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PM Narendra Modi's 2017 Independence Day speech: Key takeaways

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DailyBiteAug 15, 2017 | 13:52

PM Narendra Modi's 2017 Independence Day speech: Key takeaways

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his fourth Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort presented his vision of and appeal for a "New India" . He evoked an India free of communal and caste evils, of efficiency and equality, without violence in the name of religion. From Red Fort, sporting a red headgear, PM Modi paid rich tributes to a growing and changing India.

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We bring you the key highlights and takeaways of PM's 2017 Independence Speech here.

Gorakhpur tragedy

PM Modi began by acknowledging the deaths of children in Gorakhpur and promising that the country would stand shoulder to shoulder with the victims and the families. He had earlier been criticised for not mentioning the Gorakhpur hospital deaths in which over 60 children had died in a course of six days, many because the oxygen supply was cut off. PM Modi expressed his sadness at the tragedy and promised swift action.

Tribute to Quit India Movement, Freedom Struggle

PM Modi paid rich tributes on the 75th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi-led Indian National Congress launching the Quit India Movement to oust the British. He also mentioned other milestones in the freedom struggle such as the Champaran Satyagraha, even Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated 125 years back as a clarion call to unite Indians over religious festivals, and build latent nationalism in the countrymen and women.

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Pledge for New India

PM Modi held up a vision of New India that's free of casteism, communalism, violence, and said that the 75th anniversary of independent India should be about realising that vision. He stressed on equality for all, and said that an India free of nepotism, corruption, terrorism, filth is important to build a healthy, clean New India. 

2018 is crucial

PM Modi stressed the importance of the coming year and he said those born in year 2000 - at the beginning of the new century - would turn 18, attain adulthood now. He said the "bhagya vidhatas" - custodians of the future - would be waking up in 2018. He stressed the importance of youth in the country and said he would want them to join the workforce to create a New India.

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He said only then would we junk our "Chalta Hai" attitude and build for the future.

Surgical strikes

PM focused on the September 29, 2016 surgical strikes to drive home India's new tough attitude towards terrorism, cross-border violence and fresh confidence in the armed forces. PM said that the surgical strikes improved India's standing in the world, as it was forced to sit up and notice the military confidence, and a change of tack from defensive to offensive.

India's military prowess was not something to be toyed with, and national security issues were of crucial importance. PM Modi paid rich tributes to our soldiers saying, "Our security forces have always shown their capabilities whenever on duty. Whether it is terrorism or infiltrators, our security personnel have always been ready for sacrifice."

Honesty festival

Defeating corruption through various decisions such as demonetisation, GST, was achieved, said PM Modi, who compared India of the present to a massive gathering of those celebrating the festival of honesty. 

PM said whether it's One Rank, One Pension, or the Goods snd Services Tax, or even notebandi, the corrupt have paid the price.

Modi took a dig at black money hoarders, while also mocking those who had made corruption into a lifestyle statement.  

Cooperative federalism of GST

PM Modi insisted in his 2017 Independence Day speech that the spirit of cooperative federalism has been in full display in the manner the GST was implemented. 

Kashmir

On Kashmir, PM Modi said dispute resolution can happen on multiple platforms, but militancy is non-negotiable. However, PM Modi's approach towards Kashmiris themselves was softer, and he promised to improve the climate of conflict through peaceful dialogues and investment and creation of opportunities within the state. 

Modi said that bullets are never a solution, and only through peace that change can be brought in.

Militancy

PM Modi was tough on militancy, saying it's not just a problem for India, but something that needs international cooperation, which is why we have other countries on our side. Perhaps, he meant Israel and the USA with whom India has signed strategic partnership agreements to import or develop ammunitions together. 

Modi said people should leave violence behind and embrace democracy: "A lot happens in Kashmir. A lot of claims have been made. A lot of people abuse each other. There are a lot of separatists. But there will be no leniency for terrorism. I have told many to become a part of democracy."

Technology versus bureaucracy

From Mars Mission to sending maximum number of satellites into orbit, to the achievements of the digital revolution, Modi insisted on the use of technology as a binding factor, and a pathway to development. 

But he said railway projects were stuck for decades because of red tape, and that his government is ensuring that chapter is buried. 

Against triple talaq

PM Modi mentioned how Muslim women become the victims of this antediluvian patriarchal practice of instant oral divorce and that his government is fighting tooth and nail to abolish it. Modi said he's going to side with the women in their struggle against this malpractice in the name of custom.

"I believe India will fully support the women in their struggle. The women of this country created a revolution against triple talaq. There was an atmosphere against triple talaq in the country with even the media supporting the women", he said.

Benefits of demonetisation

PM Modi spoke about the crucial benefits accrued as a result of decisions like demonetisation, saying about Rs 1.25 lakh crore of black money has been returned to the system. 

"Today, I want to proudly tell people that within just three years, we have recovered Rs 1.25 lakh crore black money," he said. Modi also said that the number of tax payers has gone up from 22 lakh before November 2016 to 56 lakh, and this would mean a big jump in revenue collection. But he also thanked people of India for their patience and sacrifice and their support to PM's notebandi diktat.

"The businessmen with black money used to run shell companies. After demonetisation, three lakh shell companies were found. And out of that, we cancelled the registration of 1.75 lakh companies," PM Modi said.

Bharat jodo 

PM Modi asked the youth of India to connect and built a better India, - Bharat jodo - instead of Bharat chodo, or leave India, whether for the British, or indulge in activities of violence, divisiveness, etc.

The urge to build a better and New India together is what PM Modi spoke of passionately. 

Tricolour flying

Not just in the Red Fort, the national flag was unfurled in various parts of India as part of the I-Day celebrations. Here are some of the glimpses:

Also read: My childhood was ruined because Pahlaj Nihalani wasn't there

Last updated: August 15, 2017 | 13:52
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