India is proud of its diversity: PM Narendra Modi

Published By : Admin | October 31, 2017 | 07:30 IST
We are proud of Sardar Patel's contribution to India before we attained freedom and during the early years after we became independent: PM
Few people tried to ensure the contribution of Sardar Patel is forgotten: PM Modi
India is proud of our diversity. We are home to so many cultures, languages, lifestyles: PM Modi

Victory to Mother India!

Let Sardar Sahib be immortal!

The young loved ones of Maha Bharati who have come here in large numbers,

Today is 31st of October, the birthday of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. 31st October is also commemorated as the death anniversary of former Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi ji. On the birth anniversary of the great Sardar Sahib, let us recall the efforts and the struggles of his life for the freedom of the country. After independence, this great man through his skill, struggles, strength and supreme devotion towards the nation had saved the country on several occasions of crises at a time when the country was on the verge of disintegration. He had not only steered the country out of problems at the time of Independence but also contributed significantly to consolidate the small princely kingdoms that wanted to secede from India after the British had left. He did not let the intensions of the British to eliminate the existence of India by dividing her into small states to succeed. This was the long term vision of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel that integrated the country into a single thread by using his diplomacy and strategies. No efforts were made to acquaint the new generation with Sardar vallabh Bhai Patel. Attempts have been made either to erase his name from the pages of history or to undermine his role. But history is witness to the fact that whether some political ideology or a political party gives him recognition or not, the young generation doesn't want to forget him. As a result, when the opportunity to serve came before us we commemorated the contributions made by that great personality in a special manner and will continue with it in every generation. Therefore, we have come up with this campaign - Run for Unity. I am glad that the young generation is participating in Run for Unity with great enthusiasm.

Once the country's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, had said something which had compelled us to think. He had said -"Today, we have the name 'India' to refer to as our country. Today we have a country called 'India'. This was made possible only because of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel's statesmanship and tremendous hold on the administration." He had further said, "Despite this, we have forgotten Sardar Sahib." The first President of India had expressed this pain over forgetting Sardar Sahib's contributions.

India is a nation full of diversities. We have time and again reiterated that the unique feature of our country is unity in diversity. This has been our mantra. But unless we acknowledge this speciality of our country and feel proud of it, this will remain just a slogan. We would not be able to use it for nation building. Every Indian can feel proud of the fact that India has embraced every cult of the world, every tradition and every ideology in some or the other form. It has a variety of dialects, dressing styles, food habits and beliefs. Despite this diversity we have learnt from our traditions to be united for the country for its welfare. Today, even the people from the same traditions and cultural backgrounds are intolerant towards one another and can even kill one another. In the 21st century some people are propagating violence in the world just to place one's beliefs as superior to the others'. On these occasions India can proudly say that we are that country, we are the Indians who respect every belief, tradition and culture of the world. This is our legacy and strength. This is our path of a bright future. This is our responsibility. No one can underestimate the love of a brother and a sister. For the brother and the sister to sacrifice for each other is a natural tendency. Yet, in order to preserve the sanctity of this ritual, we celebrate Raksha-Bandhan. We try to enhance the relationship of the brother and the sister every year. Similarly, despite the country's unity it is necessary to reinforce the nation's cultural heritage. It is necessary to recall the Mantra of Unity again and again. It is essential to remember the pledge for the unity of the country again and again.

The country is vast. Generations keep changing. Not every incident of history is known. Therefore, it is necessary to echo the mantra of unity and search for the path to unity in a country with so much diversity. Our country should remain one and united. It's the responsibility of 125 crore Indians to secure the unity and integrity of the country given to us by Sardar Sahib. Therefore we should think about Sardar Patel by reminding ourselves of his contribution to the country's unity. Every generation should know the way he had integrated the country. Today, on 31st October, we are celebrating the birth anniversary of Sardar Sahib. Eight years later we will be celebrating 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Sahib. What new example of Unity shall we set on the completion of 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Sahib? How can we promote this feeling of Unity within the people? We will have to move ahead with these resolutions.

The year 2022 will mark 75 years of independence. Innumerable patriots such as Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel had lived and died for the country. By the year 2022 when 75 years of independence will be completed we should take a resolution in our hearts as well as try to fulfil that resolution. Every Indian should have a resolution. Every Indian should make great efforts to fulfil those resolutions. That resolution should be for the welfare of the society, of the country and for enhancing the country's pride. We should associate ourselves with such a resolution. I believe that the need of the hour is to take a resolution today on the birth anniversary of the great freedom fighter Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for the year 2022.

