New Delhi, Aug 15 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Saturday that the country has shed its old, hesitant mindset to emerge as a rapidly rising power on the world stage.
Reflecting on India’s post-independence journey, Modi said, “The country gained independence-independence accompanied by many dreams. Yet, we failed to pick up pace or gather momentum. We remained mired in an attitude of ‘hoti hai,’ ‘chalti hai,’ ‘ho jaega,’ or ‘dekha jaega.”
He noted that by 2014, “the entire world had relegated us to the ranks of the ‘Fragile Five.” But, he added, “over the last 12 years, India has gathered new momentum. We are surging ahead rapidly, and the resolve of our 1.4 billion citizens is such that nothing can now halt our collective determination and capability.”
Delivering a sweeping address from the ramparts of the Red Fort on India’s 80th Independence Day, the PM pushed for an “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
Modi placed strong emphasis on self-reliance, declaring that “energy security is the demand of our times.” He said, “Becoming an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ is crucial… India should no longer live in dependence on other nations; we must become self-reliant,” pointing to citizens’ growing participation in initiatives like “Make in India,” “Swadeshi,” and “Local for Local.”
On critical technology, he said chips were indispensable in today’s world, noting that “India has moved towards self-reliance in this sector; three major semiconductor plants have already been established,” with production already underway for export, and “five to eight additional semiconductor plants are set to commence operations” in the coming 7-8 years. He added that “many countries are now depending on India for critical minerals.”
Modi took a sharper tone while recalling the turbulence of recent years, saying, “In the last 12 years, we have faced many dangers. As soon as we emerged from Covid, there was news of wars that started to arise from Ukraine side and West Asia.”
He criticised those who, he said, spread panic during that period. “Some people gain joy in keeping the nation terrified by spreading rumours that vaccines will not be available, petrol, diesel, and fertiliser will not be available in the country.”
He also reflected on what he called India’s past “poverty of thought” over ocean resources, revealing that “we have declared 99% of our coastline as a ‘No Go area.” He said that mindset is changing: “Sectors that were once seen as ‘No-Go Areas’ are now ‘Go-Ahead Areas.”
Citing progress in domestic energy access, Modi said, “12 years ago, piped gasline was available in only 70 cities. In the last 12 years, this number has grown to 700 cities. Today, 1.75 crore households are connected to piped gas lines in the country.”
The Prime Minister also addressed families affected by recent floods and landslides across parts of the country, offering assurance of government support.
“My dear Indians, in the past few days, some parts of the country have witnessed floods and landslides, and many families have been affected. We fully understand their pain and suffering. I assure the affected families that the entire country stands with them,” he said, expressing solidarity with those hit by the calamities.
