Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday delivered his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort, marking India’s 80th Independence Day. The speech lasted approximately 75 minutes.
The celebrations this year also marked 150 years of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’, which was rendered at the Red Fort during the Independence Day ceremony for the first time. Modi described the occasion as historic, noting that the song’s rhythm echoed in every heart and that the Tricolour now flies in every home. He paid tribute to freedom fighters and expressed solidarity with families affected by recent floods and landslides in parts of the country.
Vision for 2047
Modi placed the goal of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047 at the centre of his address. He said the target required big dreams, strong resolve and the collective effort of more than 140 crore citizens. He credited the past 12 years with lifting about 25 crore people out of poverty and transforming India from the “Fragile Five” into one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.
He stressed the need for self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat), “Make in India” and “Vocal for Local,” arguing that India must reduce external dependencies and build domestic capabilities in strategic sectors.
Saptadhara: Seven Streams of Reform
The Prime Minister outlined a seven-point framework, termed Saptadhara, to drive progress:
1. Manufacturing excellence focused on cost, quality and scale, with the aim of making India a global supply-chain hub.
2. Food production and processing.
3. Technology and innovation, including artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, space and data centres.
4. Gati Shakti connectivity - modern highways, inland waterways and efficient ports.
5. Self-reliance in defence.
6. Green and blue economy.
7. Soft power, covering yoga, holistic healthcare, tourism, creative industries and spiritual centres.
Key Announcements for Youth
Modi announced that more than one crore youth would receive artificial intelligence skill training over the next year so they can lead in the AI era. He also said free online coaching would be provided for various competitive examinations to ease the financial burden on middle-class and poorer families. The government would use existing digital public infrastructure and teaching resources for this purpose.
Additional measures included a nationwide talent hunt for children aged 5–15 years to expand India’s participation in Olympic categories by 2036, and a call for youth to take part in self-census enumeration.
Other Highlights
Energy security targets: 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047 and five new nuclear reactors this decade.
Expansion of semiconductor manufacturing (three plants already operational, several more planned).
Critical minerals security and offshore oil exploration after ending the earlier “no-go” approach for most of India’s coastline.
Resolve to make India free of Naxalism and Maoism.
Appeal for political support for the women’s reservation bill.
Ambitions for an Indian bank among the global top five and Indian pharma companies among the world’s top five.
Modi said reforms must be driven by conviction rather than compulsion, and that youth would be the biggest beneficiaries of a developed India. He concluded by urging the nation to move forward with new resolutions towards the 2047 goal.
The Prime Minister had earlier hoisted the national flag, assisted by Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan, amid a 21-gun salute using indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns. The event was attended by senior ministers, the Chief Justice of India, the Chief Election Commissioner and other dignitaries.
