Srinagar, Aug 15 (JKNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort on the 79th Independence Day, addressing the nation on India’s achievements, challenges, and the role of citizens, armed forces, and farmers in building a self-reliant nation.
Honouring Constitution Makers PM Modi, as per news agency JKNS, said, “When India became independent in 1947, there were immense possibilities, and challenges too were big. India bows to the makers of the Constitution on the 79th Independence Day. Our women power has contributed no less to our freedom struggle and the making of our Constitution. To those who framed our Constitution, I bow before them today from the Red Fort.”
He added, “When we brought the mantra of one country, one Constitution to life by demolishing the wall of Article 370, when we accepted one nation, one Constitution as the mantra, we revered Shyama Prasad Mookherjee. There are members of Panchayats from far-flung villages, representatives of Drone Didi, representatives of Lakhpati Didi, people from the world of sports, and great people who have given something or the other to the nation present here. In a way, I am seeing a miniature India in front of my eyes. And today, the Red Fort is also connected with India through technology.”
Unity and Collective Achievements of Citizens “My beloved citizens of India, this festival of independence is a festival of 140 crore resolutions. It is a moment of collective achievements, filled with pride and joy. The nation is continuously strengthening the spirit of unity. Today, 140 crore citizens are immersed in the colours of the Tiranga,” the Prime Minister added.
Tribute to Armed Forces and Operation Sindoor He praised the courage of soldiers, stating, “I salute the valour of our bravehearts. Through Operation Sindoor, our soldiers have responded with a force beyond the enemy’s imagination. On April 22, terrorists from across the border targeted and killed innocent civilians after asking their religion. The entire nation was enraged. After April 22, we gave the armed forces a free hand to respond to terrorists.”
PM Modi also highlighted, “Destruction inflicted by our armed forces in Pakistan was so widespread, new revelations are being made every day. India has decided that it will not tolerate nuclear threats anymore, and we won’t fall for any blackmail. If our enemies persist in such attempts, our armed forces will respond on their own terms, at a time of their choosing, and by achieving the objectives they set.”
Support During Natural Disasters Acknowledging recent calamities, he said, “In the past few days, we have been facing natural disasters, landslides, cloudbursts, and many other calamities. Our sympathies are with the affected people. State governments and the central government are working together with full strength on rescue operations, relief efforts, and rehabilitation work.”
Self-Reliance and Farmers’ Contribution PM Modi emphasized India’s journey towards self-reliance: “Slavery made us poor and dependent. Our farmers led us toward self-reliance and ensured our food security. Even today, a nation’s true pride lies in self-reliance, and that is the foundation of Viksit Bharat. Dependence on others raises questions about a nation’s independence.”
Technological and Energy Advancements He stressed technological progress and energy independence: “The 21st century is technology-driven. We are working in mission mode in the semiconductor sector; made-in-India chips will hit markets by the end of this year. We have decided to make India self-reliant in energy, taking several initiatives in solar, hydrogen, and nuclear sectors. By the time India celebrates 100 years of independence, we aim to increase our nuclear energy capacity tenfold.”
Self-Reliance in Defence Reflecting on national security, the Prime Minister said, “Our enemies had no idea about the capability of ‘Made in India,’ which weapons are simple and which are powerful enough to destroy them in a moment. Just think, if we were not self-reliant, would we have been able to carry out Operation Sindoor with such speed?” (JKNS)
