In his address, the Prime Minister sought to revive the ancient Nalanda University spirit, positioning India as a global education hub by promoting higher learning and research. Referring to the Budget 2024, the Prime Minister highlighted landmark initiatives announced by the government to train India’s youth and become the skill capital of the world. Mr Modi envisioned transforming India into a global manufacturing hub, leveraging its vast resources and skilled workforce. He said that India must leverage its rich ancient legacy and literature to come up with Made in India gaming products. He added that Indian professionals must lead the global gaming market.
The Prime Minister outlined his vision to fulfil ‘Ease of Living’ on a mission mode. He spoke of enhancing the quality of life in urban areas through systematic assessments and improvements in infrastructure and services.
He also emphasized the importance of green jobs in India’s efforts to combat climate change. He stated that the focus of the country is now on green growth and green jobs. Mr Modi also gave the call to bring one lakh youth into the political system, specifically those with no history of politics in their families.
The Prime Minister said his government gave the mantra of ‘Vocal for Local’. He expressed happiness that Vocal for Local has become a new mantra and every district has started taking pride in its produce. He said ‘One District One Product’ has become popular among people. He expressed concern over the recent surge in natural disasters. He expressed his sympathies to those affected and assured them that the nation is by their side through these challenging times. He pointed out that there is an advanced system in place in every sector, whether it is tourism, MSMEs, education, health, transport, agriculture or any other sector. He added that India wants to lead by bringing the world’s best practices forward. He opined that every sector requires modernisation, advancement and connectivity with technologies. He added that his government is getting new support due to its policies in all sectors.
Mr Modi pointed out that many reforms have been taken to strengthen the banking sector. He added that because of this, Indian banks have today made their place among the leading banks of the world. He noted that when banks are strong, the strength of the formal economy also increases. The Prime Minister also highlighted many startups are entering in the Space sector. He added that the Space sector is an essential element towards making India a powerful nation. He said the government is focusing on and giving strength to this sector with a long-term plan. Mr Modi emphasized that India, which was once a victim of terrorist attacks has now become bold and strong. He said every Indian is filled with pride when the country’s armed forces carry out surgical and air strikes. Prime Minister termed it as unfortunate that after independence, people had to keep extending hands before the government to get help of any sort. He said his government has changed this model of governance and today, the government itself goes to the beneficiary. He pointed out that today, the government itself provides gas stoves, water, electricity and financial help to the people. Mr Modi stated that in the last 10 years, 10 crore women joined women’s self-help groups and became financially independent. He said that when women become financially independent, they become part of the decision-making system in a household leading to social change. He stated that till now, 9 lakh crore rupees have been given to self-help groups in the country. He said his government has worked on women-led development.
Prime Minister also expressed concern at the rising cases of violence and crimes against women. He said the perpetrators should be punished and brought to book at the earliest. He said, incidents of rape are highlighted but the punishment meted out to the perpetrators is not highlighted in the media. He said punishments for criminals must be extensively publicized so that people become scared of committing such heinous crimes. The Prime Minister stressed that the country should have a secular Civil Code instead of a Communal Civil Code. He urged political parties to come forward for One Nation, One Election to realize the dream of a developed India. He said India’s direction is right, India’s space is fast and India’s dreams have power. Mr Modi said his government reformed criminal laws. He said at its core, the new Criminal laws are aimed at giving justice to the citizens, not punishment. Prime Minister urged the government and public representatives at every level to take steps for ease of living in mission mode. He said his government has also worked in the direction of reducing government interference in people’s lives. He said more than 1,500 laws were abolished so that people do not have to get trapped in the maze of laws.
Prime Minister stated that two key developments have accelerated the country’s progress – the creation of modern infrastructure and ‘ease of living’. He said significant strides have been made in upgrading infrastructure and making life easier for everyone. On empowerment of women, Mr Modi said paid maternity leaves have been extended from 12 weeks to 26 weeks for working women. He added that specially-abled people are living with dignity under Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan. He said that new decisions are also being taken to make the lives of transgender respectful. On defence, Mr Modi said the nation is becoming self-reliant in the defence sector and has its own identity today in defence equipment manufacturing. He emphasized that India is emerging as a defence manufacturing hub. The Prime Minister said many big companies and investors of the world want to invest in India today. He termed it as a golden opportunity. He urged the State governments to make clear policies to attract investors and give assurance of good governance and law and order situation. He said there should be competition between states to attract maximum investors and their policies should be changed and moulded as per global requirements.
Prime Minister Modi said this nation is indebted to every martyr and freedom fighter and is grateful to them. He noted that today is an occasion to salute the great personalities who are dedicated to protecting the nation, building it with full commitment, and taking the country to new heights. Mr Modi said the country is indebted to freedom fighters as they gave everyone the privilege of breathing freely. He highlighted that people from every section of society, including youth, farmers, women and tribal people kept fighting against slavery. He stated that history is witness that even before the freedom struggle of 1857, there were many tribal areas in which the battle for independence was being fought.
On Bangladesh, the Prime Minister said that as a neighbouring country, India is concerned regarding the situation in Bangladesh. He hoped that normalcy would be restored at the earliest. He said Indian people are concerned about the safety of Hindus and minorities in the neighbouring country. He added that India always wants neighbouring countries to walk the path of prosperity and peace.
He emphasized that under the new education policy, the government wants to develop an education system in the country where people from abroad come to India. He said the government is taking many steps for the skill development of the youth. The Prime Minister also congratulated all athletes and players who participated in the Paris Olympics. He said that a huge contingent of India will leave for Paris in the next few days to participate in the Paralympics. He extended best wishes to the Paralympians. He said it is the dream of India to host the 2036 Olympics and preparations are being made for that.