You all have come in large numbers and got involved with this event enthusiastically. All the youngsters across the country also are associated with it. I urge you all to take an oath on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. Remembering Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, let us take an oath which I am presenting before you and you will repeat after me with a resolution inside your minds. You will repeat after me by putting forward your right hand: “I solemnly affirm that I will dedicate myself to maintain the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country and will also put all my efforts to spread this message among my countrymen. I take this pledge in the spirit of unity of my country which could be made possible by the foresightedness and the contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. I sincerely take the pledge to make my contribution to ensure the internal security of my country.”

Victory to Mother India!

Victory to Mother India!

Victory to Mother India!

Thanks a lot!

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12 Years of Transformation: PM Modi Highlights India’s Progress in Independence Day Address
August 15, 2026

In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted India’s transformation over the last 12 years, outlining the progress made across manufacturing, digital infrastructure, basic amenities, energy security, youth empowerment, innovation, social security and other key sectors.

Key highlights from the Prime Minister’s address include:

1. Manufacturing: Scale and Self-Reliance

Over the last 12 years:

  • Defence production has increased nearly 4 times.
  • Khadi and Village Industries production has increased nearly 5 times.
  • Electronics manufacturing has increased nearly 7 times.
  • Modern railway coach production has increased 21 times.
  • Mobile phone production has increased 35 times.

2. Digital India and Innovation

The Prime Minister highlighted the rapid expansion of India’s digital and innovation ecosystem:

  • Internet consumers have increased nearly 4 times.
  • Patent grants have increased 4 times.
  • Digital transactions have increased around 100 times.
  • India has built a significantly larger digital and innovation ecosystem.

3. Faster Delivery of Basic Amenities

The Prime Minister highlighted the faster pace at which basic facilities are reaching ordinary citizens:

  • Tap-water connections have been provided at an average annual pace nearly 15 times faster.
  • LPG connections have been provided at an annual pace nearly 6 times faster.
  • Toilets for the poor have been constructed at an annual pace nearly 4 times faster.
  • Pucca houses for the poor have been provided at an annual pace nearly 3 times faster.
  • Hundreds of obsolete laws have been abolished.
  • Modern public transport, including metro systems, has reached several more cities.

4. Building the Semiconductor Ecosystem

The Prime Minister highlighted India’s progress in building domestic semiconductor capabilities:

  • India earlier had no major semiconductor manufacturing plant.
  • A complete semiconductor ecosystem is now being built in India.
  • Three semiconductor plants have been initiated.
  • India has also started exporting chips.

5. Securing Critical Minerals

Highlighting the importance of critical minerals for emerging technologies, the Prime Minister referred to the steps being taken to strengthen India’s capabilities in this sector:

  • National Critical Mineral Mission has been launched.
  • Critical Mineral Corridor has been announced in the Budget.
  • Agreements have been signed with several countries for critical mineral supplies.

6. Strengthening Energy Security

The Prime Minister underlined that energy security is an essential condition for building a developed India, particularly as technologies such as chips, AI and data centres require huge quantities of electricity.

Underlining the role of nuclear energy, the Prime Minister highlighted:

  • The SHANTI Act as a major reform in the nuclear energy sector.
  • India crossing an important milestone in Fast Breeder Nuclear Technology.
  • The potential of the technology to play a major role in making India self-reliant in nuclear fuel.

7. Expanding Oil and Gas Exploration

The Prime Minister highlighted the change in India’s approach towards offshore exploration:

  • Nearly 99% of India’s offshore area was earlier classified as a No-Go Area.
  • The approach has now changed from No-Go Area to Go Ahead Area.
  • Previously restricted areas have been opened for exploration.
  • This has created possibilities for discovering new oil and gas reserves.

8. Energy Diversification

The Prime Minister highlighted the rapid expansion in different sources of energy.

City Gas Distribution

  • 2014: Available in fewer than 70 cities.
  • Today: Available in around 700 cities.

Piped Cooking Gas

 

  • 2014: Around 20–22 lakh households.
  • Today: Nearly 1.75 crore households.

Solar Energy

 

  • 2014: Around 2 GW.
  • Today: Around 160 GW.

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

 

  • The scheme has crossed 50 lakh households.
  • Lakhs of families are benefiting through lower or zero electricity bills.
  • Families can also sell surplus electricity and earn.
  • Assistance of up to around ₹80,000 per household is available.

