Prime Minister Narendra Modi today led the country in paying tributes to the martyrs and freedom fighters on the occasion of 78th Independence Day. Addressing the nation after hoisting the national flag from the ramparts of Red Fort in New Delhi this morning, the Prime Minister outlined a series of futuristic goals aimed at shaping India’s growth. He said the government is committed to reforms with an intent to strengthen the nation and bring about a change in the lives of people. Prime Minister added that reforms in governance are essential for the dream of Viksit Bharat by the year 2047. Mr Modi said that a new and modern system is being established in every field be it banking, tourism, MSME, education, healthcare, transport or farming. He added that a surge in startups in the space sector is going to play a crucial role in making our country a powerful nation. 

The Prime Minister highlighted landmark initiatives announced by the government to train the country’s youths and become the skill capital of the world. He envisioned transforming India into a global manufacturing hub and called for preparing future-ready skilled resources to meet the expectations of fast-paced development.

The 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.

The Prime Minister stressed that the country should have a secular Civil Code instead of the present Civil Code which he called discriminatory.

After his address at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi met and interacted with children and spectators. Earlier, Mr Modi also paid tributes to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.