Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in Delhi. For the first time, ‘Vande Mataram’ was rendered at the event. 

Here are the highlights of the Prime Minister’s speech:

• Today, it is a historic moment for all of us. After 80 years, Vande Mataram was sung at the Red Fort for the first time on the occassion of Independence Day.
• We will strive towards making a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. This is collective resonance of more than 140 crore nationals.
• Internet users, consumers increased by 4%; digital transactions rose by 100%. Every year, we provided direct water supply and gas connection. We achieved these fiats within the last decade. This tells us that we are on our path to make our country a ‘Viksit Bharat.’
• We should strive towards making (our) country self-reliant. We need to protect our own interests and thereby ‘(therefore the) ‘Make in India’ campaign stands out.
• Critical minerals, energy security, and data centres are evolving demands of our time. By 2047, we aim to generate 100 GW of nuclear power and get 5 new nuclear reactors. 
• Before 2014, only 70 cities in India had access to piped gas. Now, more than 700 cities have been connected to piped gas, essentially over 1.45 crore households. Solar energy capacity has been increased to 106 GW. 
• In 90 years, just 30% of the rail network was electrified. In a decade, we succeeded in electrifying 100% of the rail network.
• India has maintained the spirit of ‘Nagarik Devo Bhav’ when some people thrived on fear-mongering. 
• We have ongoing Free Trade Agreements with more than 40 nations. India’s seafood has an evolving potential.
• India is on its way on ‘Reform Express.’ Next level reforms are needed for 2047 goals. The seven reform Saptadhara goals: 

– Reform 1 – Manufacturing power, design, product, supply chain. India needs to become the hub of the global supply chain. This is our chance to improve our mechanism of cost, quality and scale; user-friendly products and competitive products should be our distinctive factor to make it 

– Reform 2 – Food production and processing. 

– Reform 3- Technology and innovation. 

– Reform 4 – Gatishakti seamless fast connectivity, modern highways, inland waterways. 

– Reform 5 – Defence measures. 

– Reform 6 – Green and Blue economy.

– Reform 7 – Soft power measures such as Yoga, spiritual centres, holistic health care systems and creative and entertainment world, tourism centres, growing concert economy. 

• The banking sector in India is flourishing; one Indian bank should be among the top five globally. 
• Indian companies should strive to be among the top 5 pharma companies of the world. 
• Reforms are to be achieved by conviction not by compulsion. The highest benefitting unit of a Viksit Bharat is our youth. 
• More than Rs 1 lakh crore innovation fund has been allocated. Youth has directly benefitted from schemes such as Digital India, Skill India, Khelo India, New Education policy.
• In next one year, we will train more than one crore youth with Aritificial intelligence.
• Free online coaching for various competitive exams to be given to our students.
• In 2036, we aim to participate in categories which are still untouched by us in the Olympics. Talent Hunt campaign will be run to tap those in the 5-15 year age-group.
• Naxalism and Maoism destroyed parts of our country and ruined the spirit of the Constitution. “We have taken a resolve to make India Naxal-free. We have to find and isolate those with a naxal mentality.
• A civil defence network will be created.
• Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ fell prey to political vendetta. I urge all political parties to support the women’s quota bill.
• Youth should take one hour to fill out a ‘self- census enumeration.’
• This is our time, our chance, our resolve to take every step towards a ‘Viksit Bharat.’

The Prime Minister proceeded to the Red Fort ramparts and hoisted the National Flag, assisted by Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan, a commissioned officer in the Indian Army. The flag hoisting was synchronised with a 21-gun salute by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial), using indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns.

PM Modi was received at the Red Fort by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. He then received a Guard of Honour comprising personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of 80th Independence Day. In a post on X, he said the dreams of the freedom fighters continue to inspire the country as it works towards building a Viksit Bharat.  This year’s celebrations marks 150 years of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ and the role of ‘Yuva Shakti’ in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.