My Dear Fellow Citizens,
On the eve of our 78th Independence Day, I extend my warmest greetings to you all.
As our nation prepares to celebrate this momentous day, it fills me with immense pride to witness the tricolour being hoisted across the country, from the iconic Red Fort to state capitals and local communities. This act is not just a ritual; it’s a powerful expression of our shared joy and pride in belonging to a great nation of more than 1.4 billion people. Just as we gather with our families for various festivals, we come together as one big family to celebrate our Independence Day and Republic Day.
On August 15th, Indians around the world participate in flag-hoisting ceremonies, sing patriotic songs, and share sweets. Children take part in cultural events, and as they speak about our beloved country and the honor of being its citizens, they echo the sentiments of our great freedom fighters. This realization reminds us that we are part of a continuous chain—one that connects the dreams of those who fought for our freedom with the aspirations of future generations who will see India rise to its full glory.
Recognizing our place in this historical chain is a humbling experience. It brings to mind the dark days when our nation was under foreign rule, and the brave souls who risked everything to secure our freedom. We honor their memory today. Through their tireless efforts, the soul of India was awakened from centuries of dormancy. Our rich traditions and values, which had been preserved through generations, found new expression under the leadership of visionaries like Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of our Nation.
Alongside Gandhi, leaders like Sardar Patel, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh, and Chandrashekhar Azad, among many others, played pivotal roles in our freedom struggle. This was a nationwide movement, with participation from all communities. The contributions of tribal leaders like Tilka Manjhi, Birsa Munda, Laxman Naik, and Phulo-Jhano, among others, are now being recognized and celebrated. In fact, we have dedicated Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, and next year’s 150th anniversary celebrations will be another opportunity to honor his role in our national reawakening.
Dear Fellow Citizens,
Today, August 14th, we also observe Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas, a day to remember the horrors of partition. As our great nation was divided, millions suffered forced migration, and countless lives were lost. As we prepare to celebrate our Independence, let us take a moment to recall this unparalleled human tragedy and stand in solidarity with the families torn apart by it.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of our Constitution. The journey of our newly independent nation has been fraught with challenges. Yet, by remaining steadfast in our commitment to the Constitutional ideals of justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity, we are steadily moving towards reclaiming India’s rightful place on the global stage.
In the recent general elections, nearly 97 crore eligible voters participated, setting a historic record as the largest electoral exercise in human history. The Election Commission of India deserves our congratulations for smoothly conducting such a massive event. I also thank the officials and security personnel who worked tirelessly to facilitate this democratic process. When such a large number of people exercise their right to vote, it sends a powerful message in support of democracy. India’s successful elections strengthen democratic forces around the world.
Dear Fellow Citizens,
From 2021 to 2024, India has been one of the fastest-growing major economies, with an average growth rate of 8 percent annually. This growth has not only increased prosperity but has also significantly reduced poverty. For those still facing poverty, we are committed to providing support and helping them rise out of it. Initiatives like the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, which began during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, continue to provide free rations to around 80 crore people, ensuring that those who have recently escaped poverty are not pushed back into it.
It is a source of national pride that India is now the world’s fifth-largest economy, and we are on the cusp of becoming one of the top three economies. This achievement is the result of the relentless efforts of our farmers, workers, planners, wealth creators, and visionary leadership.
Our farmers, the Annadata, have exceeded expectations in agricultural production, making India self-reliant in agriculture. Infrastructure development has also seen significant advancements, with strategic planning and effective institutions expanding our networks of roads, highways, railways, and ports. The government has vigorously promoted futuristic technologies like semiconductors and Artificial Intelligence, creating an ideal ecosystem for startups and attracting investments. With greater transparency, our banking and financial sectors have become more efficient, laying the groundwork for the next wave of economic reforms that will propel India into the ranks of developed nations.
This rapid and equitable progress has elevated India’s stature in global affairs. Following our successful G-20 Presidency, India has solidified its role as the voice of the Global South, and we are committed to using our influential position to promote world peace and prosperity.
Dear Fellow Citizens,
We must remember the wise words of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of our Constitution, who emphasized the importance of social democracy as the foundation for political democracy. The steady progress of our political democracy reflects the strides we have made in consolidating social democracy. The spirit of inclusion permeates every aspect of our society, and we must continue to strengthen affirmative action as a tool for inclusion. In a vast and diverse country like ours, we must reject any tendencies that foster discord based on perceived social hierarchies.
Social justice is a top priority for the government, and unprecedented initiatives have been launched for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalized communities. Programs like Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) and Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) are focused on providing direct financial assistance and improving socio-economic conditions, particularly for the most vulnerable tribal groups. The National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme ensures that sanitation workers no longer have to engage in hazardous manual labor.
When we speak of justice, we must consider it in the broadest sense, including aspects like gender justice and climate justice.
In our society, women are not only seen as equals but often as more than equal. However, traditional prejudices have held them back. I am pleased to note that the government has placed equal importance on women’s welfare and empowerment. Budget allocations for women’s initiatives have more than tripled in the last decade, leading to increased participation in the labor force and a significant improvement in the sex ratio at birth. A variety of government schemes have been designed with women at the center, and the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam aims to ensure their real empowerment.
Climate change is a reality, and it poses a significant challenge, especially for developing nations like ours. Despite this, India has made remarkable progress in combating climate change, positioning itself as a global leader in this crucial battle. I urge all citizens to adopt small but effective changes in their lifestyles to contribute to this cause.
On the subject of justice, I must mention the adoption of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita earlier this year, which marks the removal of yet another colonial relic. This new code focuses on ensuring justice for crime victims rather than merely emphasizing punishment. I see this change as a tribute to our freedom fighters.
Dear Fellow Citizens,
The Amrit Kaal, the ongoing quarter-century leading up to the centenary of our Independence, will be shaped by the youth of today. Their energy and enthusiasm will propel our nation to new heights. Cultivating young minds and fostering a new mindset that combines the best of our traditions with contemporary knowledge is a top priority. The National Education Policy, launched in 2020, has already begun to show results in this regard.
To harness the talents of our youth, the government has introduced initiatives to facilitate skilling, employment, and other opportunities. The Prime Minister’s package of five schemes for employment and skilling is set to benefit 4.1 crore young people over the next five years. Additionally, a new government initiative will provide internships for one crore youth in leading companies over five years. These efforts will lay the foundation for building a Viksit Bharat.
In India, we view science and technology not only as a pursuit of knowledge but also as tools for humanitarian progress. Our achievements in digital applications are being adopted as models by other countries. India has also made unprecedented advances in space exploration, and like you, I eagerly anticipate the launch of the Gaganyaan Mission next year, which will take Indian astronauts into space aboard our first human spaceflight.
The world of sports is another area where our country has made significant strides in recent years. The government’s focus on developing sports infrastructure is yielding results. Our athletes performed admirably at the recent Paris Olympic Games, and I commend their dedication and hard work. They have inspired our youth. In cricket, India’s T-20 World Cup victory brought immense joy to fans across the nation. In chess, our prodigies have made us proud, marking the beginning of what is being called the Indian era in chess. In badminton, tennis, and other sports, our young athletes are making their mark on the world stage, inspiring the next generation.
Dear Fellow Citizens,
As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, I once again extend my heartfelt greetings to you, especially to our brave jawans of the Armed Forces who protect our freedom at great risk to their lives. I also convey my best wishes to the police and security personnel who keep vigil across the country, the members of our judiciary, civil services, and the officials of our missions abroad. My greetings also go out to our
