Independence-Day: Key takeaways from Prez, PM speeches 

The nation celebrated its 71st Independence Day. The main function was held at the Red Fort in the national capital where Prime Minister unfurled the National Flag synchronized with 21-Gun Salute.

President’s Speech

Our country will complete 75 years of Independence in 2022, the President said, it is our national resolve to attain certain desired milestones for a New India.

President Ram Nath Kovind has called for making a New India by 2022 which must include a compassionate and egalitarian society that does not discriminate on gender or religious background

• New India must be a compassionate society where the traditionally disadvantaged, whether SCs, STs or OBCs, are part of our national developmental process. A compassionate society where the deprived child, the aged and the ailing senior citizen, and the poor and the under-privileged are always in our thought. A compassionate and egalitarian society that does not discriminate on gender or religious background.

• Giving thrust on education, the President said, a compassionate society enriches human capital and equips young people by promoting accessible, affordable and world-class educational institutions.

• A New India contains some obvious parameters – like a house for every family, power on demand, better roads and telecom, a modern railway network, rapid and sustained growth.

• Demonetisation has boosted our efforts to build an honest society. We must sustain this spirit and this momentum.

• President stressed on the need to adopt technology to empower people and achieve the goal of poverty elimination in a single generation adding that poverty and new India are not compatible.

• The countrymen to think of society with an extra degree of selflessness.

• The President said, the world is looking at India with admiration and India is seen as a growing economy and a solution provider to various international challenges including climate change, radicalism and terrorism.

• Speaking about our Soldiers he said, our soldiers who guard our borders, on a hot day in the desert or high up on a cold mountain, are not just doing their duty, they are displaying an extra degree of selflessness.

• Appealed to countrymen to draw inspiration from those families who voluntarily gave up their LPG subsidies.

• To help educate less-privileged children in our society.

• The government is promoting the idea of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao but it is for the people to ensure that daughters are not discriminated against and get the best education.

Prime Minister’s Speech

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, the Prime Minister said,

• That the nation had shown its collective strength between 1942 and 1947, culminating in India’s independence.

• We must show the same collective determination and resolve to create a New India by 2022.

• When there is confidence among people, they have resources and capacity and they work dispassionately, then Sankalp becomes Siddhi.

• “Bharat Jodo” should be the slogan for today just like Bharat Chhodo was during the freedom struggle while pitching for Peace and Harmony.

• Violence in the name of faith is not acceptable.

• Casteism and communalism as poison for the country saying such problems cannot benefit the country in any way.

• On Demonetization, he asserted that the fight against black money will continue, and technology will help bring about transparency. He encouraged people to further promote digital transactions.

• As per outside experts,

• The note ban help ed bring over 3 lakh crore rupees unaccounted wealth into the banking system.

• Over 1.75 lakh crore rupees deposited in banks post note-ban and more than 18 lakh people with disproportionate income are under government scrutiny.

• The government has been able to rein in corruption and 1.25 lakh crore rupees black money have been detected in the last three years which people were compelled to surrender.

• The government has come down heavily on shell companies

• The implementation of GST as a key illustration of cooperative federalism. He said, its smooth rollout from 1st of July has increased efficiency of business. He said, goods carrying trucks are saving 30 per cent travel time post GST as check posts have been removed. Mr Modi said, this has helped save thousands of crores of rupees and more importantly time.

• On Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister emphasized that neither abuses nor bullets will resolve the Kashmir issue. He said it can be addressed only by embracing every Kashmiri.

• He said, the government is committed to restoring the lost glory of Kashmir and its status as heaven on earth.

• Hailed the women fighting the practice of triple talaq and said the entire country is with them in their endeavour to get their rights.

• The Prime Minister called for an end to the chalta hai attitude of complacency, and its replacement with an attitude of badal sakta hai for positive change.

• On infrastructure,

• Road and rail construction is progressing at a double pace.

• 29 crore bank accounts of the poor have been opened,

• 9 crore soil health cards have been issued to farmers

• 5 crore LPG connections have been given to poor women

• 14 thousand villages have been electrified

• Significant attention is being paid to the development of eastern and north-eastern India.

• foodgrain production is increasing in the country and this year, a record production of pulses has been achieved.

• The people stand shoulder to shoulder with those affected due to natural disasters and the tragedy in Gorakhpur in which several children died in a hospital.

In his last three speeches, the Prime Minister unveiled a number of schemes from the Red Fort, which have found great acceptance from the people.

In 2014

• Prime Minister gave the clarion call for Swacchh Bharat. The result is visible across the country.

• He also launched Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana to connect the poorest of the poor with banking facilities.

• Make in India was a visionary decision to manufacture things indigenously, be it satellite or submarine, to sell it across the globe.

• Nation was given a new identity with the announcement of Digital India

• Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana saw light of the day, where MPs were to adopt one village of his or her constituency to turn it into a model village.

