A Historic Address: PM Modi Charts India's Course to 'Viksit Bharat' in Record-Setting Speech
On a momentous day for the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a historic and impassioned address on the occasion of India's 79th Independence Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Clocking in at an unprecedented 103 minutes, his speech was the longest ever by a Prime Minister from the iconic venue, surpassing his previous record. It was a comprehensive and visionary roadmap for the nation, touching on every facet of India's development—from the economy and technology to national security and social welfare. The core message was a resolute call for a self-reliant and prosperous India, a "Samarth Bharat" (Strong India) ready to lead on the global stage.
The address was a blend of pride in the nation's past achievements and a powerful projection of its future. PM Modi detailed specific, actionable policies and missions, leaving no doubt about the government's priorities for the coming years.
The Economic Blueprint: Self-Reliance and Next-Gen Reforms
The central pillar of the Prime Minister’s address was the vision of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India), a theme he has championed throughout his tenure. He highlighted the nation's progress in various sectors, but also stressed the need for complete independence in critical areas.
- Semiconductor Revolution: PM Modi announced a significant milestone in India's technology journey, revealing that the country's first indigenously manufactured semiconductor chips would be available by the end of 2025. He noted that a total of five semiconductor plants were currently under construction across the country. This monumental achievement is a cornerstone of the self-reliance mission, as it will reduce India’s heavy dependence on imported chips and establish the country as a major player in the global electronics supply chain. He urged the youth to take up the challenge of manufacturing "Made-in-India" jet engines for fighter aircraft, further emphasizing the push for defense self-reliance.
- Next-Generation GST Reforms: In a major announcement that sent a positive ripple through the business community and among common citizens, the Prime Minister promised a "Diwali gift" in the form of "next-generation GST reforms." These reforms, he explained, would be a result of comprehensive consultations with states and are designed to simplify the tax system and significantly reduce tax rates on essential goods. The move is expected to particularly benefit small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and common households, making daily-use products more affordable.
- Nuclear Energy and Quality Manufacturing: Expanding on the theme of self-reliance, PM Modi declared a new focus on nuclear energy, with 10 new nuclear reactors now operational. He set an ambitious target of a tenfold increase in nuclear energy capacity by the time India celebrates its 100th year of independence. He also championed a new mantra for Indian manufacturers: "Daam kam, dum zyada" (lower cost, higher value), stressing the importance of quality in products to strengthen India's image in the global market.
Empowering the Youth: A Landmark Employment Scheme
Addressing the aspirations of India's large youth population, PM Modi unveiled a landmark social security initiative aimed at boosting employment.
- Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana (PM-VBRY): The Prime Minister announced a massive ₹1 lakh crore scheme designed to support young individuals entering the workforce. Under this initiative, which took effect from August 1, 2025, every young person securing their first private sector job will receive a financial support of ₹15,000. The scheme also includes incentives for companies to create more jobs. With a target of generating over 3.5 crore new employment opportunities, this scheme is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and robust job market, providing a safety net for first-time job seekers and encouraging businesses to expand their hiring.
A Resolute Stance on National Security and Foreign Policy
PM Modi's address was not limited to domestic issues; he also delivered a strong message to the international community, particularly on matters of national security.
- A Tough Warning on Water Rights: In a powerful and unyielding statement, PM Modi declared a firm stance on the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. He stated, "blood and water will not run together anymore," calling the treaty "unjust" and asserting that India's farmers have the sole right to the nation’s share of water. This declaration signals a shift in India’s policy, indicating a new resolve to utilize its water resources and hold neighboring nations accountable.
- Mission Sudarshan Chakra: The Prime Minister unveiled a new, ambitious defense system titled "Mission Sudarshan Chakra." This mission is a symbolic and strategic commitment to ensuring 100% security for India’s critical national sites by 2035 using indigenously developed technology. Drawing inspiration from the mythological Sudarshan Chakra, PM Modi explained that this "protective shield" would not only neutralize threats but also enable precision counterstrikes. The initiative is a testament to the government's commitment to self-reliance in defense and its proactive approach to national security in an evolving global landscape.
A Call for Unity and Progress
Beyond the policy announcements, the Prime Minister's speech was a call for national unity and collective effort. He highlighted the nation's rich diversity, celebrating initiatives like granting classical language status to several Indian languages, and lauded the dedication of countless individuals and organizations in nation-building.
The 103-minute address was a powerful demonstration of the government's long-term vision. By presenting a detailed roadmap for economic, social, and security development, PM Modi aimed to inspire a sense of collective purpose among India’s 1.4 billion citizens. The speech was not merely a ceremonial address but a strategic articulation of the policies that will shape India's future, reinforcing the belief that the past decade of "reform, perform, and transform" is now paving the way for a truly strong and developed India.
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