As India commemorated its 74th Independence Day, the Prime Minister of India – Narendra Modi on Saturday, August 15, 2020, spoke on a wide range of topics from Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination to Galwan Valley and minimum marriage age for women.
Addressing the nation for 7th consecutive time from Red Fort in New Delhi, Modi appeared wore his traditional turban and sported an orange headgear with a dash of yellow and a long tail. Prior to this, Modi unfurled the national flag and received the Guard of Honour contingent, consisting of one officer and 24 men each from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police.
Extending the Independence Day wishes to Indian, Modi tweeted, “#स्वतंत्रतादिवस के पावन अवसर पर सभी देशवासियों को बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं। जय हिंद! Happy Independence Day to all fellow Indians. Jai Hind!”
In his 86 minutes speech, Modi said that 3 COVID-19 vaccines are being developed and are under different stages of trials. He assured the people of India that every Indian will get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Speaking on the occasion, Modi said, “Three coronavirus vaccines are at different testing stages in India. The roadmap for its production and distribution among the Indians is also ready. The government will ensure every Indian gets the vaccine against coronavirus.”
He further added, “As soon as the scientists give a green signal, the country will begin their large-scale production,” PM Narendra Modi said, adding the talent of “our scientists is like that of rishi munis.”
While the 74th Independence Day celebrations were a muted one across the nation, Modi hailed the hard work and humility of COVID-19 warriors. He also conveyed his condolences to all those who lost their loved ones because of the pandemic.
Modi announced that Government will soon launch the National Digital Health Mission. Under the National Digital Health Mission, every citizen will get a Health ID. This Health ID will have all details like disease, treatment, doctors, hospital visits, payment details, and medicines of the citizen.
Modi once again reiterated the mission of Atma Nirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). He asked the people to be ‘vocal for local’.
Modi tweeted, “In the middle of a spirited fight against the COVID-19 global pandemic, people of India are working to build an #AatmaNirbharBharat. I have faith in the strength, skills and talents of my fellow Indians. Our determination is such that we will surely succeed.”
Referring to India-China stand-off in the Galwan Valley of Ladakh, Modi reemphasised that those who dared to challenge India’s sovereignty were given a befitting reply.
“Protecting India’s sovereignty is of prime importance to us. What we can do and our soldiers can do to protect this sovereignty, the world has seen with the events in Ladakh,” said Modi.
A major highlight of his speech was redefining the minimum age of marriage for women. The Government has set-up a committee to reconsider the minimum age for marriage of girls. The appropriate decision will be taken once the report is ready.
He also mentioned about women sanitary pads and said that through 6,000 Janaushadhi Centres, about 5 crores women have got sanitary pads at Re. 1.
Speaking on women empowerment, Modi tweeted, “भारत में महिला शक्ति को जब-जब भी अवसर मिले, उन्होंने देश का नाम रोशन किया। भारत में महिलाएं अंडरग्राउंड कोयले की खदान में काम कर रही हैं, तो फाइटर प्लेन भी उड़ाकर आसमान की बुलंदियों को चूम रही हैं। महिलाओं को स्वरोजगार और रोजगार के समान अवसर देने के लिए आज देश प्रतिबद्ध है।”
Highlighting the achievements of his Government, he informed that his Government had announced an Agriculture Infrastructure Fund of Rs. 1 lakh crore to make the farmers Atma Nirbhar by providing them modern infrastructure.
Tweeting about farmers, Modi wrote, “The last few years have seen pioneering changes and futuristic reforms in agriculture. Farmers now have access to more markets, better financial support. Our efforts to strengthen food processing, ensure value addition continue with great vigour. #AatmaNirbharBharat.”
He also talked about historic decisions like Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Ac, 2019, which ended the special status given to Jammu to Kashmir and converted it into a Union Territory (U.T.) with legislature. He also spoke on construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya which remained unsettled for years.
Modi also touched upon preserving the biodiversity. He said that the number of tigers in India has gone up over the past few years. The lion population in the country has gone up exponentially and now the government will launch ‘Project Lion’ for the conservation of Asiatic lions in India. Besides, Government will also work towards preserving the Dolphins
In addition, India is also giving special training to 1 lakh new National Cadet Corps (NCC) who will be placed at 173 coastal and border districts. Of this, 1/3rd will be women cadets.
