Mumbai, August 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the country in celebrating its 78th Independence Day today, August 15. The day began with PM Modi hoisting the flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi, followed by his customary speech. This year's Independence Day celebrations marked the 11th time PM Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort on Independence Day, thus making him the third Prime Minister after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi to achieve this milestone.

During his Independence Day speech, the Indian Prime Minister highlighted several issues, including atrocities against women, the Uniform Civil Code, and India's transformation in the Defence sector. Notably, today's speech by PM Narendra Modi was also his longest Independence Day speech, at 98 minutes. On average, PM Narendra Modi's Independence Day speeches average 82 minutes, which is longer than any other prime minister in India's history. ‘Secular Civil Code Is Need of the Hour’: PM Narendra Modi Pitches for UCC in Independence Day 2024 Speech, Terms Current Civil Code ‘Communal’.

In his speech, the Prime Minister also set futuristic goals for India's future. PM Modi's ambitious vision aims to shape India's growth, drive innovation across the country, and position India as a global leader in different sectors. Let's take a look at some of the key points mentioned by PM Modi in his third Independence Day speech as Prime Minister.

Ease of Living Mission:

During his Independence Day speech, PM Modi outlined his vision to fulfil "Ease of Living" in a mission mode. Emphasing on enhancing the quality of life in urban areas, PM Modi said that the same can be achieved through systematic assessments and improvements in infrastructure and services.

Revival of Nalanda Spirit:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sought to revive the ancient Nalanda University spirit to position India as a global education hub by promoting higher learning and research. This goal comes on the backdrop of the inauguration of Nalanda University in 2024.

Made in India Chip-Semiconductor Production:

PM Modi spoke about India's commitment to becoming a global leader in semiconductor production, which will reduce the country's dependency on imports and enhance technological self-sufficiency. PM Modi Independence Day 2024 Speech: Country Needs To Protect Itself From Pessimistic People Who Cannot See India’s Progress, Says Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Watch Video).

Skill India and Hub of Industrial Manufacturing:

In his speech, PM Narendra Modi referred to the Union Budget and highlighted the landmark initiatives announced by the government to train India's youth and become the skill capital of the world. He also outlined his vision of transforming India into a global manufacturing hub, thereby leveraging its vast resources and skilled workforce.

'Design in India, Design for the World':

During his 98-minute speech, PM Modi emphasised creating products that cater to both domestic and international markets, thereby coining the phrase "Design in India, Design for World".

Leader in Global Gaming Market:

PM Narendra Modi stressed that the country leverages its rich ancient legacy and literature to create "Made in India" gaming products. Speaking further, PM Modi said that Indian professionals must lead the global gaming market not just in playing games but also in producing games. He said that Indian games should make a mark across the globe.

Green Jobs and Green Hydrogen Mission:

PM Modi also stressed the importance of green jobs in combating climate change. He said the country's focus is on green growth and green jobs, which will help generate employment opportunities while contributing to environmental protection. The Prime Minister also reiterated India's commitment to becoming a global leader in green hydrogen production. PM Modi Independence Day 2024 Speech Highlights Video: Watch Full Address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi From Ramparts of Red Fort on 78th Independence Day.

Swasth Bharat Mission:

This year's Independence Day theme is "Viksit Bharat at 2047. "PM Modi said that the country must follow the path of "Swasth Bharat" to achieve this goal, which has begun with the launch of Rashtriya Poshan Abhiyan.

State-level Investment Competition:

PM Narendra Modi also asked state governments to establish clear policies to attract investments, offer assurances of good governance and ensure confidence in the law and order situation.

Indian Standards as Global Benchmarks:

During the 98-minute long speech, PM Modi highlighted India's aspiration to be recognised for its commitment to quality. He stated that Indian standards should aspire to become international benchmarks. PM Narendra Modi Delivers Longest Ever Independence Day Speech by an Indian Prime Minister, Know Who Holds the Shortest Speech Record?.

Watch Highlights of PM Modi's Independence Day Speech

Besides the above missions, PM Narendra Modi's ambitious vision for the country also included goals such as achieving climate change targets, meeting educational expansion by adding 75,000 new medical seats in the next five years, and including at least one lakh youth in the country's political system. PM Narendra Modi's longest Independay Day speech before today was the 96-minute address in 2016, with his shortest speech being around 56 minutes in 2017.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 15, 2024 11:59 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).