Since taking office in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has used his Independence Day addresses to outline his vision for India and address key national issues.
As he delivers his eleventh address on August 15, 2024 on the 78th Independence Day of India from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort, we look back at the recurring themes and key messages from his speeches over the years.
2014: Embracing Inclusivity & Collaboration
In his inaugural Independence Day speech in 2014, PM Modi positioned himself as an outsider to the political elite of Delhi. He stressed on the importance of inclusivity and collaboration.
“I am an outsider to Delhi… I have been quite isolated from the elite class of this place, but during the last two months… I had an insider view, and I was astonished,” Modi stated.
He invoked the Vedic phrase Sangachhadhwam—“We walk together, we move together, we think together, we resolve together and together we take this country forward”—to underline his commitment to a collaborative approach.
PM Modi praised the role of the Opposition in the functioning of Parliament and acknowledged their contribution to important decisions, saying, “The credit for this goes to the Opposition also… From the ramparts of Red Fort, quite proudly I salute all the Members of Parliament, I also salute all the political parties.”
2015: A Focus on Fighting Corruption
In 2015, PM Modi turned his attention to combating corruption. He highlighted the increase in corruption cases filed by the CBI as evidence of his administration’s commitment to the cause.
“I want to tell Team India comprising 1.25 billion people, that this country can become corruption-free,” PM Modi declared.
He compared the number of cases registered before and after his government’s formation, emphasising the actions taken against corrupt practices.
2016: Addressing Terrorism and Welfare
The 2016 speech covered a broad spectrum of issues, including terrorism, Maoism, and welfare initiatives. PM Modi also announced a new healthcare scheme benefiting BPL (Below Poverty Line) families.
He extended a gesture of solidarity to people in Balochistan, Gilgit, and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, stating, “I want to heartily thank the people of Balochistan, the people of Gilgit, the people of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir… It is the respect of my 125 crore countrymen.”
2017: Promoting Unity with ‘Bharat Jodo’
On the 75th anniversary of the Quit India movement, PM Modi shifted focus to national unity. He spoke on the need for unity with the slogan “Bharat Jodo” (unite India).
“Violence in the name of aastha (faith) is not something to be happy about, it will not be accepted in India,” PM Modi asserted, denouncing violence and promoting a vision of a united and peaceful India.
2018: Reporting Achievements
The 2018 address was a report card on the government’s achievements. PM Modi highlighted successes in sanitation, electrification, and the implementation of goods and services tax (GST), as well as the constitutional status given to the OBC Commission.
2019: Ideological Milestones
Returning with a larger mandate in 2019, PM Modi used his speech to outline his government’s ideological achievements, such as the abrogation of Article 370 and the ban on Triple Talaq.
“What was the reason behind revocation of Article 370 and 35A? This is the hallmark of this government,” PM Modi explained. He also detailed the Jal Jeevan Mission, aiming to provide tap water to all rural households by 2024.
2020: Embracing Self-Reliance Amidst Covid-19
In 2020, PM Modi addressed the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and called for a self-reliant India.
“In the midst of the Corona pandemic, 130 crore Indians pledged themselves to become self-reliant,” he said, framing the drive towards self-reliance as a collective national effort.
2021: Vision for 2047
PM Modi’s 2021 speech focused on setting goals for the nation’s future by 2047. He spoke about the importance of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and now Sabka Prayas” (Everyone’s Support, Everyone’s Development, Everyone’s Trust, and now Everyone’s Effort) for achieving national goals.
He outlined targets for welfare schemes, including universal access to roads, bank accounts, Ayushman Bharat cards, and gas connections.
2022: The “Panch Pran” and National Resolve
In 2022, Prime Minister Modi introduced the “Panch Pran” (Five Resolutions) for the coming 25 years. These resolutions include striving for a developed India by advancing major national goals, eliminating the mentality of servitude with the commitment to “Ghulami ki manasikta, hamein use tilaanjali deni padegi” (getting rid of the mentality of servitude), celebrating India’s rich heritage, fostering unity and solidarity across the nation, and instilling a strong sense of responsibility among citizens.
2023: Realising India’s Potential
In his 10th Independence Day address on August 15, PM Modi spoke for nearly 90 minutes, detailing both his government’s achievements and the challenges and opportunities facing the nation.
Addressing the country on its 77th Independence Day, PM Modi spoke about the importance of seizing the moment to realise India’s potential, noting that the decisions and sacrifices made now will influence the country for the next 1,000 years.
PM Modi described India as being at a critical juncture, poised to shape the emerging new world order in the wake of the COVID pandemic. He promised a “New India” with a promising future over the next five years.
Link to article –
Independence Day 2024: A look at 10 themes in PM Modi’s address to nation on August 15 since 2014
