79th Independence Day: The Nation today marked its 79th Independence Day with grand celebrations at the historic Red Fort in the capital. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the proceedings, hoisting the National Flag amid a ceremonial Guard of Honour, as flower petals were showered from two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters.
Addressing the nation, Prime Minister Modi called the day a “festival of hope and aspirations”, reflecting the resolve of 140 crore Indians and the pride in the country’s shared achievements. He said India’s unity has been strengthened over the decades, with the Constitution serving as a guiding light for 75 years.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary, recalling his sacrifice for the Constitution and noting the abrogation of Article 370 as a step towards One Nation, One Constitution.
Modi highlighted recent challenges, including natural disasters, and assured that both state and central governments are working in unison on rescue, relief, and rehabilitation. Earlier, he paid homage at Rajghat before arriving at the Red Fort.
Economic, Scientific & Employment Announcements
Unveiling a slew of initiatives, the Prime Minister announced the launch of the Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana with an outlay of ₹1 lakh crore to benefit youth entering their first private-sector job, offering them ₹15,000 each. The scheme aims to create employment for 3.5 crore young people.
In the technology sector, he urged young scientists and engineers to develop Made-in-India fighter jet engines and highlighted progress in the semiconductor mission, with six units under development and four more approved. He said domestic semiconductor chips will reach the market by year-end.
On energy security, Modi underscored the need for self-reliance, noting a 30-fold increase in solar energy production in 11 years, and revealed that ten new nuclear reactors are underway with a goal to increase nuclear capacity tenfold by 2047.
The Prime Minister also announced Mission Sudarshan Chakra, aimed at creating an advanced national security shield by 2035 to counter external threats.
Space Sector Achievements
Celebrating India’s strides in space exploration, Modi lauded Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s return from the International Space Station and reiterated India’s plans for the Gaganyaan mission and a homegrown space station. Over 300 startups are now working in the space sector, he said.
GST & Economic Reform
Modi declared that the next generation of GST reforms will be introduced by Diwali, aimed at reducing the tax burden on small industries, MSMEs, and daily-use products. He emphasised that “lower cost and greater value” should be the guiding mantra for Indian products.
Social and Cultural Messages
The Prime Minister praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for its century-long service, calling it the world’s largest NGO. He also announced the launch of a High-Powered Demography Mission to counter challenges posed by demographic changes.
Concluding his address, Modi invoked the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters, urging citizens to build a prosperous India through determination, hard work, self-reliance, and the Swadeshi spirit.
