Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day Address: Key Highlights

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the nation has resolved to reach its goal of 'Developed India' in the next 25 years. But the big challenges that remain are corruption and nepotism and he sought the support of citizens to overcome them.

Here are the key highlights from the PM's address to the nation on 76th Independence Day from the Red Fort on Monday.

Prime Minister said for the next 25 years, the nation needs to focus on the five pledges. These are:

• Developed India

• Removing every trace of bondage from our mind

• Taking pride in our heritage

• Unity

• Fulfilling our duties

"We need to now move with a renewed focus and resolve for the next 25 years, and this can be made possible through the strength and determination of 130 crore Indians," he said.

A developed India is among five resolves for the next 25 years. He said in this 'Amrit Kaal', every Indian is aspiring to see the fast progress of a new India with enthusiasm and impatience.

The prime minister said he is confident of achieving this goal as the nation has met several targets including 200 crore Covid vaccinations, 10% Ethanol blending target and giving power to 2.5 crore people.

Modi said 5G mobile services will begin very soon as Digital India is reaching villages, the prime minister said. The Digital India Movement with production of semiconductors, 5G networks and optical fibre network show strength in three segments—education, health facilities and change in common man's lives, he said.

India has successfully conduction auction of 5G spectrum.

Need for 'cooperative competitive federalism' where states compete on the development front. "Programmes can be different, working style can be different, but dreams for the country cannot be different," Modi said.

"It is the need of the hour that besides cooperative federalism, we need cooperative competitive federalism. We need competition in development," Modi said.

Modi said women will have a big role in India’s growth in the next 25 years and nation needed to respect 'Nari Shakti'.

“A distortion has crept in our conduct and we at times insult women. Can we take a pledge to get rid of this from our behaviour and values,” he said. “...We do nothing that lowers the dignity of women."

Modi said if India does not find a solution to corruption and nepotism immediately, it will be too late.

"When I talk about nepotism and dynasty, people think I am talking about politics only. No, unfortunately this evil of politics has nurtured nepotism in every institution," Modi said.

Nepotism is not limited to politics and India needs to protect institutions against nepotism, he said. It’s hurting India’s talent, he said citing how Indian sports have benefited from fair selection and opportunity.

Modi said Indians should be proud of every language. India’s National Education Policy is aimed at this goal. India’s talent gets tied to language barriers and the country should be proud of every language, he said.

Stressing on India’s ability to grow and offer solutions to the world, he said development in research and innovation needs to be added as a slogan. He remembered Lal Bahadur Shastri's slogan of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’. "Later, Atal Bihari Vajpayee added 'Jai Vigyaan' to this slogan. Now, there is a necessity to add - 'Jai Anusandhan' (research and innovation). “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyaan aur Jai Anusandhan,” Modi said.