80th Independence Day: PM Modi Highlights India’s 12-Year Development Journey

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday credited citizens across India for taking the country to new heights over the past 12 years, highlighting progress in manufacturing, infrastructure, public services and governance during his 80th Independence Day address from the Red Fort.

PM Modi said people from different sections of society, including the poor, middle class, youth, women, tribals, rural and urban communities, had contributed to India’s development with determination and dedication. He paid tribute to their efforts and said their collective contribution had helped drive the country’s progress.

The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of ‘Vande Mataram’, which was rendered during the Independence Day celebrations as India marked 150 years of the national song. He paid tribute to freedom fighters, including Mahatma Gandhi, and remembered their sacrifices for the country’s Independence.

Expressing solidarity with people affected by floods and landslides, PM Modi said the nation stood with families facing difficulties caused by natural disasters.

Highlighting India’s progress over the past 12 years, the Prime Minister cited major growth in several sectors.

Defence production has increased nearly four-fold, Khadi and Village Industries production nearly five-fold and electronics manufacturing nearly seven-fold.

Modern railway coach manufacturing has risen 21-fold, while mobile phone production has grown 33-fold.

Internet users have nearly quadrupled, patents granted have increased four-fold and digital transactions have risen 100-fold, Prime Minister Modi said.

PM Modi highlighted faster delivery of basic services and governance reforms, including the removal of thousands of compliances and outdated laws. He reiterated India’s goal of becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047.

PM Modi said the collective efforts of 140 crore citizens would be crucial to achieving this goal and noted that 25 crore people had emerged from poverty as a result of the country’s development journey.