While ending his annual speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a mission to introduce one lakh young individuals into politics, particularly those from non-political backgrounds in a bid to refresh India’s political landscape.

As India grapples with the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended his heartfelt condolences to those affected. While addressing the nation on the occasion of the country’s Independence Day, the prime minister assured that the government stands in solidarity with disaster victims and emphasizes the urgent need for resilience and recovery.

The Prime Minister’s address highlighted that the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047” is not just a lofty slogan but a concrete goal underpinned by extensive planning and public participation. He commended the millions of citizens who have contributed suggestions toward achieving a developed India by the year 2047, the centenary of the country’s independence. This collective input reflects the dreams and aspirations of various segments of society, from the youth and elderly to farmers and urban dwellers.

One of the key promises fulfilled under this vision has been the provision of electricity to 18,000 villages, addressing the needs of the 2.5 crore families that previously lived in darkness, he said. This initiative has significantly boosted public confidence in the government’s commitment to improving basic infrastructure. The successful expansion of the ‘Swachh Bharat’ mission has also seen a widespread embrace of cleanliness and environmental responsibility among citizens, spanning affluent urban areas to the most remote rural communities.

Resistance to change

The Prime Minister said that further strides have been made with the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission,’ which now ensures clean drinking water for 15 crore families. This achievement highlights the government’s focus on eliminating disparities in basic amenities, particularly among marginalized and underserved communities. The Prime Minister emphasized that these reforms aim to address longstanding inequities and improve living conditions across all societal strata.

Acknowledging the challenges faced even decades after gaining independence, the Prime Minister criticized the prevalent attitude of complacency and resistance to change. He stressed the need to overcome this inertia to drive meaningful reforms and progress. He iterated that the administration’s commitment to addressing citizens’ hopes and demands has led to significant policy changes and improvements in various sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

Infrastructure development has been a cornerstone of recent efforts. The government has invested in modernizing railways, airports, ports, and broadband connectivity, ensuring that even the most remote areas benefit from essential services. Significant progress includes the construction of modern hospitals and schools, revitalization of water bodies, and installation of optical fiber networks in panchayats.

A particular focus has been on the North East region, where enhanced medical infrastructure and road networks have integrated remote areas into the national mainstream. These developments aim to address the needs of the most disadvantaged groups, including tribal people and marginalised communities.

The Prime Minister highlighted the impact of women’s self-help groups, noting that 10 crore women have become economically self-reliant. The allocation of funds to these groups has been doubled to support their ongoing activities and further promote economic independence.

Political Reform and Inclusivity

The Prime Minister outlined ongoing reforms aimed at reducing bureaucratic red tape and simplifying legal processes. By abolishing outdated laws and replacing them with a new criminal justice framework focused on justice rather than mere punishment, the government seeks to create a more efficient and fair legal system.

Looking ahead, the government’s focus includes enhancing the education system to align with the needs of the twenty-first century. The introduction of a new education policy aims to retain talent within India and reduce the financial burden on families sending their children abroad for higher education. Additionally, the expansion of medical education with 75,000 new seats over the next five years is intended to address the current shortfall.

The Prime Minister concluded by underscoring the nation’s aspirations and the commitment to accelerating progress in every sector. The vision for a “Viksit Bharat” includes not only economic growth but also a deep-seated commitment to equality and compassion. With ongoing efforts to foster innovation and address basic needs, India is poised to continue its trajectory toward becoming a leading global power by 2047.

Turning to social issues, Prime Minister Modi called for a renewed focus on combating crimes against women. He stressed the need for swift justice and highlighted the importance of public discourse on punishing perpetrators to deter future offenses.

Modi also addressed the persistent issue of corruption, condemning those who glorify corrupt practices. He pledged to continue his fight against corruption, emphasizing the need to restore faith in the system and create an environment where corruption is universally condemned.

Ending his speech from the Red Fort, Modi announced a mission to introduce one lakh young individuals into politics, particularly those from non-political backgrounds in a bid to refresh India’s political landscape. This initiative, he said, aims to combat dynastic politics and caste-based discrimination, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic democratic environment.