society.
“The Supreme Court has repeatedly held discussions on uniform civil code, given orders, because a large section of the country feels, and rightly so, that the current civil code is a communal civil code, a discriminatory civil code. The Constitution tells us, the Supreme Court tells us to and it was the dream of the Constitution makers. So it is our duty to fulfill it,” Modi stated.
He said time demands a “secular civil code” and “then we will be free of religious discrimination”.
One nation, one election
PM Modi also called for one nation, one election. He said the Ram Nath Kovind Committee also had a favourable view of holding simultaneous Lok Sabha and state Assemblies elections.
“Frequent elections are creating hurdles in the progress of the nation. It has become easy to link any scheme or initiative with elections.”
He urged political parties and “those who understand the Constitution that we should move towards one nation, one election.”
In March, the high-level committee (HLC) on ‘One Nation, One Election’ headed by Kovind submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu endorsing holding simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and state Assemblies by 2029.
War against corruption
Modi reiterated his government’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. “I want to instil fear in the minds of the corrupt so that they cannot have the courage to cheat the common man,” the PM said in his address.
He said the Centre was waging a war against corruption. “Every citizen is tired of corruption. We have waged a war on it and I have to pay a price for it, but there is no price to pay when it comes to the nation. My fight against the corrupt will continue,” Modi was quoted as saying by Indian Express.
In a veiled dig at the opposition, the PM stated, “Our country has overcome an entire regime of corruption. There have been personalised attacks on me, but my prestige is not more important than the cause of this nation.”
He alleged there are people who are still “encouraging corruption and singing praises of corruption and the corrupt.”
Modi said zero tolerance towards corruption is the only way to eradicate it.
Bangladesh’s Hindu minorities
Modi also mentioned Bangladesh in his I-Day speech. “I hope things will soon be normal in Bangladesh. 140-crore people want Hindus and minorities there to be safe. We want our neighbouring countries to tread the path of peace and happiness,” he said.
His concern comes amid attacks on Hindus in the neighbouring country after Sheikh Hasina resigned as the PM and fled Bangladesh last week.
With inputs from agencies
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