New Delhi, August 15, 2017: It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fourth Independence Day speech from Red Fort, Delhi. He talked about a variety of issues like GST, demonetisation, terrorism, and triple talaq among others. Here are the top 10 points of Modi's speech:
During his speech, Modi expressed that India should create a new India before 2022, the 76th year of Independence. Modi said, "We have to take the country ahead with the determination of creating a 'New India'. Let us come together to create an India free of corruption, nepotism, casteism, communalism, and terrorism. Let us build a country which is clean, healthy and is self-determined."
Modi has previously spoken about the Quit India Movement during the monthly address of Mann ki Baat as well as the special session of the Parliament to commemorate the event. During the Independence Day speech, he once again brought back the historic event.
Asking Indians to take inspiration from the 1942 movement, Modi said, "Within five years, the British had left the country because of our unity. We have to take a sankalp of new India and take the country forward." Remembering the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi in the freedom movement, "There was a Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi once. People with cotton in their hands support Gandhi and eventually, the country got freedom," he added. He said on the Independence Day that the need of today's India is Bharat Jodo, a united India.
Modi put special emphasis on January 1, 2018, telling Indians that 2018 will be the year that will mark the coming of age of a whole generation, the generation which will steer India forward.
1 January 2018 will not be an ordinary day. "The people who were born in the 21st century will find that this date will decide a lot in their lives. I welcome all the youths who will turn 18 in 2018. Now, you are getting an opportunity to be a part of the force which develops India," said the prime minister. He called them the Bhagya Vidhatas' of our country
Modi hailed the surgical strikes (29 November 2016) on the Independence Day and stressed upon the fact that his government is serious about tackling various national security issues. He said, "After the surgical strike, the entire world had to acknowledge India's strength." The concern for national security is a natural one in an independent India. Our armed forces always showed their capabilities in handling both terrorism and during the war.
Modi said that people are celebrating a Mahotsav of honesty today. His government implemented various praise-worthy measures like One Rank One Pension, GST, and demonetisation.
Talking about his government's commitment to armed forces, Modi said, "For 30 or 40 years, the matter of One Rank One Pension was stuck. But our government took steps to fulfill the demand of our security personnel." He said that GST gave the nation a new direction to competitive federalism and that GST was rolled so fast across the country, all thanks to technology. He said, "After GST enrollment, our truck drivers save 30 percent of their time in travel now."
PM Modi spoke on demonetisation, "Today, I want to proudly tell people that within just three years, we have recovered black money of Rs 1.25 lakh crore." Through Note ban, the black money came out. It was their endeavor to recover black money and then to make it a constructive part of the economy. Demonetisation proved to be a successful move against corruption. "The businessmen with black money used to run shell companies. After demonetisation, three lakh shell companies were found. And out of that, we canceled the registration of 1.75 lakh companies," said the prime minister.
On development measures, he said, "Today, roads and railway tracks are being constructed twice as fast. Today, over 14,000 villages have got electricity. 29 crore people have got bank accounts now."
His government supports the movement against Triple Talaq and India will also support Muslim women in their struggle. "I believe India will fully support the women in their struggle. The women of this country created a revolution against Triple Talaq. There was an atmosphere against Triple Talaq in the country with even the media supporting the women," he said.
The prime minister was being criticized for not speaking on the Gorakhpur hospital tragedy which has killed over 70 children so far. But, Modi broke his silence today. He said, "In the last few days, some of our innocent children died in a hospital. All the countrymen stand together at this time."
On Independence Day, taking a peacemaking approach towards Kashmiris, Modi expressed his opinion that the Kashmir issue can be solved only through peaceful means. He said, Na gaali se samasya sulajhne wali hai, na goli se, samasya suljhegi har Kashmiri ko gale lagane se (Kashmir problem can't be resolved by either bullet's or by abuses. It can be resolved only by embracing all Kashmiris).
He promised to bring prosperity to the militancy-infested state. "The development of Jammu and Kashmir is also a commitment of the people and the government there," said Modi.
Prime Minister spoke of involving common Kashmiris in India's growth story but took a tough stance on militancy. "A lot happens in Kashmir. A lot of claims have been made. A lot of people abuse each other. There are a lot of separatists. But there will be no leniency for terrorism. I have told many to become a part of democracy," said the prime minister.
Modi said that violence in the name of faith is not acceptable and described casteism and communalism as poison for the country. The comments assume importance in the backdrop of various incidents of lynching by cow vigilantes. He said that issues like communalism and casteism can't benefit the country in any way. "Therefore, violence cannot be emphasized in the name of faith," Modi said.
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