August 15,2017: The nation celebrates its 71st Independence Day today and the main function was held at the Red Fort of the national capital where Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the National Flag.
The unfurling of the tri-colour was synchronized with the 21 Gun Salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 2281 Field Regiment (Ceremonial).
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion, Mr Modi asserted there is no question of being soft on terrorism or terrorists. Mr Modi said, India is fighting the menace of terrorism jointly with the global community.
He said, we have to work for the progress of Jammu and Kashmir and the Kashmir issue can not be resolved with bullets but it can only be resolved by taking the Kashmiris on board. The Prime Minister said, the people of India stand shoulder to shoulder with those affected due to natural disasters and the tragedy in Gorakhpur in which several children died at BRD Medical College Hospital.
He assured that the government is standing behind them with full sensitivity for their security and safety in the time crisis. He said, natural disasters are posing a great challenge to the country.
He said, there is no one big or small in the country but everybody is equal and together positive changes can be brought in the country. Referring to collective power of the people, he said, it forced the British Empire to leave India.
Mr Modi said, the national security is the top priority of the government. He said, the honesty is being honoured everywhere and those who have looted the nation and looted the poor are not able to sleep peacefully today. Refering to the roll-out of Goods and Services Tax, Mr Modi said, the new indirect tax regime has shown the spirit of cooperative federalism and the the nation has come together to support GST.
He said, the the role of technology has also helped immensely in implementing the new tax regime. He said, the poor of the country are joining the mainstream and the country is moving on the path of development.
On agriculture, Mr Modi said, the NDA government has taken several steps for the growth of this sector starting from Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to Krishi Sichayin Yojana. He said, large number of farmers are joining the crop insurance scheme. He said, the foodgrain production is increasing in the country and this year, the country has achieved a record production of pulses.
On infrastructure, the Prime Minister said, road and rail construction is progressing at a double pace and the government is taking the nation on a new track.
He said, the government has been able to rein in corruption and unearthed 1.25 lakh crore rupees black money. He said, after demonetisation, 2.25 lakh crore rupees which have been deposited in the banks are under scanner. He said, the government has come down heavily on shell companies and deregistered 1.75 lakh such companies for dubious dealings, out 3 lakh shell companies.
The Prime Minister strongly displayed his commitment to continue to fight against corruption. He said, violence in the name of faith is not acceptable as casteism and communalism will not help the country to move forward.
Concluding his hour-long speech, the Prime Minister resolved to make a India where everyone will have full opportunity to grow and which will also be clean, healthy and fulfill the dream of Swaraj.
Earlier, Mr Modi inspected the guard of honour at Red Fort and visited the Rajghat to pay floral tribute to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi. (AIR NEWS)
