75th Independence Day: PM Modi sets goal to achieve '100%' development, resolves to make 'next 25 years glorious'

Addressing the nation from the iconic Red Fort in New Delhi on the occasion of India's 75th Independence Day after unfurling the tricolour, Modi said time has come for the country to embark a new journey of development.

"The time has come for India's development journey. We have to make new thresholds, new dreams and new aspirations. We have to make the next 25 years glorious," he said as India is marking the occasion as "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav" under which a series of events have been organised across the country.

He started his speech by paying tributes to all national leaders who have contributed in India's journey to get freedom and have taken the nation forward.

Speaking on the occasion, Modi lauded the efforts of the athletes, who were invited on the occasion, for their achievements at the Tokyo Olympics which have made India proud.

"The athletes who have made us proud at the Tokyo Olympics are here amongst us today. I urge the nation to applaud their achievement today. They have not only won our hearts but also inspired future generations," he said.

The Prime Minister also appreciated doctors, scientists and other health workers for serving the nation as well as developing the vaccines to combat COVID-19.

"During COVID-19, our doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, our cleaning workers, our vaccine makers - everyone who has worked diligently to serve people during the COVID pandemic - deserve our gratitude," he said.

Modi noted that India isn't dependent on any country for the COVID-19 vaccine because of the efforts of the country's scientists and vaccine manufacturers.

"We had spent so long getting the polio vaccine. But today, we can proudly say that the World's Largest Vaccine Programme is running in India. Over 54 crore vaccine doses have been administered," he said.

Modi said time has come for India's new development journey.

"We have embarked on a journey with new resolutions. We have to make new thresholds, new dreams and new aspirations. We have to make the next 25 years glorious until the time when we celebrate 100 years of Independence," he said.

"Amrut Kaal will go on for 25 years. However, we must not wait for 25 years to achieve our targets. We must get to work right now. The nation needs to change and we need to change as citizens as well according to the changing times," he added.

Making a pitch for 100 percent development, the PM said there will be a time when the country will have all its resources and the government would not interfere unnecessarily in the lives of the people.

Highlighting the projects undertaken by his government, Modi said that in the last 7 years, crores of poor have received benefits of several initiatives. The needy have benefited from Ujjwala to Ayushman Bharat and more.

"Compared to earlier, we've moved ahead at a rapid pace. Now, we need to reach a saturation point," he said.

"Now, we have to move even further. 100% villages should have roads, 100% households should have a bank account, 100% beneficiaries should have Ayushman Bharat card, 100% eligible persons should have gas connection under Ujjwala scheme," the PM said.

"Every benefit of the central government schemes should reach every level of the society," he added.

He said the country is working on the 'Har Ghar Jal' Mission.

"Over 4.5 crore families have started to receive piped water in just 2 years," added the PM.

"No one has ever thought about the roadside vendors in the history of India. We are connecting them to banking services through SVANidhi Yojana and helping them with loans," claimed the PM addressing his eighth consecutive Independence Day address.

He pointed out that malnutrition has been a barrier in the development of poor women and poor children.

"We have, thus, decided to give the poor nutrient-added rice to the poor. By 2024, from ration shops to mid-day meals, all rice being provided to the poor will be fortified," announced the PM.

He said that under the Jan Ausadhi Yojana, the poor and needy are getting affordable medicines.

"Till now, over 75,000 Health & Wellness Centres have been built. Now, we are working on a network of modern labs and good hospitals at the block level," said the PM.

Modi notes India needs to ensure that Dalits, backward classes and EWS walk ahead:

"Recently, OBC reservation has been ensured in medical education. OBC lists can now be made by states hereon. We need to make sure that development happens to everyone," said he.

Modi claimed that a new chapter is being written in the history of Northeast connectivity.

"Rail services will be connecting every capital of the Northeast very soon. Under the Act East Policy, NE is being connected to Bangladesh, Myanmar and South East Asia," he announced.

He also informed that Delimitation Commission has been formed in Jammu & Kashmir and "we're making preparations for Vidhan Sabha elections."

The Prime Minister said that India must make full use of the potential of aquaculture to sea-weed farming to further propel our Blue Economy.

"The Deep Ocean Mission is proof of our aspirations to find new opportunities under the seas," he said.

Making a strong case for self reliance, Modi said the government is set to develop an e-commerce platform for the products being developed by Self-Help groups.

"Today, when India is walking with the mantra of 'Vocal for Local', this platform will take these products to both domestic and global markets," he said.

For building Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Modi said the need of the hour is that India becomes energy independent.

"We must take a pledge that before free India turns 100, we will build an energy-independent India," he resolved.

Modi announces National Hydrogen Mission in view of climate change:

"Green Hydrogen is the future of the world. Today, I announce the setting up of the National Hydrogen Mission with the aim of becoming the new global hub of Green Hydrogen, and also its largest exporter," said the PM.

He also took the opportunity to mention how India had given a "stern signal to its enemies by surgical and air strikes."

"This tells us that India is changing. India can take the most difficult decisions and isn't reluctant to implement them," said he.

He said India is not only dealing with terrorism but also expansionism.

"I want to assure our citizens that we will leave no stone unturned in supporting our armed forces," assured the Indian PM.

This is the second consecutive year when the historic day is being celebrated low-key under the shadow of the COVID pandemic.

The national capital is also under a tight security blanket that includes anti-drone defence systems in sensitive areas.