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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, laid out a roadmap for the country for the coming years.

From hosting the 2036 Olympics to championing a Secular Civil Code, PM Modi emphasised India's collective progress and empowerment of every citizen.

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• Key highlights of PM Modi’s speech

Key highlights of PM Modi’s speech

• On Viksit Bharat
  • The vision for a developed Bharat by 2047 hinges on the collective resolve of 140 crore citizens.
  • The goal is to build a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by embracing modernization, innovation, and technology across all sectors, from tourism to agriculture.
  • A key aspect is reducing government interference in citizens' lives.
  • Additionally, mandating at least two annual reforms in each of the 3 lakh institutions across the country could result in 25-30 lakh reforms annually.
    • This will boost public confidence and driving progress towards a 'Swarnim Bharat' by 2047.
• On defence
• India is becoming self-reliant in this sector. It has gradually emerged and is establishing itself as an exporter and manufacturer of various Defence Equipment.
• On financial sector, economy
  • India has successfully doubled per capita income and made significant progress in employment and self-employment.
  • Reforms in the banking sector have strengthened our banks, making them a crucial support for the poor, middle-class families, and MSMEs.
  • Despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, India has swiftly improved its economy, with a focus on modern infrastructure and Ease of Living driving economic growth.
  • The aim is to make India the third-largest economy, with a commitment to work three times harder, faster, and on a larger scale to realize the nation's dreams sooner.
  • All elected representatives are urged to ensure Ease of Living on a mission mode.
• On farmers
  • To strengthen the nutrition of the world & also support the small farmers of India.
  • India and its farmers have the potential to create a global food basket of organic food.
  • 60,000 ‘Amrit Sarovars’ (ponds) have been revived and replenished.
• On world affairs
  • G-20 was never held in such a grand manner before.
  • Bharat has the capability to organize major international events and possesses unparalleled hospitality. Bharat does not mean a threat to anyone.
  • He expressed hope that the situation in Bangladesh soon returns to normalcy.
  • The primary concern of our 140 crore citizens is to ensure the safety of Hindus, the minorities in Bangladesh.
  • Bharat has always desired that our neighbouring countries pursue a path of contentment and peace.
    • Our commitment to peace is deeply rooted in our culture.
• On empowerment and development
• We chose reforms to uplift the poor, middle class, underprivileged, urban population, and youth by empowering them and addressing their aspirations.
• Last-mile connectivity has ensured access to education and healthcare in remote areas, fulfilling the mantra of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas."
• Lifting 25 crore people out of poverty affirms our momentum toward achieving our dreams.
• Inclusive initiatives like Indian sign language, Sugamya Bharat, and support for the transgender community ensure dignity and equality for all.
• The ‘Trividh Marg’ (three-way route) embodies the spirit of service to all, with a duty to uplift and empower neglected regions, marginalized communities, small farmers, tribals, women, laborers, and workers.
• On education
  • 75,000 new seats will be introduced in the medical sector in the next 5 years.
  • The spirit of ancient Nalanda University will be revived, positioning India as a global education hub by promoting higher learning and research.
  • To develop an education system so that the youth of our country don’t need to go abroad.
    • To create such institutions that attract people from abroad.
  • India’s talent should not be hindered because of language. The strength of the mother tongue empowers even the poorest child in our country to fulfil their dreams.
  • National Research Foundation was created, providing it with a legal framework to develop a permanent system that continuously strengthens research.
  • The govt has decided to allocate one lakh crore rupees for research and innovation in the Budget so that the ideas of our country’s youth can be realized.
• On women safety, empowerment
  • In the last decade, 10 crore women have joined self-help groups (SHGs), becoming key agents of social transformation through financial empowerment.
  • One crore mothers and sisters joined women self-help groups and are becoming ‘lakhpati didis’.
  • Funds allocated to women SHGs will be increased from 10 lakhs to 20 lakhs.
    • Till date, a total of nine lakh crore funds has been channeled via banks to these SHGs.
  • The government extended paid maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks. Women are increasingly taking on leadership roles in sectors like defense and space.
  • Society must address crimes against women seriously, ensuring swift investigations and harsh punishments to create a deterrent and restore trust in the government, judiciary, and civil society.
• On developing industry
  • Vocal for Local has become a new mantra for economic development.
  • One District One Product is the new wave now.
  • Bharat will become an industrial manufacturing hub and the world will look up to it.
  • We must embrace the call of "Design in India" and move forward with the dream of "Design in India and Design for the World."
  • India's commits to become a global leader in semiconductor production.
  • India must leverage its rich ancient legacy and literature to come up with Made in India gaming products.
    • Indian professionals must lead the global gaming market, not just in playing but also in producing games.
  • Bharat's contribution to global growth is substantial, our exports are continuously rising, our foreign exchange reserves have doubled, and global institutions have increasingly placed their trust in Bharat.
  • We are proud that our toy industry has also become a name to reckon with in the global market. We have started exporting toys.
  • India has a large hub of manufacturing ecosystem of mobile phones and we have started exporting them all over the world.
• On railways
  • Government is committed to make its railways a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030.
• On renewable energy
  • India has achieved more in the renewable energy sector than G 20 Nations collectively. India is working hard to become self-reliant in the energy sector.
  • The PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme is set to provide new strength.
    • Those who generate electricity from solar energy under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, can also reduce their fuel costs.
  • The demand for electric vehicles is on the rise.
• On Youth Affairs & Sports
  • 1 lakh youth should be inducted into the political system, specifically those with no history of politics in their families.
  • The goal is to host the 2036 Olympics in India, and preparations are actively progressing toward this ambition.
• On law and justice
  • The current Civil Code resembles a Communal Civil Code, one that is discriminatory.
    • Laws that divide our nation based on religion and foster discrimination have no place in modern society.
  • After 75 years of a Communal Civil Code, it is crucial to move towards a Secular Civil Code.
  • India should come forward to embrace the concept of "One Nation One Election".
  • Over 1,500 laws were eliminated to ensure citizens are not trapped in a web of legal complexities.
  • We have replaced the centuries-old criminal laws with new criminal laws known as Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, whose idea at core is to ensure justice for citizens as against British ideology of reprimand and punishment.
• On housing
  • 4 crore pukka homes have given a new lease of life to the poor.
  • 3 crore new homes have been promised to further this national agenda.