74th Independence Day 2020: As India celebrates its 74th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort. The Prime Minister began his speech by saluting the COVID-19 warriors and pitched for a ‘vocal for local’ mindset to achieve self-reliance.
On his arrival in front of Lahore Gate of Red Fort, PM Modi was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar. After the Prime Minister reached the saluting base, a combined inter-services and police guards presented a general salute to him.
He then inspected the Guard of Honour and proceeded to the ramparts of the iconic monument. This year, Army being the coordinating Service, the Guard of Honour was commanded by Lt Col Gaurav S Yewalkar.
Read More: 74th Independence Day 2020: 15 Patriotic Movies To Watch On August 15th
Independence Day this year is different due to conditions created by Covid-19 and people mostly watching the address on their television sets or through other means independence Day 2020
1. India’s freedom struggle became a challenge to forces of expansionism while attempts were made for hundreds of years by various rulers to root out India’s culture and traditions. The idea of expansionism led to the enslavement of many countries but even in the midst of fierce wars, India did not falter in its freedom struggle.
2. Amid COVID-19 pandemic, 130 crore Indians took the resolve to be self-reliant and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ is on the mind of India. This dream is turning into a pledge. Aatmanirbhar Bharat has become a ‘mantra’ for the 130 cr Indians today. I am confident that India will realise this dream. I am confident of the abilities, confidence and potential of my fellow Indians. Once we decide to do something, we do not rest until we achieve that goal.
3. I agree that there are lakhs of challenges for Atma Nirbhar Bharat and they increase if there is global competitiveness. However, if there are lakhs of challenges then the country also has power which gives crores of solutions, my countrymen who give us the strength of solutions.
4. The mindset of free India should be ‘vocal for local’. We should appreciate our local products, if we don’t do this then our products will not get the opportunity to do better and will not get encouraged.
Read More: China Detects Coronavirus In Frozen Seafood
5. Today, many big companies are turning towards India. We have to move forward with the mantra of ‘Make for the world’ along with ‘Make in India’.
6. Whenever women received an opportunity, they made India proud & strengthened it. Today, the nation is determined to provide equal opportunities for self-employment & employment to them. Today women are working in coal mines, our daughters are touching the sky while flying fighter planes.
7. This one year is a year of the new journey of development for Jammu and Kashmir. This one year is the year of the rights received by the women and the Dalits in Jammu and Kashmir. This one year is also the year of a life of dignity for the refugees in Jammu and Kashmir.
8. From LoC to LAC, whoever tried to raise their eyes towards the sovereignty of our country, our soldiers responded to it in the same manner. The world saw what our forces can do to protect India’s sovereignty in Ladakh. Protecting our sovereignty is supreme for us.
9. Today’s neighbour is not just the one with whom we share a border but also those with whom our heart stays connected, where there is harmony in relations. I am happy that in the past some time India has further strengthened its relations with all countries in its extended neighbourhood.
10. Construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya started 10 days ago. The Ramjanmabhumi issue that prevailed for centuries, has been resolved peacefully. The conduct of people of the country has been unprecedented and is an inspiration for the future.
