As India celebrates 76th year of Independence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi and spoke on range of topics while addressing the nation on 15th August, 2022, Monday. From remembering freedom fighters, urging countrymen to respect women to clarion call on corruption and nepotism—here is highlights of the Prime Minister speech today.  

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Remembering Freedom Fighters 

"Mahatma Gandhi's dream of caring for the last person, his aspiration of making the last person capable - I dedicated myself to that. As a result of those eight years & experience of several years of independence I can see a capability, on 75 years of independence." 

"We always remember Lal Bahadur Shastri ji's slogan of 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan'. Later, AB Vajpayee added 'Jai Vigyaan' to this slogan. Now, there is another necessity to add - 'Jai Anusandhan' (research & innovation). Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyaan aur Jai Anusandhan." 

"When we speak of freedom struggle, we can't forget the tribal community. Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Sidhu-Kanhu, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Govind Guru - there are innumerable names who became the voice of the freedom struggle & inspired tribal community to live & die for mathrubhumi." 

"Be it those who fought for independence or built the nation -Dr Rajendra Prasad, Nehru ji, Sardar Patel, SP Mookerjee, LB Shastri, Deendayal Upadhyaya, JP Narayan, RM Lohia, Vinoba Bhave, Nanaji Deshmukh, Subramania Bharati -it's the day to bow before such great personalities." 

On corruption and nepotism 

"Two big challenges we face today - corruption & 'Parivaarvaad' or nepotism. Corruption hollowing the country like a termite,we've to fight it.We've to raise awareness against 'Parivaarwaad' to realise strength of our institutions, to take country forward on the basis of merit... We have to fight with all our strength against corruption in the country: PM Modi at Red Fort." 

On Women 

"Be it education or science, women of the country are at top...Be it sports or battlefield, India's women are stepping forward with a new capability and confidence. I see immense contribution by women in 25 yrs to come, much more than that in the 75-yr journey... It's important that in speech & conduct, we do nothing that lowers the dignity of women " 

"Respect for women is an important pillar for India’s growth and stressed the need to extend support to ‘Nari Shakti’. Indians must change the mentality towards women in everyday life. For some reason or the other, a distortion has set in us that we, through our speech, through our behavior, through some of our words, disrespect women." 

On Youth and society 

"It's our endeavour that the youth of the country get all support for research in all areas from - space to the depths of the ocean. That's why we are expanding our Space Mission & Deep Ocean Mission. The solution to our future lies in the depths of space and the ocean." 

"I can see that the citizens are aspirational. An aspirational society is an asset to any country and we are proud that today in every corner of India aspirations are high. Every citizen wants to change things but is not ready to wait. They want speed & progress." 

India first 

"We have to keep India first, this will pave way for a united India. Today, we are seeing the Digital India initiative, startups grow in the country, and a lot of talent is coming from Tier 2 & 3 cities. We have to believe in our abilities." 

In coming years, we've to focus on 'Panchpran'- First, to move forward with bigger resolves & resolve of developed India; Second, erase all traces of servitude; Third, be proud of our legacy; Fourth, strength of unity& Fifth, duties of citizens which includes the PM and CMs: PM Modi 

With inputs from ANI