Saptadhara to civil defence and vision for the Gen-Z: Key takeaways from PM Modi's Independence Day speech from Red Fort
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted the nation on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, marking his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort. From semiconductors and energy reforms to national security and self-reliance, here are the key takeaways from his speech
On the 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort, extending warm greetings to the 140 crore citizens of India. He paid tribute to the countless freedom fighters who fought against colonial rule, expressing gratitude for their courage, sacrifice and steadfast dedication.
Modi outlined his vision for India's future, focusing on seven key areas, or "Saptadhara," aimed at providing new momentum and heights for progress. These areas include energy security, self-reliance, and the development of critical sectors like energy, minerals, and semiconductors.
In the realm of energy, Modi highlighted the government's efforts to enhance energy security through the promotion of alternative energy sources and the reduction of dependence on foreign nations. He emphasized the country's goal of achieving 200 GW of nuclear energy, with the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, expected to attain criticality this year. Additionally, Parliament had cleared the SHANTI Act, which aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047.
Modi also stressed the importance of self-reliance, urging Indians to become more "Vocal for Local" and support Swadeshi products. He highlighted the risks of relying on other countries due to rising geopolitical tensions and the need to strengthen domestic capabilities in various sectors, particularly energy and minerals.
The Prime Minister addressed the semiconductor industry, stating that India would build more semiconductor plants, with the goal of having up to eight additional chip plants in the next seven to eight years. He emphasized India's efforts towards self-reliance in critical minerals, noting that several countries now depend on India for these resources.
Turning to the West Asia crisis, Modi discussed India's response to fuel supply disruptions, emphasizing how self-reliance helped the country avoid shortages of gas, fuel, and urea. He noted that despite naysayers, India successfully ensured sufficient energy supplies during the crisis, proving that the nation's self-reliance played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of the global situation.
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