Unraveling the Vision of a New India in 2014
In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Independence Day for the first time after assuming office. His speech was marked by the unveiling of his ambitious vision for a new India. He emphasized the need to fight poverty, promote cleanliness, and empower women. The 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' was launched, urging citizens to take up the responsibility of keeping the country clean.
He also spoke about the importance of financial inclusion, leading to the introduction of the 'Jan Dhan Yojana.' A significant focus was on empowering women with initiatives like 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.' Lastly, he stressed the importance of skill development for the youth, which eventually led to the launch of the 'Skill India' campaign. This first speech set the tone for his tenure as the Prime Minister, focusing on inclusive growth and development for all.
Accelerating Economic Growth and Social Progress in 2015
Prime Minister Modi's second Independence Day speech in 2015 focused on accelerating economic growth and social progress. He highlighted the government's achievements in various sectors, including financial inclusion through the 'Jan Dhan Yojana,' the progress of the 'Make in India' initiative, and the push for renewable energy.
He also touched upon the importance of social harmony and urged people to come together to fight against poverty and other social evils. The launch of the 'Start-up India, Stand-up India' initiative emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in job creation and economic growth. Furthermore, he announced the 'One Rank One Pension' scheme for ex-servicemen, addressing a long-standing demand of the armed forces community.
Transforming India Through Governance Reforms in 2016
PM Modi's third Independence Day speech in 2016 focused on governance reforms and transforming India into a developed and prosperous nation. He spoke about the government's efforts to curb corruption, black money, and terrorism. The announcement of demonetization later that year was a major step in this direction.
He also stressed the importance of digital technology in improving governance, leading to the launch of the 'Digital India' initiative. The 'Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana' was launched to provide clean cooking fuel to millions of households. Additionally, he highlighted the need for a healthy and educated society, with schemes like the 'National Health Policy' and 'Right to Education Act' being implemented to achieve these goals.
Fostering Unity and Inclusiveness in 2017
In his fourth Independence Day speech in 2017, Prime Minister Modi focused on fostering unity and inclusiveness in India. He emphasized the need for a united India, where people from all walks of life come together to work towards the common goal of nation-building. He also reiterated his commitment to fighting against corruption and black money.
The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) aimed at simplifying the tax structure and boosting economic growth. He also spoke about the government's efforts to provide affordable housing to all through the 'Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana' and improving rural infrastructure under the 'Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.'
Empowering the Marginalized and Building a New India in 2018
Prime Minister Modi's fifth Independence Day speech in 2018 focused on empowering the marginalized sections of society and building a new India. He highlighted the government's efforts to uplift the poor, farmers, and women through various schemes and initiatives.
The 'Ayushman Bharat' initiative aimed at providing quality healthcare to the poor, while the 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi' aimed at providing financial support to farmers. He also emphasized the importance of gender equality and women empowerment, with the 'Triple Talaq' bill being a significant step in that direction. Additionally, he called for a collective effort to conserve water and protect the environment, making India a cleaner and greener country.
Strengthening Democracy and People's Participation in 2019
In his sixth Independence Day speech in 2019, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of strengthening democracy and encouraging people's participation in governance. He spoke about the government's efforts to improve transparency and accountability through initiatives like the 'Direct Benefit Transfer' scheme and the 'PM-KISAN' program.
He also highlighted the government's commitment to the welfare of the armed forces, with the announcement of the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff. He called for a renewed focus on water conservation through the 'Jal Shakti Abhiyan' and urged Indians to eliminate single-use plastic to protect the environment. Lastly, he spoke about the government's vision of providing housing for all by 2022 under the 'Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.'
Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Fight Against COVID-19 in 2020
In his seventh Independence Day speech in 2020, Prime Minister Modi addressed the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He praised the resilience of the Indian people and the efforts of frontline workers in combating the virus. The government's swift response through measures like the nationwide lockdown, ramping up medical infrastructure, and providing financial relief to the needy was highlighted.
He also unveiled the vision of an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' or self-reliant India, focusing on boosting domestic production, promoting local businesses, and reducing import dependency. The 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' economic package aimed at reviving the economy and protecting livelihoods. Furthermore, he spoke about the government's commitment to healthcare, announcing the 'National Digital Health Mission' to revolutionize the Indian healthcare system.