9. Railways: Electrification and Future Fuels

The Prime Minister highlighted the transformation of Indian Railways:

  • In 2014, after nearly 90 years, only around 30% of the railway network had been electrified.
  • Today, Indian Railways has moved towards near-complete electrification.
  • India has started work on its first Made-in-India hydrogen train.
  • It is being developed as the world’s longest and most powerful hydrogen train.

10. India’s Resilience During Global Crises

The Prime Minister said that the capabilities built over the last 10–12 years were tested during:

  • COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Russia-Ukraine war.
  • Conflicts in West Asia.

11. Affordable Fertiliser for Farmers

Highlighting the Government’s efforts to protect farmers from high global fertiliser prices, the Prime Minister stated:

  • Urea: Around ₹3,000 per bag internationally; Indian farmers get it for less than ₹300.
  • DAP: More than ₹5,000 internationally; Indian farmers get it for ₹1,350.

12. Trade and Export Opportunities

The Prime Minister highlighted the new opportunities being created for Indian producers and exporters:

  • Since 2014, India has entered into FTAs with around 40 countries.
  • New opportunities have opened for agriculture, fisheries, MSMEs, textiles and other export sectors.

13. Youth at the Centre of Viksit Bharat

The Prime Minister said that India’s youth have a major role in building Viksit Bharat and highlighted the new pathways opened up for them:

  • Startup India: New avenues for innovation and entrepreneurship.
  • ₹1 lakh crore Research Fund: New opportunities for young researchers.
  • Digital India: Empowerment through affordable data.
  • Skill India: National skills ecosystem.
  • Space Sector: Opened for private participation.
  • National Drone Policy: New opportunities for young entrepreneurs and innovators.
  • Khelo India: Strengthened sports ecosystem.

14. Education and Innovation

The Prime Minister highlighted the expansion of educational and innovation opportunities:

  • National Education Policy 2020: Introduced after a gap of 35 years.
  • Universities: Fewer than 350 during 2004–2014; around 650 new universities added in the following decade.
  • Medical Colleges: Fewer than 400 before 2014; around 850 today.
  • More than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs have been established in schools.
  • Focus has been placed on developing a technology and innovation mindset from an early age.

15. Startups, Space and AI

The Prime Minister highlighted India’s growing startup and innovation ecosystem:

  • An Indian space startup has launched a Made-in-India rocket.
  • India now has around 2.5 lakh registered startups.
  • AI is creating new opportunities for young Indians.
  • India hosted the AI Impact Summit this year.

16. New Sectors and New Opportunities

Bioeconomy

  • 2014: Around ₹60,000 crore.
  • Today: Nearly ₹20 lakh crore.
  • The expansion is creating new jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Electric Vehicles

 

  • Towards the end of the previous decade: Around 1.5 lakh EVs sold annually.
  • Last year: Around 25 lakh EVs sold.

Aviation

 

  • New airports and routes are creating employment.
  • MRO is opening new opportunities.
  • India is moving towards Made-in-India aircraft manufacturing.
  • The Made-in-India C-295 defence transport aircraft has successfully completed its flight.

17. Rural Empowerment through SVAMITVA

The Prime Minister highlighted the impact of the SVAMITVA initiative:

  • Around 3.25 crore families have received property cards.
  • Around ₹140 lakh crore of economic potential has been unlocked in rural areas.
  • Property records are enabling villagers to access bank loans against their property.
  • New avenues for rural employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship have opened up.

18. Growth in Defence Exports

The Prime Minister highlighted the expansion of India’s defence exports:

  • Defence exports have increased more than 50 times.
  • Indian defence equipment is now exported to around 100 countries.

19. Women-Led Development: Lakhpati Didi

Highlighting the growing role of women in India’s development:

  • The target of 3 crore Lakhpati Didis has been achieved.
  • Women from general, Dalit, backward and tribal families have become Lakhpati Didis.

20. Expanding Social Security

The Prime Minister highlighted the expansion of social security coverage:

  • Before 2014, around 25 crore people were covered by social security.
  • Today, around 100 crore Indians are covered by one or another social security scheme.

21. Ayushman Bharat

The Prime Minister highlighted the financial relief provided to families through Ayushman Bharat:

  • Beneficiary families have avoided an estimated ₹2 lakh crore in medical expenditure.