Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of India’s 78th Independence Day. The Prime Minister hoisted the national flag for the 11th consecutive time at the iconic monument in New Delhi.

Viksit and Atmanirbhar Bharat, ‘one nation, one election’ and women’s safety were among the key things mentioned by PM Modi during his speech.

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Here are the top quotes from PM Modi’s Independence Day speech:

  • PM Modi said, “We are proud that we carry the blood of the 40 crore people who had uprooted colonial rule from India… If 40 crore people can break the shackles of slavery to gain freedom, just imagine what can be achieved by the resolve of 140 crore people.”
  • “We are working to fulfil the aspirations of our middle-class population. We are taking steps to ensure that govt’s dependence, interference and burden on the middle-class reduces, and I am confident that we will achieve this as well,” the PM said.
  • In a swipe at the previous Congress regime, PM Modi said the NDA government had moved beyond the ‘mai-baap’ culture where people had to plead for every necessity. “Unfortunately, in the past, people had to face a ‘mai-baap’ culture, where they had to plead with the government for every necessity. Today, we have transformed this governance model. The government is now actively involved in skill development and is taking steps to improve access to essential services, such as installing gas connections and water connectivity directly in people’s homes,” said PM Modi.
  • “Earlier, people wanted change, but their aspirations were not paid heed to. We brought about big reforms on the ground. Our commitment to reforms is not for temporary applause or due to compulsions, but has resolved to strengthen the country. This reform, this growth, this change is not just a matter of discussion for debate clubs, intellectual societies and experts. We did not do this because of political compulsions… we have just one resolve – Nation First,” PM Modi, who sported a Rajasthani leheriya print turban for the occasion, said.
  • Amid the nationwide protests over the alleged rape and murder case of a trainee doctor at a hospital in Kolkata recently, PM Modi said that there is outrage in the country against the atrocities meted out to women and the country, the society and the State Governments will have to take this seriously. “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 instill confidence in society,” the Prime Minister said in his address to the nation.
  • “Frequent elections are creating hurdles in the progress of the nation. It has become easy to link any scheme/initiative with elections. There are elections somewhere every three to six months. Every work is linked to elections. The nation has to come forward for one nation, one election,” he said. PM Modi asked the parties to ensure that “national resources are used for the common man. We have to come forward to realise the dream of one nation one election”.
  • Shedding light on the unrest in India‘s neighbouring country Bangladesh, PM Modi said, “As a neighbouring country, I can understand the concern regarding whatever has happened in Bangladesh. I hope that the situation there gets normal at the earliest. The concerns of 140 crore countrymen to ensure the safety of Hindus and minorities there – India always wants our neighbouring countries to walk the path of prosperity and peace. We are committed to peace…In the days to come, we will continue to wish well for Bangladesh in its ‘Vikas Yatra’ because we think about the welfare of humankind.”
  • Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, PM Modi said, “This year and over the last few years, we have all become increasingly concerned about natural disasters. Many people have lost their family members and property to these calamities and the nation has also suffered significant losses. I offer my condolences and assure them that the nation stands with them in this hour of crisis.”
  • PM Modi said there is a need for a “secular civil code” in India. “It is need of hour to have a secular civil code and do away with discriminatory communal civil code. We have spent 75 years with it,” the prime minister said.
  • “‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ are not mere words, they are the reflection of the resolve and dreams of 140 crore people. We are capable of making India a developed nation by 2047 with our resolve,” PM Modi said.
  • He added, “For third term in government, only message is to serve everyone, every family and take nation to newer heights of development.”