Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the Red Fort on India’s 80th Independence Day, called for a major transformation in the country’s approach to development. He urged the youth to take the lead in bringing change and contributing to India’s growth.
PM Modi said this is not a time to stop but to change the way the country thinks, works and delivers. He called for completing in the next five to seven years tasks that could not be completed over the past five to seven decades.
Seven Key Pillars of Development
The Prime Minister outlined the ‘Seven Streams of Strength’ as key areas that will drive India’s development:
- Manufacturing: India must become globally competitive in cost, quality and scale, producing everything from small components to complex products domestically.
- Agriculture and Food Processing: Indian agricultural and food products must be developed into globally recognised brands.
- Technology and Innovation: Greater focus is needed on digital and communication technologies, research and innovation.
- Gati Shakti: India must build faster and seamless connectivity to accelerate economic growth and infrastructure development.
- Defence Strength: The country needs to expand next-generation defence technologies, including drones and supersonic systems.
- Green and Blue Economy: PM Modi highlighted India’s vast potential in green energy and the blue economy and called for better utilisation of these resources.
- Soft Power: Yoga, Ayurveda, holistic healthcare, creative industries and tourism will play an important role in strengthening India’s global influence.
India as a Global Manufacturing Hub
PM Modi said India must emerge as a trusted hub in global supply chains by meeting international standards in price, quality and production capacity.
He stressed the need to expand India’s capabilities across sectors such as textiles, machinery and pharmaceuticals. He also highlighted the goal of strengthening India’s textile industry from Ludhiana to Tiruppur.
Call for a New Direction
The Prime Minister said India needs major changes in society, agriculture and traditional systems to achieve the vision of a developed nation. He called for a new direction and collective effort to build a Viksit Bharat.
He also urged the younger generation to take responsibility for driving transformative change and shaping India’s future.