New Delhi, Aug 15: Delivering his 12th Independence Day address from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid out an ambitious roadmap for India’s future — one powered by technology, economic reforms, and youth empowerment.
Addressing the nation on the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, the Prime Minister declared a new era of self-reliance and global leadership, with the clear goal of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047 — the centenary of its independence.
“Bharat will define its own destiny”
Striking a confident tone, PM Modi said, “Bharat will set its own terms, build its own capabilities, and stride into the future on its own feet.” His speech was peppered with announcements that signaled a deep commitment to industrial innovation, clean energy, job creation, and governance reform.
Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Independence Day Address:
1. Semiconductor Breakthrough on the Horizon
Marking a turning point in India’s tech ambitions, PM Modi announced that the country’s first indigenously manufactured semiconductor chip will roll out by the end of 2025. Calling it a moment that corrects “a 50-year-old missed opportunity,” the Prime Minister said the move will firmly place India in the league of global chip-making nations.
2. Tenfold Nuclear Energy Expansion
As part of India’s transition to clean and secure energy, ten new nuclear reactors are under construction, with plans to scale up nuclear power capacity more than tenfold by 2047. The move aims to bolster energy independence while reducing carbon dependence.
3. Diwali GST Reform Package
Calling it a “Diwali gift” to the nation, the Prime Minister announced next-generation GST reforms, which include tax relief on essential goods and services, support for MSMEs, and simplified compliance for small vendors. This reform aims to spur consumption and ease of doing business.
4. Rs 1 Lakh Crore Rozgar Scheme
To address youth unemployment and fuel economic momentum, Modi introduced the PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana — a landmark scheme offering Rs 15,000 monthly support to newly-employed youth. The program aims to benefit three crore young Indians, acting as a bridge between Swatantra Bharat (Independent India) and Samriddha Bharat (Prosperous India).
5. Reform Task Force for $10 Trillion Economy
India’s march toward becoming a $10 trillion economy by 2047 will be led by a high-powered task force. Its mandate: slash red tape, accelerate structural reforms, and unlock economic potential across sectors.
6. Demography and Energy Security Missions
Announcing a National Demography Mission, the PM said it will address challenges linked to illegal migration and national security. Meanwhile, a National Deepwater Exploration Mission was launched to tap India’s ocean energy reserves, in synergy with expansions in solar, hydrogen, and nuclear power.
7. Indigenous Jet Engine Development Challenge
In a stirring call to Indian scientists and engineers, PM Modi issued a national challenge to build indigenous jet engines, likening it to India’s success in COVID-19 vaccine production and the UPI revolution. “Let this become a symbol of India’s engineering excellence,” he urged.
A Vision Rooted in Confidence and Capability
PM Modi’s speech signaled that India’s development path will be self-directed, innovation-led, and inclusive, combining social welfare with industrial ambition. The message was clear: India is not just ready for the future — it is ready to lead it.
As the tricolour fluttered over the Red Fort, the Prime Minister’s words carried both historic weight and futuristic resolve — reaffirming India’s journey from colonial subjugation to technological sovereignty.