In 2015

• PM pledged to tackle corruption, weed out black money, and provide electricity to more than 18,000 villages which could not get electricity even after decades of Independence.

• He also announced to do away with interview for group C and D posts in Central government.

Last year

• The Prime Minister gave thrust on good governance and making the lives of people better.

• He also proudly announced that over two crore toilets have been built and over 70 thousand villages have been freed from open defecation.

A billion people are waiting with bated breath to see what Prime Minister has in store for them this year
President approves Gallantry Awards for Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces;

• On the occasion of the 71st Independence Day, 112 Gallantry Awards for the Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces have been approved by the President.

• This includes five Kirti Chakras, 17 Shaurya Chakras, 85 Sena Medals, three Nao Sena Medals and two Vayu Sena Medals.

• 990 personnel have been awarded Police Medals this year

• The Prime Minister announced the launch of a website to honour gallantry award winners. The portal will preserve and tell the stories of bravest men and women, civilians as well as armed forces personnel. The website with domain name gov.in gives details of the Chakra Series awardees.

Highlights

• India is known for its digital prowess.

• We are fighting corruption - for the bright future of India and the wellbeing of our people.

• Have unearthed huge amount of black money and this fight against unaccounted wealth will continue.

• We are devoting significant attention to eastern India- Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Northeast. These parts have to grow further.

• We are taking India on a new track.

• Violence in the name of Astha is not something to be happy about, it will not be accepted in India. No place for intolerance in today's India.

• India is about Shanti, Ekta and Sadbhavana. Casteism and communalism will not help us.

• I want to mention those women who have to suffer due to tripe talaq', I admire their courage. We are with them in their struggles.

• This government's policies have led to more employment opportunities.

• Our government working with and supporting our farmers. We still need better infrastructure to help our farmers.

• They said Modi gaya after demonetisation but it broke the back of corruption in country.

• Centre and state governments are now working together.

• Na gaal, na goli se, parivartan hoga gale lagane se (Will win over Kashmiris with love): PM Modi on Kashmir issu.

• India leading fight against terror at global stage.Terrorists can never win against India.

• One Rank, One Pension (OROP) for armed forces was cleared by our government.

• GST has shown the spirit of cooperative federalism. The nation has come together to support GST and the role of technology has also helped.

• Those who have looted the nation and looted the poor are not able to sleep peacefully today.

• Our forces are prepared to face any challenge. Country's security is our priority.

• We have to leave this chalta hai attitude. We have to think of badal sakta hai - this attitude will help us as a nation.

• 1st January 2018 will not be an ordinary day - those born in this century will start turning 18. They are Bhagya Vidhatas of our nation.

• In our nation, there is no one big or small...everybody is equal. Together we can bring a positive change in the nation.

• We have to take the country ahead with the determination of creating a 'New India'.

• This is a special year - 75th anniversary of Quit India, 100th anniversary of Champaran Satyagraha, 125th anniversary of Ganesh Utsav.

• People of India stand shoulder to shoulder with those affected due to natural disasters and the tragedy in Gorakhpur.

• We remember the great women and men who worked hard for India's freedom.

Gorakhpur tragedy

• The prime minister was being criticised for not talking about the Gorakhpur hospital tragedy which has killed over 70 children so far. However, Modi broke his silence on Tuesday. The prime minister said, "In the last few days, some of our innocent children died in a hospital. All the countrymen stand together at this time," he said.

Pitch for New India

• During the course of his speech, Modi said that India should create a New India before 2022, the year when it celebrates 75th year of Independence. "We have to take the country ahead with the determination of creating a 'New India'," Modi said.

• Let us come together to create an India free of corruption, nepotism, casteism, communalism and terrorism. Let us build a country which is clean, healthy and is self-determined," he said.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Red Fort on Tuesday. Screengrab from Youtube

Invoking Quit India Movement

• Modi had previously spoken on the Quit India Movement during his monthly Mann ki Baat address as well as the special session of the Parliament to commomerate the event. During his Independence Day speech, he once again invoked the historic event.

• Asking Indians to take inspiration from the 1942 movement, Modi said, "Within five years, the British had left the country because of our unity," he said. "We have to take a sankalp of new India and take the country forward."

• Remembering the contribtion of Mahatma Gandhi to the freedom movement, “There was a Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi once. People with cotton in their hands support Gandhi and eventually, the country got freedom," he added.

Prime minister says 2018 crucial year for India

• Modi put special emphasis on the New Years' Day 2018, telling Indians that the year will mark the comming of age of a whole generation which will steer India forward.

• "The upcoming 1 January on 2018 will not be standard. The people who were born in the 21st century will find that this date will decide a lot in their lives," he said.

• "I welcome all the youths who will turn 18 in 2018. Now, you are getting an opportunity to be a part of the force which develops India," said the prime minister.

Modi invoked surgical strikes and national security

• Modi hailed the surgical strikes that took place on 29 November, 2016 and reiterated that his government is serious about tackling various national security issues. "After the surgical strike, the entire world had to acknowledge India's strength," the prime minister said.

