Modi Independence Day
x
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation from the Red Fort on 78th Independence Day, in New Delhi, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024. (PTI Photo)

Independence Day LIVE | Hosting 2036 Olympics is India's dream, preparations on: Modi

In his Independence Day speech, Modi said 75,000 more medical seats will be created in the country


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (August 15) said a "secular civil code" is the need of the hour as the existing set of laws as "communal civil code" and discriminatory.

In his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Modi said, "A large section of the country believes, which is true also, that the civil code is actually in a way is a communal civil code. It discriminates (among people)." He said laws which divide the country on communal lines and become a reason for inequality have no place in a modern society.

"I would say, it is the need of the hour that India should have a secular civil code. We have lived 75 years with a communal civil code. Now, we have to move towards a secular civil code. Only then would religion-based discrimination end. It would also end the disconnect the common people feel," he said.

The prime minister noted that the Supreme Court has given various directions in this regard. The spirit of the Constitution also encourages such a code, he said, referring to Article 44 under the Directive Principles of State Policy.

It states that it is the duty of the State to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India.

"It is our responsibility to fulfil the dream of the makers of our Constitution. I believe there should be a serious discussion on the subject," he said.

In the next five years, 75,000 more medical seats will be created in the country, Modi said.

"Around 25,000 youths every year go abroad for medical education and they go to such countries, I get surprised when I hear about them. So we have decided, 75,000 new seats will be created in the medical line in the next five years," the prime minister said.


'Need to stop atrocities on women'

In a veiled attack on the TMC government in West Bengal, Modi said there is a need to stop atrocities against women in the country. His remarks come amid a nationwide outrage over the rape and murder of a woman postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata on August 9. He said, “I would like to express my pain once again, from the Red Fort today. As a society, we will have to think seriously about the atrocities against women that are happening.”

"There is public outrage over atrocities against our mothers and sisters. I feel this outrage. The country, the society, our state governments need to take this seriously. Crimes against women must be probed as soon as possible, those involved in demonic acts must face strict punishment at the earliest, this is necessary to create faith in society," the Prime Minister said, apparently referring to the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

He said that when incidents of violence against women take place, there is a lot of discussion in the media. "But when such perverted people get punishment, it is not seen prominently in news. Time demands that there is widespread discussion on punishments too so that criminals are scared. It is important to create this fear," he added.

'Reforms meant to take country forward'

The prime minister asserted that India's 140 crore citizens can achieve the goal of a prosperous and developed country if they walk shoulder to shoulder with united resolve.

He said his government has worked to break the mindset of living with status quo by rolling out big reforms aimed at changing the lives of the middle class and the poor.

He said previous governments had a "chalta hai" (lackadaisical) approach to reforms and development. "There was an environment of status quo. We had to break that mindset. The common man wanted change, but his dreams were not appreciated and he kept waiting for reforms. We implemented big reforms, for the poor, the middle class, deprived sections of the society and youth," he added.

The commitment to reforms is the blueprint for growth and is not borne of any political compulsion but the dedication to nation first. In this context, Modi noted the growth strength of the banking sector, which he added has powered the progress in every sector. In his address on the country's 78th Independence Day, Modi said it is a day to pay tribute to the countless people who made sacrifices and struggled for the country's freedom. "The country is indebted to them," he said. The surge in cases of such disasters is a matter of concern, he added.

Modi also paid condolences to families who lost their loved ones in recent national disasters.

His first Independence Day address of his third term takes him past Manmohan Singh, who unfurled the tricolour 10 times from the ramparts of Red Fort during 2004-2014, and places him behind Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, who did the honours 17 and 16 times respectively.

Before reaching Red Fort, he paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial.

Modi said 140 crore citizens of India can achieve the goal of a prosperous and developed India if they walk shoulder to shoulder with united resolve. There may be challenges and shortages of resources but people united in their goal can overcome them to achieve their target, he added.

Expresses firm resolve for 'Viksit Bharat'

Speaking of his goal for 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, he said people from all corners of the country and communities have offered suggestions for the agenda. He recounted many of these ideas-- including reform in justice system, campaign for capacity building, developing India's traditional systems of medicine.

He cited his government's success in taking electricity to unelectrified areas, piped water to crores of homes, expanding 'vocal for local' programme and boosting renewable energy to assert that it has infused a new confidence and consciousness among people.

The nation feels proud when the world wants to learn from its achievements in the fintech sector, Modi said.

(With agency inputs)

Live Updates

  • 15 Aug 2024 9:56 AM GMT

    Hosting 2036 Olympics is India's dream, preparations on: Modi

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asserted that India has the ability to stage large-scale global events and said the country is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to host the Olympics in 2036.

    Along with India, several other nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey are positioning themselves as strong contenders to host the sporting spectacle. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is expected to decide the host only next year after holding its elections.

  • 15 Aug 2024 7:07 AM GMT

    PM has won people's hearts with his speech: BJP leader



  • 15 Aug 2024 7:06 AM GMT

    Let states take call on Uniform Civil Code: Congress MP



  • 15 Aug 2024 6:53 AM GMT

    PM Modi calls for bringing 1 lakh youth with no political lineage into politics

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday issued a call to bring one lakh youth who do not have any political lineage into politics as public representatives, saying the move will also help end casteism and dynasty politics.

    Such youths could join any party they like and not necessarily one party, he said in his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

    "In the country, in the realm of politics, we want to have one lakh public representatives. We want to have one lakh such youths who do not have any political background.

    "Their parents, siblings, uncles, aunts, nephews have never been in politics in any generation.. such talented youths, fresh blood. And, whether it is for panchayat, nagarpalika, zilla parishad, or Vidhan Sabha or Lok Sabha... There should be no political history of that family... so that one can get rid of casteism and dynasty politics," Modi said.

    The prime minister said this move will bring "fresh blood" with fresh ideas and capabilities.

    In the 98-minute speech, his longest Independence Day speech, Modi asserted that it is India's golden era and a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 awaits the nation. The prime minister reiterated his push for ridding Indian politics of casteism and nepotism. 

  • 15 Aug 2024 6:45 AM GMT

    PM's speech declaration of intent: Union Minister



  • 15 Aug 2024 6:34 AM GMT

    Why does PM stand with likes of Prajwal Revanna, Brij Bhushan, asks Congress



  • 15 Aug 2024 6:32 AM GMT

    Won't respond to statements that appear divisive: Kapil Sibal



  • 15 Aug 2024 5:59 AM GMT

    Constitution above everything: Congress leader Salman Khurshid



  • 15 Aug 2024 5:57 AM GMT

    Congress slams PM Modi for his I-Day speech



  • 15 Aug 2024 5:09 AM GMT

    Modi slams glorification of corruption, says will battle it

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday slammed the culture of patronage and "termite" of corruption, saying that some people glorify it but he will persevere against them.

    Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day, Modi expressed concern over corruption and its glorification, describing it as a major issue for the society.

    "Every citizen of this country has been troubled by the termite of corruption," Modi said, adding, corruption erodes public trust and hinders national progress.

    "I know I have to pay a price for this battle, my prestige may be at stake, but national interests are more important than personal prestige," he said.

    The PM said, "Can one imagine that in our country, despite having such a great Constitution, some people are openly glorifying corruption?" He said that in the past, citizens had to endure a "mai-baap" culture, pleading with the government for every necessity.

    "Unfortunately, people had to endure this system. Today, we have transformed this governance model," Modi said. 

Read More
Next Story