Narendra Modi speech at Red Fort - Highlights

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his maiden Independence day speech from the ramparts of the Red fort on August 15. After hoisting the national flag - he addressed the nation. He spoke extempore and is the first PM to do so.

Highlights of the Speech:

Ø     Today Indians, both in India and all over the world are celebrating Independence Day. As a Pradhan Sevak, I convey my greetings

Ø     The struggle for freedom went on for years, generations sacrificed their lives even at the prime of their youth

Ø     I salute all those who sacrificed themselves for India's freedom

Ø     This country was not built by politicians or rulers or governments. It has been made by our farmers, mothers, sisters, youth, teachers. The credit for making the country where it has reached goes to all the former Prime Ministers

Ø     These days give us inspiration & they showcase the national character. This day can inspire us to take India to newer heights

Ø     All PMs, Governments have contributed. All Governments of the States have contributed. I offer my respects to all of them

Ø     Let us walk together, think together, and make a determination to take the nation ahead together

Ø     We are not those who want to move ahead on the basis of our mandate. We want to walk together with consensus

Ø     I am an outsider to Delhi. But an outsider came to Delhi and got an insider view. I was surprised. What I am saying is not about politics

Ø     I saw that even in one Government there were different Governments. It was as if each had their own Jagirs

Ø     Stressing on his outsider status, Modi assured that each government employee has competence and that he promises he will harness that.

Ø     Is it not our duty to build an India that our forefathers dreamt of? Do we think how our work is helping the poor of India

Ø     Our head hangs in shame when we hear news about rape. Parents ask about daughters but did anyone dare ask their sons

Ø     After all a person raping is someone's son. As parents have we asked our sons where he is going. Why not put same yardstick for sons too

Ø     We have not got anything from the path of violence

Ø     Sadly we saw instances of communal violence for long. Till when will this go on. No one has gained anything from this

Ø     Just see how the path of peace, unity, brotherhood helps towards India's growth. Lets take path of Sadbhavana

Ø     Have we seen our sex ration? Who is creating this imbalance in society Not Almighty. I appeal to doctors not to kill the girl child

Ø     I appeal to parents not to sacrifice the girl child. I have seen families where 1 daughter served parents more than even 5 sons

Ø     Our sportspersons have brought us immense pride. So many brought us medals and I am proud that there are several daughters too

Ø     We believe in Jan Bhagidari. We believe in taking everyone together

Ø     Only development and good governance can take India forward

Ø     PM Jan Dhan Yojana- we want to integrate the poorest of the poor with bank accounts

Ø     People to undertake at least 10-year moratorium on communal, caste and class clashes to see positive results

Ø     We are a youthful nation. Our youth are our strength. The world and India needs a skilled workforce

Ø     Let our youth get skills..those skills that contribute towards a strong India. We want youngsters who are job creators

Ø     The world has changed. We can't think about our development journey isolated from the world

Ø     We need to give impetus to manufacturing sector

Ø     I tell the world- Come, “Make In India”. Sell anywhere but manufacture here. We have the skill and talent

Ø     Our dream should be that all over the world we can say-Made in India

Ø     Let us come together and think of ways India does not have to import but we export to the world

Ø     Let us think about zero defect- that our products are not defective and have no adverse effect on the environment

Ø     Our dream is digital India, this is for the poor and not rich

Ø     We want to give an impetus to tourism. Tourism gives opportunities to the poorest of the poor

Ø     Let us pledge that I will not make my surroundings dirty

Ø     You would think that from Red Fort he is talking about cleanliness and toilets but I am speaking from the heart

Ø     I will start my clean up India campaign from 2nd October

Ø     I announce an initiative- Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana. If we have to build the nation we have to start from the villages

Ø     11th October is Jay Prakash Narayan's birth anniversary. On that day we will share the blueprint with MPs and States

Ø     People are asking for a while now- what about the Planning Commission

Ø     Today the times have changed from the time the Planning Commission was created

Ø     Importance of federal structure is only increasing. This is a good thing and we have to strengthen it

Ø     In a short span of time we will initiate a new institution that will work in place of the Planning Commission

Ø     Today is also the birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo

Ø     The strength of the saviour is much more than the strength of the person who kills. Lets unite to fight poverty

Ø     By working together, we SAARC nations can change world's outlook towards us