PM Modi’s Independence Day Address Focuses on Youth, Women and Economic Growth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the national flag at the Red Fort on Independence Day and delivered a 75-minute address covering women’s reservation, youth participation, national security, technology and economic growth. He appealed to all political parties to support the early implementation of 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Modi also called on young people to participate actively in nation-building and urged them to contribute their time and skills to the country’s development. He said India had eliminated armed Naxalism but warned that what he described as “intellectual Naxalism” remained a concern. He also announced plans to strengthen the civil defence network and enhance India’s preparedness for evolving security challenges. Modi said nuclear energy capacity would be expanded substantially by 2047, with a target of 100 GW.

The Prime Minister also outlined a seven-point roadmap, described as ‘Saptadhara’, for India’s strategic and economic growth. The seven priorities include strengthening manufacturing and industry, transforming agriculture and food processing into export-oriented sectors, advancing AI, deep technology and emerging technologies, expanding multimodal transport under PM Gati Shakti, achieving greater self-reliance in defence and increasing exports, promoting green and blue economies, and strengthening India’s soft power through culture, education and skilled talent. Modi highlighted opportunities for youth in AI training, competitive-exam coaching, sports talent identification, manufacturing, space, nuclear energy and semiconductors. The celebrations also featured the national anthem, a 21-gun salute using indigenous 105-mm light field guns, an aerial flower shower by Air Force helicopters and participation by thousands of cadets and volunteers. Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge were absent from the event, drawing criticism from the BJP.