Effective Highlights From PM Modi's 74th Independence Day Speech at Red Fort

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the 17th PM of India addressed the nation from the majestic Red Fort on the occasion of India's 74th Independence Day.

In the one-hour 26-minute speech on the eve of 74th Independence Day, he focused on the themes of "Aatma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India)", "Vocal for local" and "Make in India to Make for World". He also paid tribute to those on the frontlines of the fight against the coronavirus and declared that India had a roadmap ready for the production and distribution of three COVID-19 vaccines that are at various stages of testing. (Source-NDTV)

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India is celebrating its 74th Independence Day on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Rajghat and paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi as the celebrations started. The prime minister then proceeded to the Red Fort where he remembered those who laid their lives for India’s Independence. This is PM Modi's seventh consecutive Independence Day speech. (Source - Hindustan Times)

PM Modi's 74th Independence Day Speech Highlights :

• Our scientists are laboring in our three vaccine candidates that are at various stages of testing, he says, adding that once the vaccine is ready, they will be produced and distributed to all Indians in the shortest possible time. 

• Coronavirus may be a big challenge but not so big as to stop India’s march towards self-reliance: PM Modi Said.

• After three decades, we have brought in the New Education Policy (NEP), says PM Modi, adding that it will connect India's students to our roots, but will also help them be a global citizen.

• We are expanding NCC in border areas; special training will be provided to about one lakh new NCC cadets: Said by PM Modi

• Those who challenge India’s sovereignty, be it LOC or LAC, have been given a befitting reply in their own language: PM Modi

• Today to become atmanirbhar in defense production is a top priority. Now, from pistols and guns to tanks and fighter jets like the Tejas, from artillery guns to missiles, everything will be made in India.

• During the coronavirus pandemic, our people and industry took up the challenge. Earlier, we did not produce N95 masks or PPE, but now not only do we produce enough for ourselves but we export these as well. We must 'Go Vocal For Local'. If we don’t promote our products, then who will?

• "I have great confidence in the youth of the country. I know that once Indians decide a certain course, they remain firm on it," says PM Modi, in his speech.He continues: The first condition for aatmanirbhar Bharat is aatmavishwas — self-confident India. Economic progress must be coupled with humanity and human concerns. Today the world is interconnected and interdependent.

• Today, neighbors are not just those with whom our borders meet but also with those with whom we connect with our hearts. We have worked on the idea of an extended neighborhood.

• A year has gone by after Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were freed from Article 370, says PM Modi. He continues: Women, partition refugees, and depressed classes were given dignity and rights. The delimitation process is to be concluded soon and once that is done, we expect elections and elected representatives to join the developmental journey.

• When the pandemic hit, we could only do 300 tests a day in the one lab we had. Now we can test nearly 7 lakh cases a day. We are launching a big program on health today: National Digital Health Mission. This will revolutionize our health systems.

• He says: From working in coal mines to flying fighter planes, our daughters are everywhere. India is one of the few countries where women are in combat roles in the military. Nearly  70% of mudra loan holders are women.

• Before 2014, only five dozen panchayats were connected with Optical Fiber. In the last five years, 1.5 lakh gram panchayats have been connected.

• Recently, we launched a submarine fiber optic cable to connect Andaman and Nicobar Islands with the rest of India digitally. This will bring high-speed internet and other benefits to residents in those islands. In the next 1,000 days, Lakshadweep will also be connected with high-speed internet.

• Today, Indians have chosen to be united. Peace and respect for each other are what defines us as a nation. Recently, the Ayodhya dispute was resolved in a peaceful and legal manner. A grand Ram temple is now being built at Lord Ram's Janmashtami (birthplace).