- By Abhishek Sheoran
- Thu, 15 Aug 2024 09:11 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort on the occasion of 78th Independence Day. In his address to the nation, PM Modi hailed the sacrifices of the people who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom.
"Today is the day to pay tributes to the uncountable 'Azaadi ke deewane' who made sacrifices for the nation. This country is indebted to them," he said, adding that the nation carried the blood of 40 crore people who uprooted the colonial rule.
Recalling the horrific natural calamities in several parts of the nation during the ongoing monsoon season, PM Modi said the disasters have heightened their concerns. He also expressed anguish over the incidents and paid tributes to people who lost their lives in the mishaps.
“Natural disasters have heightened our concern over the last few years. I express my sympathies to the affected families. Several people have lost their family members and property in natural calamity. Our nation too has suffered losses. Today, I express my sympathy to all of them and I assure them that this nation stands with them in this hour of crisis,” PM Modi said.
Reiterating his developed India mission, PM Modi said the 140 crore people of India could achieve 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 if we resolve and move together in one direction.
Hailing India’s approach in moving towards self-reliance goals, PM Modi said ‘Vocal for Local’ had become a mantra in the nation and people take pride in their products. "We gave the mantra for 'Vocal for Local'. Today, I am happy that Vocal for Local has become a new mantra for the economic system. Every district has started taking pride in its produce. There is an environment of One District One Product,” he said.
PM Modi also pondered upon the changed outlook of his government towards the terror incidents in the country. “This is the same country where terrorists used to come and attack us. When the armed forces of the country execute surgical strikes, when it does airstrikes, the youth of the country are filled with pride. That is why the 140 crore citizens of the country are proud today," PM Modi said.
Taking about the increased participation of women in India’s growth, PM Modi said over 10 crore women became financially independent by joining self-help groups in the last 10 years, which has made them key decision-makers in the households.
"In last 10 years, 10 crore women joined women self-help groups. 10 crore women are becoming financially independent. When women become financially independent they become part of the decision-making system in a household leading to social change...Till now, 9 lakh crores have been given to self-help groups in the country," he said.
PM Modi also spoke at length about the reforms his government brought in the space sector. He said many startups were entering this sector and the government was working on a long-term idea to strengthen the sector. PM Modi said, "The space sector is an important aspect. We have done many reforms in this sector. Today, many startups are entering this sector. The space sector which is becoming vibrant is an essential element towards making India a powerful nation. We are focusing and giving strength to this sector with a long-term idea.”
Highlighting his government’s efforts in strengthening women, PM Modi said they respect women and took many decisions sensitively in their favour. "For working women, maternity leave has been increased from 12 weeks to 26 weeks. We not only just respect women, we not only take decisions for her sensitively, we make decisions to ensure that the government does not become a hindrance in the requirements of the mother to make her child a quality citizen," he said.
PM Modi also expressed anguish over the incidents of atrocities against women, urging the state government to take timely action. In the backdrop of the nationwide furore over the barbaric rape, and murder of Kolkata medico, PM Modi said there was outrage in the country and strict punishment should be awarded to people involved in monstrous deeds.
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"I would like to express my pain once again, from the Red Fort today. As a society, we will have to think seriously about the atrocities against women that are happening - there is outrage against this in the country. I can feel this outrage. The country, society, and State Governments will have to take this seriously. Speedy investigation of crimes against women, those executing these monstrous deeds be awarded strict punishment at the earliest - this is important to instil confidence in society. I would also like to say that when rapes and incidents of atrocities on women occur, it is widely discussed. But when a person of such monstrous tendency is punished, it is not seen in the news but restricted to a corner. It is the need of the hour, that extensive discussion on those receiving punishment be held so that those committing this sin understand that this leads to hanging. I think it is very important to instil this fear," PM Modi said.
