NEW DELHI: The prime minister on Monday pledged to work with vigor to turn poverty-ridden India into a developed country in the next 25 years.
Wearing a flowing, cream-colored turban printed with small stripes of orange, white and green, Narendra Modi addressed the country from New Delhi’s 17th-century Mughal-era Red Fort to mark the 75th anniversary of India’s independence from British rule.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also sent similar messages to President Murmu and to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion.
Modi said the world’s view of India was changing and it was looking toward the country to help resolve global issues.
“We must turn India into a developed country in the next 25 years, in our lifetime,” said the 71-year-old Modi.
“It’s a big resolution, and we should work towards it with all our might.”
The World Bank currently categorises India as a lower-middle income economy - meant for countries with a gross national income per capita of between $1,086 and $4,255. High income countries, like the United States, have a per capita income of $13,205 or more.
India is the world’s sixth-largest economy and is expected to grow at over 7% in the current fiscal year ending in March 2023 - the fastest among major economies.
“After 75 years we have heard the proud sound of a Made-in-India weapon in the Independence Day gun salute. I salute the armed forces for this feat. The way they have borne the responsibility for my call for Atmanirbhar Bharat, I salute them for this,” PM Modi said.
“For how long would we be dependent on the other countries? Aatmanirbhar Bharat is the responsibility of every section of society, every person and every government. Aatmanirbhar Bharat is not a government agenda or a government programme. It is a social movement which we have to carry forward,” the prime minister said.
The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) that was used for the ceremonial salute today has been designed by the Centre-run Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with Bharat Forge Limited, Mahindra Defence Naval System, Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division and public sector unit Ordnance Factory Board (OFB).
The gun is a towed 155 mm/52 calibre howitzer and was first publicly showcased at 68th Republic Day parade on 26 January 2017.
The Prime Minister also saluted the small children who said no to the imported toys and said that Aatmanirbhar Bharat runs through his veins.
“I also salute the children who are saying No to imported toys. When a 5-year-old says ‘No videshi’, Aatmanirbhar Bharat runs through his veins,” he added.
-- ANI
Many experts say India’s economy could expand to become the world’s third-largest by 2050 after the United States and China, although per capita income, currently around $2,100, may remain low compared to many countries.
With about 1.4 billion people, India is expected to surpass China as the world’s most populous country next year.
President Joe Biden in a statement celebrating Indian Independence Day said the United States and India are indispensable partners, and their partnership is grounded in a shared commitment to the rule of law and the promotion of human freedom and dignity.
Biden said he was confident that “the two countries will continue to stand together to defend the rules-based order” foster greater peace, prosperity and security for our people” advance a free and open Indo-Pacific” and together address the challenges we face around the world.’’
Modi said India will be guided by the ideals of self-reliance and the spirit of international partnership to attain excellence in science and technology, set up industries, and attain food and energy security. He said billions of dollars in investment were flowing into the country turning it into a manufacturing hub.
Spirit of patriotism
India’s efforts have already launched the country of 1.4 billion people into the ranks of leading countries in information technology, pharmacy, space science and civil nuclear energy.
Modi said millions of people across the country were commemorating the 75th anniversary of independence by hoisting orange, white and green national flags at their homes and businesses for three days as part of a government campaign “of awakening the spirit of patriotism in every heart.’’
India’s Parliament House, the presidential palace, national monuments and other government offices blaze with multi-colored lighting.
Modi said the journey of the past 75 years had seen ups and downs with India battling against all odds with resilience and perseverance. He asked people to remove any trace of colonial mindset.
In his 80-minute speech, Modi called for people’s unity to move forward and pledged to fight corruption and nepotism in the country’s politics, which he said were acting as termites eating away the gains of development.
“Our heroes like Rajendra Prasad, Jawaharlal Nehru, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Lal Bahadur Shastri fought for our independence and moulded our country,” he said. Modi also recalled the contributions of the women freedom fighters of India.The prime minister said that every Indian is filled with pride when they remember the strength of the women of the country - be it Rani Laxmibai, Jhalkaribai, Chennamma, Begum Hazrat Mahal.
“Sometimes our talent is restricted by language barriers. This is an example of Imperialism. We need to be proud of every language in our country. When we are connected to our roots, then only can we fly high; and when we fly high, we will provide solutions to the entire world.”
“There are multiple employment opportunities opened with creation of Green Jobs.”
“Jai Jawan, Jai Kisaan, Jai Vigyaan, Jai Anusandhan - as we celebrate 75 years, we need to follow this mantra that was given to us by Lal Bahadur Shastri and later tweaked by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.”
“Today the nation shows anger towards corruption, but not the corrupted. Until and unless, people have the mentality of penalizing the corrupt, the nation cannot progress at optimum pace.”
“Another evil we need to come together against is nepotism. We need to give opportunities to those who are talented and will work towards the progress of the nation. Talent will be the basis of a New India. To cleanse every institute of India, let’s shift our mentality from ‘Bhai Bhatijawad’ and Parivaarwad and give an opportunity to the citizens who deserve it.”
“When dreams are big, the hard work is equally strenuous. We need to be inspired by the sankalp and determination of our freedom fighters who dreamt of a free India. I urge the youth to dedicate the next 25 years of their lives for the development of the nation. We will work towards even the development of the entire humanity. That is the strength of India.”
“The nation’s enthusiasm for Tiranga seen in the last three days could not have been imagined by many experts and it symbolises the nation’s reawakening."
“In coming years, we’ve to focus on ‘Panchpran’- First, to move forward with bigger resolves and resolve of developed India; Second, erase all traces of servitude; Third, be proud of our legacy; Fourth, strength of unity and fifth, duties of citizens which includes the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers.
“Today, we are seeing the Digital India initiative, startups grow in the country, and a lot of talent is coming from Tier 2 & 3 cities. We have to believe in our abilities.”
“It’s important that in speech and conduct, we do nothing that lowers the dignity of women.”
“I have one request to every Indian. Can we change the mentality towards our women in everyday life. Pride of Nari Shakti will play a vital role in fulfilling the dreams of India. It is important that in our speech and conduct, we do nothing that lowers the dignity of women. Respect for Women is an important pillar of India’s growth. We need to support our ‘Nari Shakti’.”
“When such an aspirational societyexists, governments too have to work on the knife’s edge to fulfill these aspirations. Community spirit has risen again in the last few years. For the last three days the entire country has marched with the Tricolour.”
“Our stellar performances at international sporting events are an example of India’s shining talent. We need to promote and support such talent.”
-- ANI
