Inside Modi’s speech: 40 ‘deshwasiyon’, 50 nods to youth

Dubai: During his 75-minute speech from the Red Fort on India's Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on two key audiences - the country's "deshwasiyon," or fellow citizens, and the nation's youth. The term "deshwasiyon" was used nearly 40 times throughout the speech, while Modi repeatedly addressed the youth with expressions such as "yuva shakti," "naujawan," and "yuva," including "mere pyare yuva" or "my beloved youth."

The emphasis on the youth was backed by significant announcements, including free online coaching for competitive exams and an ambitious AI-skilling initiative for one crore young people. Additionally, the Prime Minister announced a nationwide talent hunt for children aged five to 15 to identify and train promising athletes. However, Modi also warned young Indians about the dangers of drug addiction and urged families to participate in a 100-day nationwide drug-free youth campaign.

The Prime Minister's language in previous Independence Day speeches has evolved over the years, with "deshwasiyon" becoming a prominent form of address. In this speech, Modi's focus on young Indians and his promise to modernize India's civil defence system, energy security, and AI skills were intertwined with broader themes of national belonging and the country's vision for 2047.