PM Modi boasts abrogation of 370 and industrialisation in his Independence Day speech
As India commemorates its 73rd Independence Day with huge enthusiasm, the Prime Minister of India – Narendra Modi has said that wealth creators should not be seen with suspicion for they are the country’s wealth. He was addressing the august gathering at the Red Fort as he gave his 6th Independence Day speech as the Prime Minister of India.
Prior to this, he hoisted the National Flag at the ramparts of Red Fort. Dressed in a white kurta-pyjama and a colourful bright yellow turban with a touch of red and green in it, he was received by the Defence Minister of India – Rajnath Singh at the Red Fort. He then inspected the Guard of Honour. Before coming to Ref Fort, he went to Rajghat at paid tribute to Father of Our Nation – Mahatma Gandhi.
Addressing the nation in a 92 mins. speech, which is his 2nd longest Independence Day speech after 2016 which lasted for 94 mins, he said that creation of wealth is a national service.
He said, “Let us never see wealth creators with suspicion. Only when wealth is created, wealth will be distributed. Wealth creation is absolutely essential. Those who create wealth are India’s wealth and we respect them.”
This is the 3rd time, Modi has voiced his support to the corporate world. Earlier, in July 2018, he said that he is not scared of being seen with leading industrialists as his conscience is clear. Appreciating the industrialists, he said he is proud of the various social and welfare initiatives undertaken by the corporates in India.
Talking about the recent abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir, he hailed the path breaking move saying, “Our freedom fighters fought hard and long for a free nation. But because of Articles 370 and 35A, there were issues. But today, I can say standing here at the Red Fort, with pride, that we are one nation and one constitution.”
He said that in less than 70 days of his Government’s 2nd term, Article 370 has become a history, with both the houses (Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha) clearing the Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill, 2019. “Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh will become a big inspiration for India’s growth journey, comfort, progress and peace,” he said.
In a major announcement, he said that the Government is creating a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) who will be the Head of Army, Air Force and the Navy. The CDS will ensure synergy among the 3 defence services and provide effective leadership to them.
A high-level committee formed after the 1999 Kargil War, to identify gaps in Indian security systems, had proposed to appoint a CDS who be a single point military advisor to the Defence Minister.
He mentioned, “Our forces are India’s pride. To further sharpen coordination between the forces, I want to announce a major decision from the Red Fort: India will have a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)”
He submitted that the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which is in its 2nd consecutive term, is now working towards meeting the aspirational needs of the Indians, after successfully addressing the basic needs of the public in its 1st term.
He emphasised that his Government has worked day and night to bring out India from a state of hopelessness in 2014 to state of being hopeful in 2019.
“But time changes. If the 2014-19 period was about fulfilling people’s needs, then the time after 2019 (polls) is about meeting their aspirations and dreams. We have prepared a blueprint keeping in mind how India should be in the 21st century…and are taking steps towards it.” Modi said
Citing an example of growth, he said that in 2014, people were happy to own a mobile phone. But in 2019, people want uninterrupted data at good speed. Modi reiterated that farmers, backward classes, Dalits and tribals are happier than ever before. The Government with the objective of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’.
During his speech, he also touched upon a number of areas including terrorism, paucity of water, poverty, tourism and population.
Most importantly, he said there is zero tolerance for terrorism. He promised to reply back to terror groups in the language they understand. Citing water crisis as a major crisis, he shared multiple ways by which one can conserve water. He also highlighted that his Government has allocated Rs. 3.35 lakh crore for the Jal Jeevan Mission for providing safe drinking water to every household. As regards poverty, he assured the countrymen that his Government is working hard to eradicate poverty.
He urged the Indians to travel within the country extensively before embarking on foreign trips. He said until Indians don’t take pride in their culture and showcase it, the country will never become a tourism hub.
In his Independence Day address, he also expressed his grief of not having born during India’s freedom struggle with the British. He vowed to do whatever it takes to serve the nation. At the end, he spoke on the rising population and said that small family policy should be given the due respect. With this, he walked over to meet the school children who had gathered to meet the Prime Minister.
