PM Modi's Resolve from Red Fort: Developed India by 2047, Emphasis on 'Seven Streams of Power'

80th Independence Day Celebrations at Red Fort

On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the national flag for the 13th consecutive time from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort. This was followed by a 21-gun salute.

In his address, the Prime Minister underscored the goal of a 'Developed India' by 2047, calling it the cornerstone of the nation's development journey. He emphasized that India must now set ambitious goals and utilize its full potential, rather than dreaming small.

“The time is India’s, and the resolve must also be India’s. Big goals can only be achieved when resolutions are firm and there is the courage to find a way amidst difficult circumstances.”

Breaking Thought Boundaries

Prime Minister Modi stressed that the limitations of thought, rather than the scarcity of resources, become greater obstacles to a country's development. When a nation begins to perceive its capabilities as limited, it fails to utilize its available resources fully.

He indirectly alluded to Maoist ideology, stating that such thinking at the ideological level attempts to lead society in the wrong direction, from which it is essential to break free. He cited the example of oil and gas exploration in the maritime sector, where prolonged lack of sufficient exploration hindered the utilization of potential, a process now being accelerated.

Self-Reliance Amidst Global Challenges

The Prime Minister acknowledged the interconnectedness of the global economy in an era of globalization. However, he also pointed out that many countries are leveraging resources and capabilities for strategic pressure.

He expressed apprehension that essential supplies like petrol, diesel, fertilizers, and medicines could be affected by global circumstances. In this context, he described self-reliance not merely as an economic policy but as a necessity linked to national security and national interest.

He stated that if India had not strengthened its production capacity and supply chains in previous years, facing global crises could have been even more challenging. Referencing campaigns like 'Make in India', Swadeshi, and 'Vocal for Local', he asserted that India must become a major global hub for production and innovation, not just a large market.

Path to Developed India through 'Seven Streams of Power'

Prime Minister Modi set a goal to accomplish in the next five to seven years what could not be achieved in past decades. He called for the 'Seven Streams of Power' to accelerate India's development journey.

• These include: Manufacturing Power, Agriculture and Food Production, Technology and Innovation, GatiShakti (Modern Infrastructure), Defence Power (Self-Reliance), Green and Blue Economy (Environment-friendly Development and Maritime Economy), and India's Soft Power (Global spread of Culture, Yoga, Knowledge).

He stated that by connecting these seven powers with the nation's youth power, India can achieve new speed and heights.

Focus on Energy Security and Technological Self-Reliance

The Prime Minister noted that the coming world cannot function without energy, and modern technologies like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and data centers will require vast amounts of electricity. Therefore, ensuring energy security for India is a major imperative.

He emphasized accelerating work on traditional energy sources, renewable energy, and new resources. India can strengthen its energy security through efficient energy use, exploration of new sources, and self-reliance. He mentioned the expansion of energy infrastructure, noting that the number of cities with piped gas systems has increased from about 70 before 2014 to around 700 now.

He described semiconductors as strategically important for India's future, stating that chips are essential for every electronic device in the modern digital world. Thus, India must become a manufacturer and a center for technological development, not just a consumer of chips. He highlighted the developing ecosystem for semiconductor manufacturing and the plants being established in the country.

Progress in Defence and Electronics Manufacturing

The Prime Minister claimed a four-fold increase in defence production, a seven-fold increase in electronics manufacturing, and a 21-fold increase in the production of modern railway coaches over the last 12 years. He also mentioned a four-fold increase in internet users and a nearly 100-fold increase in digital transactions.

He stated that these figures indicate India is rapidly moving towards becoming a hub for production, technology, and innovation, rather than merely a market. He also set the goal of giving global recognition to Indian companies and brands, questioning why at least 50 Indian companies should not be among the world's top 500 companies in the coming decade.

Developed India by 2047: A National Resolve

Prime Minister Modi identified 'Developed India @2047' as the central goal of his address. He stated that making India a developed nation by the time it completes 100 years of independence is the shared dream of 140 crore countrymen.

He emphasized that one-fourth of the century has passed, and the next quarter is crucial for India. The goal of a developed India must be a national resolve, not just a government program, requiring participation from every section of society. He asserted that the country can no longer afford to stop or slow down, necessitating a change in work culture, thinking, and the pace of work.

Women's Empowerment and Poverty Eradication

The Prime Minister appealed to all political parties to work together towards the implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill. He stated that India cannot achieve its major goals without fully utilizing the potential of its half the population.

He stressed increasing women's participation in every field – politics, economy, science, technology, industry, and social development. He believes women's power will play a decisive role in building a developed India. He also claimed that approximately 25 crore countrymen have successfully emerged from poverty in the last 12 years, attributing this to the hard work of citizens, government schemes, and the expansion of economic opportunities.

India's Economic Journey and Youth Power

The Prime Minister recalled that India was once counted among the world's 'Fragile Five' economies but is now among the fastest-growing major economies. The collective resolve of 140 crore Indians is India's greatest strength.

He cited the expansion of the metro network, modern railways, roads, digital connectivity, and other infrastructure as examples of development momentum. He stated that the rapid infrastructure development is laying a strong foundation for a developed India by 2047. He urged the youth to come forward with new ideas, innovation, and hard work, noting that India has significant opportunities in the coming years.