I-Day speech: PM Modi says ‘make next 25 years a glorious one with new thresholds, aspirations and dreams’

‘There comes a time in every nation’s life where it defines anew what development means for it... that moment for our country is now,’ he says.

In his eighth consecutive address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for making the next 25 years (when India will hit a century of independence) a glorious one with “new thresholds, aspirations and dreams” , coining the phrase “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas” (With all, development for all, the trust of all, the striving of all). “There comes a time in every nation’s life where it defines anew what development means for it, and resolves anew on how to reach its goals, that moment for our country is now,” he said. He termed the next 25 years as “Amrit Kaal” for achieving of these goals. The recent second wave of COVID-19 that hit India was also referred to by the Prime Minister who recalled those who passed away and lauded the “untiring and committed” work of doctors, nurses, paramedics, sanitation workers, scientists and entrepreneurs who helped fight the pandemic and assisted by the development of indigenous vaccines. He also mentioned that while celebrating independence, “Indians had taken an emotional decision to mark August 14th as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day” for all those who had lost their lives and loved ones in the Partition of 1947. His speech, nearly 90 minutes in all, went over the efforts of his government to simplify laws, make government less intrusive, heavy investment in infrastructure, including the ₹100 lakh crore “Gatishakti initiative” the master plan for which would be unveiled soon. He pointed out to India’s commitment to the environment and its climate change goals by stating that the country was committed to “circular economy”, and the new vehicle scrappage policy was part of that as well as the setting up of the National Hydrogen Mission for encouragement of green fuels.