Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation at the Red Fort on India’s 71st Independence Day on Tuesday, touched upon a number of key issues.
From Kashmir to GST, to mob violence, demonetisation and women’s empowerment, PM Modi addressed the nation on a myriad of issues.
Watch the excerpts from his “shortest” independence day speech.
‘National Security Is A Priority’
PM Modi said that India is “self-sufficient” and can protect itself from all outside forces. He said not only the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, but all uniformed forces have “proved their mettle” whenever India was attacked.
Modi’s Vision of ‘New India’
In his address, he said that each and every person in the country had “their own value” and everyone should pledge that by 2022, when the country is celebrating its 75th Independence Day, that people can bring a change in the country through a “collective approach”.
‘Must Embrace Kashmiris’
Addressing the issue of Kashmir, the Prime Minister said that neither ‘gaali’ nor ‘goli’ can be a solution to the issues plaguing the state. In order to resolve the issue, the people of Kashmir need to be embraced with open arms. He also said that the government is committed to restoring Kashmir’s “heaven on earth” status.
‘GST Proves India’s Competence’
The Goods and Services Tax, PM Modi asserted, has brought the country together. He said that the GST has shown the “spirit of cooperative federalism”. He added that “nation has come together to support GST, and the role of technology has also helped.”
‘Rs 3 Lakh Back in Economy Since Note Ban’
He said the 125 crore people of India “trusted” him on demonetisation as a result of which the government is has been able to take “successive steps in fighting corruption.”
Additional Rs 3 lakh crore has come back into the formal economy after demonetisation. Over Rs 2 lakh crore is under scrutiny.PM Modi
‘Cannot Accept Violence in the Name of Faith’
Modi also gave a message of peace, saying:
We cannot accept violence in the name of faith. Earlier, the slogan was ‘Bharat chhodo’. Now, it is ‘Bharat Jodo’
This comes in the backdrop of a number of incidents of mob lynching that have taken place, with large parts of the nation recoiling at the violence.
PM Modi on Women’s Empowerment
PM Modi spoke about the legal tussle over Triple Talaq, saying, “there has been a movement against Triple Talaq in the entire county. I congratulate all my sisters who have been fighting against it”.
Video Producer: Anubhav Mishra
Video Editor: Vivek Gupta
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