In a nearly 80-minute address on the occasion of 76th Independence Day, the PM said, “The nation should now only set big goals. That big goal is a developed India and nothing less.”
Seeking the “blessings” of 130 crore citizens in their efforts to tackle corruption, the PM said, “The corrupt are eating the country like termites. I have to intensify the fight, take it to a critical juncture.” ” Condemning the efforts to “glorify those who looted the country”, the PM said, “This mentality is not going to end unless there is corruption and a sense of ‘hatred’ (hatred) for the corrupt and the people. are forced to look down on them socially”.
Similarly, he pitched his attack on nepotism as a “privilege versus merit” fight, and cited recent successes in the sport as evidence. He said that India’s performance has improved after the steps to curb bias. “It is not that our sons and daughters, the youth of India, were not achieving anything in the world of sports. But sadly, he was thrown out due to nepotism.”
Modi said the fight against nepotism and dynasty should not be confined to politics alone. “Family prejudice and nepotism have gripped many of our institutions today. This is sadly hurting the huge talent pool of our country. Those who are legitimate claimants of these opportunities and really deserve it are sidelined because of nepotism,” he said, adding that talented people were forced to pay bribes to get what they deserve on the basis of merit. goes.
In his speech with exhortations and devoid of mention of specific plans, Modi Focused on the bigger picture, cautioned against complacency and said what he called the “Panch Prana” (Five Pledges) – most important to make India a developed nation.
“We have to move forward keeping these five resolutions in mind and take the responsibility of fulfilling the dreams of our freedom fighters in the next 25 years on the completion of 100 years of independence,” he said. They identified liberation from a ‘slave mentality’ that looked out for recognition rather than developing and measuring their own standards, pride in heritage and heritage, belief in unity and solidarity, and in attitudes towards women. There is a social reform in the form of four. To become a developed country the nation needs to adopt and fulfill other resolutions.
The appeal for popular support for the fight against corruption came amid accusations of retaliation against political opponents and gave a clear indication that protests may not be a deterrent to investigative agencies. Indeed, Modi described the issue as a ‘corrupt and influential versus honest and poor’ dichotomy.
“I hope the country will emerge victorious in this war. Corruption has ruined the lives of common citizens. So, I want to ensure that common citizens are able to live with dignity once again,” Modi said, adding that the story is reminiscent of the story he used in 2016 to build support for demonetisation. .
Highlighting the Rs 2 lakh crore savings made by his government through digital transfer of benefits, Modi also touched on the ambiguity in the popular response to corruption, which people display “hatred” for malpractices and at the same time, Indulges in corrupt people. , He said that only hatred towards the corrupt would stop them from rushing in spite of being convicted.
The PM underscored his belief in cooperative federalism and the spirit of “Team India”, recalling his days as Chief Minister of Gujarat when the Congress led the government at the Centre. He made a categorical appeal to the opposition parties to work together, saying, “We may have different schedules and working styles, but our dreams for the nation are no different.”
“The need of the hour today is cooperative federalism as well as cooperative competitive federalism. We need competition in development.” He said that many states are doing good work.
Citing Lal Bahadur Shastri’s ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ and Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s ‘Jai Vigyan’, Modi called for ‘Jai Anusandhan’ to emphasize research and innovation, besides calling for diversity and gender equality of the country. Told to celebrate.
The PM emotionally pleaded for gender sensitivity and called for a change in behaviour. The pride of women is going to be a huge asset in fulfilling the dreams of the country. I see this power and that’s why I emphasize on it… I feel sad to say that we have seen distortion in our day to day behaviour, behaviour. We are recklessly using such language and words which are insulting women.”
in addition to paying tribute Mahatma Gandhithe PM recalled contributions of freedom fighters like Dr Rajendra Prasad, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Veer Savarkari And in the same breath also mentioned lesser known heroes like Lord Birsa Munda, Sidhu-Kanhu, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Govind Guru, making them virtually on the same pedestal.
He also made special mention of Narayan Guru, Swami Vivekananda, Maharishi Aurobindo and Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and said that they kept on awakening the consciousness of India in every corner.