I-Day speech: Modi eyes 'big' 2047 dream

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the Red Fort on India’s 80th Independence Day on Saturday, said the country has set itself a “big dream” of becoming a Viksit Bharat by the time it marks 100 years of independence in 2047.Modi said India became independent with several dreams but could not maintain the pace of development for several decades. He said the country had entered the group of the “Fragile Five” economies by 2014, but had accelerated its progress over the last twelve years.“Today, India has also seen a big dream to reach new heights: that dream is to make Viksit Bharat when India marks its 100th Independence Day,” Modi said from the ramparts of the Red Fort. "The whole country is moving forward with a new resolve. India has also dreamt big--and that is the dream of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Viksit Bharat will be realised in 2047. When we (the country) pledge to become Viksit, the world also watches us. When the world's most populous country takes the resolution to become a developed nation, it becomes an introduction of our courage, and the world is compelled to look at us with a different perspective," PM Modi said in his address to the nation on 80th Independence Day.India celebrates 80th Independence Day: Track all LIVE updates here‘India became independent with a lot of dreams’Modi said the country’s journey since Independence had not progressed at the desired pace in the early decades.“The country became independent with a lot of dreams but couldn't pick up pace,” he said.Referring to India’s economic position in 2014, the Prime Minister said, “By 2014, we became a part of the fragile 5.”He then contrasted that period with India’s recent economic performance, saying the country had picked up pace over the last twelve years.133253592“But in the last 12 years we picked up pace,” Modi said. "India dreaming big to touch new heights; will make sure country becomes developed by 2047," he added.Modi also stressed the need for India to reduce its dependence on other countries and build domestic capabilities.“We cannot remain dependent on other nations, we must become self-reliant,” Modi said.He said the country’s push towards self-reliance was also reflected in the growing adoption of domestic products.“People aligning themselves with spirit of vocal for local,” Modi said.The Prime Minister also said India’s progress has strengthened the resolve to achieve the 2047 development target.“Our success shows resolve of Viksit Bharat in 2047 cannot remain unfulfilled,” Modi said.Modi invokes ‘Sapta Dhara’Modi also unveiled a seven-stream framework, ‘Sapta Dhara’, which he said would provide a new current of strength to India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat.The seven streams identified by the Prime Minister are manufacturing, farming, technology, Gati Shakti, defence, the green economy and soft power.“Today, I would also like to recall that era when the nation knew, understood, and heard of India's prowess in the form of the 'Sapta Sindhu'. Now, to build a Viksit Bharat, we need a new current. Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I invoke the 'Sapta Dhara' of strength before the nation. In the coming 5 to 7 years, what could not be achieved in the last 5 to 7 decades, through the prowess and power of this Sapta Dhara, we will give the nation new heights, new momentum, and the capability to surpass new goals. Alongside this, the power and potential of our youth will be fully harnessed and integrated into nation-building...”The Prime Minister linked the seven streams with the potential of India’s youth, saying their capabilities would be integrated into nation-building.Critical minerals, energy and chips at core of Modi's speech Modi also called for changes to laws that he said were holding back India’s progress.“India cannot march forward in 21st century by relying on laws of previous century,” the Prime Minister said.He also highlighted India’s growing role in critical minerals, saying several countries were now relying on India.“Many countries are now depending on India for critical minerals,” Modi said.The Prime Minister also pointed to India’s semiconductor push as part of its self-reliance drive.“India has set up semi-conductor plants in its bid to become 'aatmanirbhar'; production has started already,” Modi said.He also said India is moving forward on harnessing alternative sources of energy. "We have set target of 200 GW nuclear energy; setting up 5 new nuclear reactors," Modi said.Youth at centre of Viksit Bharat pushModi said young Indians would be among the biggest beneficiaries of the country’s development journey and would also be its key driving force.He said the government would focus on giving young people skills needed for the next phase of technological change, including artificial intelligence.“My dear fellow citizens, when I speak of a Viksit Bharat, when I speak of advancing the nation at high speed—who is the greatest beneficiary of this? Who is the greatest driving force behind all these efforts? If there is a driving force, it is the youth of my country. It is the power of my nation's youth. The youth have an immense role to play in the journey toward a Viskit Bharat... Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I wish to make an announcement for the youth of the country: We have resolved that in the coming one year, we will work to provide AI skill training to 1 crore youth, so that the youth of our nation possess the capability to lead the world in the domain of AI as well,” Modi said.The Prime Minister also announced free online coaching for students preparing for competitive examinations, saying the cost of coaching had become a burden for poor and middle-class families.“Coaching classes burden on poor, middle class; we will provide free online coaching for various exams,” Modi said.‘Every heart is beating with Vande Mataram’Modi began his Independence Day address by invoking the National Song, which is completing 150 years this year.“Today, every heart is beating with the rhythm of Vande Mataram. Aaj har ghar Tiranga hai, har mann Tiranga hai,” he said.He also highlighted the significance of the song being performed at the Red Fort during this year’s Independence Day celebrations.“Today is also a historic moment for everyone present at this ceremony. For the first time since Independence, Vande Mataram is echoing at the Red Fort on August 15. As the people of India celebrate 150 years of Vande Mataram, what could be a more fitting occasion than this?” Modi said.The National Song was rendered at the Red Fort as part of the celebrations, marking the first such performance during the Independence Day ceremony since 1947.Modi takes aim at ‘fear’ campaignsModi also took aim at what he described as misinformation and attempts to create fear during major crises, citing the Covid-19 pandemic and the West Asia crisis.“Misinformation was spread by some during Covid-19, they derived pleasure out of it,” Modi said.He said some people had tried to create fears about the availability of essential fuels during the West Asia crisis.“When West Asia crisis happened, some people tried to scare us that we will not get petrol, diesel or LPG,” Modi said.He said government measures ensured that India did not face shortages of essential supplies.“Due to our measures there is no shortage of gas, fuel, urea in country today,” Modi said.Modi pays tribute to freedom fightersFrom the Red Fort, Modi also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and those who fought for India’s freedom.“I pay my tributes to Bapu and all the freedom fighters and revolutionaries on this Independence Day,” he said.Assurance to flood-hit familiesModi also referred to the floods that have affected parts of the country in recent days.“In the last few days, some parts of the country have witnessed floods, which have affected many people. I assure the affected families that the whole country stands by them,” he said.He assured those affected that the country would stand with them as they deal with the impact of the floods.