• "The concern for national security is a natural one in an independent India," Modi said.

• "Our security forces have always shown their capabilities whenever on duty. Whether it is terrorism or infiltrators, our security personnel have always been ready for sacrifice," Modi added.

People are celebrating mahotsav of honesty today

• Modi hailed his government for several breakthrough measures like One Rank One Pension, GST and demonetisation.

• Taking a jibe at black money holders, Modi said, "The people who stole from the poor are still uncomfortable.Today, people are celebrating a mahotsav of honesty," said the prime minister.

• Reiterating the government's committment to the armed forces, Modi said, "For 30 or 40 years, the matter of One Rank One Pension was stuck. But our government took steps to fulfil the demand of our security personnel."

• On government's other development measures, he said,"Today, roads and railway tracks are being constructed twice as fast. Today, over 14,000 villages have got electricity."

• Focussing on financial inclusion of the weaker sections of the society, Modi said, "29 crore people have got bank accounts now."

Kashmir issue can be solved peacefully

• Militancy in Kashmir was another major highlight of the speech. Taking a conciliatory approach towards Kashmiris, Modi reiterated that the Kashmir issue can be solved only through peaceful means. "Parivartan hoga Kashmiri ko gale lagake (There can be a chnage only by taking Kashmiris together)," Modi said.

• Promising to bring prosperity to the militancy-infested state, he said: "The development of Jammu and Kashmir is also a committment of the people and the government there."

Tough stance on militancy

• However, while the prime minister spoke of involving common Kashmiris in India's growth story, he said that militancy will not be treated leniently.

• "A lot happens in Kashmir. A lot of claims have been made. A lot of people abuse each other. There are a lot of separatists. But there will be no leniency for terrorism. I have told many to become a part of democracy," said the prime minister.

Modi backs Triple Talaq

• The Triple Talaq issue found a notable mention in the speech. Reiterating his government's support to the movement against Triple Talaq, ,Modi added that India will also support Muslim women in their struggle.

• "I believe India will fully support the women in their struggle. The women of this country created a revolution against Triple Talaq. There was an atmosphere against Triple Talaq in the country with even the media supporting the women,"he said.

• Modi hits out at communalism and casteism

• Modi asserted that violence in the name of faith is "not acceptable" and described casteism and communalism as "poison" for the country. The comments assume significance in the backdrop of incidents of lynchings by cow vigilantes.

• "Violence in the name of faith is not acceptable in the country," Modi said.

• Pitching for harmony and peace, he said "Bharat Jodo" (connect India) should be the slogan like "Bharat chhodo" (Quit India) was during the freedom struggle. Modi said that problems like communalism and casteism cannot benefit the country in any way. "Therefore, violence cannot be emphasised in the name of faith," he said.

Modi hails GST reform

• Calling GST as an example of co-operative federalism, Modi said that the reform will help the nation achieve higher growth without losing any momentum. "Through GST the nation gave new direction to competitive federalism," he said. "Technology is a miracle. People wondered how GST was rolled so fast across the country," Modi said.

• "After GST enrolment, our truck drivers save 30 percent of their time in travel now," he added.

Demonetisation - the biggest measure to fight corruption

• Modi termed the move to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes as a fight against black money. "Today, I want to proudly tell people that within just three years, we have recovered Rs 1.25 lakh crore black money," he said.

• "Through note ban, the black money came out. It was our endeavour to recover black money and then make it a constructive part of the economy," Modi said.

• Last year, India had 22 lakh tax payers. However, Modi said that between 1 April and 5 August this year, the number went up to 56 lakh.

• Thanking the citizens for their patience during the note ban, Modi said, "After demonetisation, many people are saying that my political career is over," said Modi. "But due to the patience and sacrifice of the people, we are becoming successful in the fight against corruption."

• Modi said that after demonetisation, the government cracked down over shell companies, which were acting as a front for hawala transactions.

• "The businessmen with black money used to run shell companies. After demonetisation, three lakh shell companies were found. And out of that, we cancelled the registration of 1.75 lakh companies," said the prime minister.

Independence Day celebrations in several states Unfurling of the national flag and launching of new initiatives mark the Independence day celebrations in the states.

• Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister announced that the freedom fighters pension would be enhanced from 12,000 rupees to 13,000 rupees and family pension from 6,000 rupees to 6,500 rupees.

• Rajasthan Chief Minister announced a Sampark Help Line 181, on which people can register their grievances.

• Assam Chief Minister said seven new bridges will be constructed over the Brahmaputra in the coming days.

• Telangana Chief Minister assured farmers that 24 hour free electricity will be supplied across the state.

• Gujarat government will extend an assistance of 25 rupees per litre on kerosene under PDS to small fishermen.

• Punjab state government announced to provide jobs to fifty thousand youth in the first phase of Ghar Ghar Mein Naukri scheme.

By Gudipati Rajendera Kumar